Located just 2.5 miles off of Maui’s south shore, Molokini Crater is an underwater volcano islet. Listed as a Marine Life Conservation District Seabird Sanctuary, this partially submerged, crescent-shaped volcanic crater is like no other snorkeling location in the world. Ecologically, it is the perfect environment for marine life feeding and breeding, and hosts over 250 species of endemic Hawaiian tropical fish. Within the volcanic walls you will find a host of tropical marine life and colorful reef formations, including Manta Rays, Black Triggerfish, Yellow Tang, Raccoon Butterflyfish, Parrotfish, Moorish Idol, Moray Eels, and even the occasional small White Tip reef shark. The Pacific waters surrounding Molokini Crater have over 100 species of algae and approximately 35 hard coral species.
The crystal-clear water (average of 150-feet of visibility) at Molokini Crater is what makes this one of the best Maui snorkeling locations on Maui.