Travel Guide
Everything you need to know — hours, tickets, tips, and how to make the most of your visit.
Overview
Molokini is a crescent-shaped, partly submerged volcanic crater about 3 miles off the south Maui coast and a protected marine sanctuary. Morning boat trips anchor in its calm inner basin, where visibility often exceeds 100 feet and reef fish swarm the coral.
Insider Knowledge
Book a morning departure, when the water is calmest and visibility is best.
Nearby
mauiHaleakala's 10,023-foot summit looks down into a vast volcanic crater of red and black cinder cones, and sunrise here above the clouds is one of Hawaii's signature experiences. The park also protects the rare silversword plant and, on the coast, the Kipahulu district with Oheo Gulch and the bamboo-lined Pipiwai Trail.
mauiIao Valley is a lush, emerald valley in the West Maui Mountains just outside Wailuku, home to the 1,200-foot Iao Needle. It was the site of the 1790 Battle of Kepaniwai, and a short paved loop leads to viewpoints, a stream and botanical gardens.
mauiKaanapali is a 3-mile stretch of golden sand in West Maui backed by a paved beach walk and resort hotels. At its north end, Black Rock (Puu Kekaa) offers easy snorkeling with turtles and reef fish, and a torch-lighting and cliff-dive ceremony takes place there at sunset.
mauiMolokini is a crescent-shaped, partly submerged volcanic crater about 3 miles off the south Maui coast and a protected marine sanctuary. Morning boat trips anchor in its calm inner basin, where visibility often exceeds 100 feet and reef fish swarm the coral.
mauiNapili Bay is a small, crescent-shaped cove in West Maui with soft sand, calm summer water and frequent green sea turtle sightings. Low-rise condos keep it relaxed, and it is one of the island's loveliest spots to watch the sun drop behind Molokai.
mauiThe Hana Highway twists about 52 miles from Kahului to Hana past more than 600 curves, dozens of one-lane bridges, waterfalls, bamboo forest and black-sand beaches. It is less about the destination than the stops along the way, including Waiʻānapanapa State Park and the Kipahulu district of Haleakala.
Use mineral, reef-safe sunscreen; Hawaii bans oxybenzone and octinoxate, and Maui County is stricter.
Choose a trip that adds a second stop at Turtle Town for a good chance to see green sea turtles.
Take motion sickness medication beforehand if you are prone to it, as the crossing can be choppy.
Common Questions
No. It is about 3 miles offshore and reached only by licensed tour boats.
Trips can be rerouted or canceled in high winds, so book early in your stay to allow a backup day.
Prices vary by boat size, meals and gear; confirm what is included before booking.
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