How to Have a Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience at Molokini Crater
If Maui is paradise, Molokini Crater is heaven. The crater looks like something from an idyllic movie scene where all the characters are happily bathing in the sun and staring out over the bluest waters. As a partially submerged volcanic crater, Molokini offers Maui’s best snorkeling trip, too. Its crescent shape, which exploded into form after a volcanic eruption more than 230,000 years ago, is an incredible natural shelter for diverse marine life. Moreover, marine life is protected here because Molokini Crater is an official Marine Life Conservation District.
Starting an Unforgettable Day at Molokini Crater
Plan your snorkeling trip for the morning to make the most of your first time at Molokini. A tour boat will take you to the crater, where the wind and water will be calm enough for a peaceful morning snorkel. Even better, the water is typically clearer early in the day, so you will get a much better view of the colorful undersea world.
Most people prefer snorkeling at Molokini between May and September, but you can go any time of the year because the weather is always warm in Maui.
You can combine your snorkeling adventure with a same-day trip to the famous Turtle Town, which would be a full-day excursion.
Things to Remember When Snorkeling at Molokini
Even though Molokini crater conjures up images of lazy hours spent exploring marine life and colorful coral, there are practical things you must keep in mind. For instance, if you are snorkeling for the first time, you should book a tour that caters to beginners. A beginner-friendly tour comes with experienced snorkeling tour guides who will give you thorough instructions and ensure your underwater safety. You can also book different experiences. Some tours focus on the vibrant coral under the water at Molokini, others on viewing the abundant sea life, and some tour operators even specialize in manta ray experiences.
Whichever experience you prefer, keep your eyes peeled for Hawaii’s state fish, reef sharks, and octopus. You may even spot a moray eel or a humpback whale in the distance. Also, before heading to Maui, ask your tour operator whether they provide snorkeling gear or if you need to bring your own. Also, ask whether you should bring along money for breakfast and lunch or whether this is included in the cost of the tour.
More Tips for the Perfect Day at Molokini Crater
Since you will spend the whole day in the sun, you must include sunscreen as a snorkeling accessory. Also, use reef-safe sunscreen only. Traditional sunscreen contains chemicals that harm the corals and the fish. Speaking of corals and fish, do not touch the corals as you snorkel past them, and neither should you be tempted to chase the fish. Your tour guide will warn you against this, as disturbing the coral and fish is frowned upon. Furthermore, if you have never been to Hawaii, the hot sun may be intense. It is important to wear a rash guard for sunburn protection and drink enough water to stay hydrated. Dehydration (and wearing snorkeling fins) can lead to leg cramps while you are in the water.
Never snorkel alone, especially if you are a beginner. Stay with a ‘buddy’ so you have someone to signal if something goes wrong underwater. The best way to avoid getting tired and crampy while snorkeling is to stay calm and relaxed. Breathe and move slowly while taking in your surroundings. You can also take photos underwater using an underwater camera. But you should only do this if you are comfortable snorkeling and snapping pictures simultaneously. Your safety should always come first.
Why Molokini Crater Is So Popular
Molokini Crater is the first choice for thousands of snorkelers worldwide. This is because the options for fun are endless. Along with snorkeling gear, you can hire waist floats and boogie boards from several catamaran tour operators. In addition to these helpful aids for tired swimmers, you do not even have to know how to swim to go snorkeling at Molokini. That is how safe the experience is and how competent the tour guides are. Also, if you choose the popular morning spot to go snorkeling, your boat may be the only one there for at least two hours. This means you can watch the birds atop the crater, a protected bird sanctuary, without interruption.
You can navigate the crystal-clear water without bumping into dozens of equally excited snorkelers. If there are no tropical storm warnings, you can head to Turtle Town to snorkel alongside the green sea turtles. Speaking of clear water, Molokini Crater’s surrounding waters are the clearest in Hawaii. This is because the crescent shape of the crater does not have the surf breaking over it. This also makes the inside edge of the crater, which dips about 15 feet underwater, the best place to watch marine life while snorkeling.
Humpback Whales At Molokini Crater
If you are lucky, you may see humpback whales entering the crater while on your snorkeling trip. If you are still on the boat and a whale approaches, the skipper will turn off the motor until the whale moves over 100 yards away. It is illegal for a person or boat to come within 100 yards of a whale because they are a protected endangered species. Humpback whales, or kohola, are considered family guardian spirits and are treated with the utmost respect in Hawaii. The humpback whale is also the state marine mammal of Hawaii.
Slipping Into a World Of Wonder
Nothing can prepare you for the absolute splendor of Molokini Crater. It is a unique chance to see the beauty of the ocean up close. You will also discover how fragile underwater ecosystems are and why it is so important to protect them. By following these steps and making the most of your perfect day out at Molokini Crater, you can help protect a part of Maui and ensure that future generations can enjoy this magnificent natural wonder for years.
