Marine Adventures and Tropical Vacations
Underwater jelly fish

Snorkeling Mystical Molokini, Hawaii

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The top-ten lists of snorkeling destinations all have one thing in common, they include the remarkable and amazing Molokini Crater. Many people say it is the number one site in the United States; others say it's the most exotic spot for snorkeling and diving the world around. The water clarity is incredible; you can often see up to 150 feet, but even on a 'bad' day, you'll see clearly 100 feet in every direction.

Thirty percent of the marine life surrounding the Hawaiian islands is endemic to the area; you'll see many things in this underwater landscape that you won't find elsewhere: abundant sea turtles, sharks, and huge numbers of fish. Currently, the marine habitat of Molokini is a protected reserve that is flourishing.

Snorkeling In Maui
photo credit: videoqueen

What and Where is Molokini?

Three miles off the southwestern shores of Maui, lay a crescent-shaped islet that is actually the southern rim of an extinct volcano. Technically, Molokini is a caldera, a crater-like basin formed by an explosion or collapse of a volcanic cone. Over the years, the crater has eroded and become a unique habitat with a submerged floor creating a shallow inner cove, a coral garden teaming with color and marine life.

The cone-shaped formation of Molokini has created a tall vertical wall along the outside of the crater. There used to be an abundance of black coral in the deeper waters, but unfortunately much of it was harvested before protective laws were put in place.

You won't find sandy beaches on Molokini. The 77 acres extending above the water's surface create an uninhabited preserve. People are not allowed on this protected seabird sanctuary. To get to Molokini, you need a boat and there are many options for cruises and day trips leaving from Kihei, Lahaina, and Ma'alaea Harbor.


We will explore swimming with dolphins on this site. Though they didn't bring dolphins to the Travel Show, Dolphin Quest was there and after some conversation, invited me to come swim with the dolphins myself so I can bring you an eyewitness report.



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