Molokini Crater

Swim with protected tropical marine life at one of only three volcanic calderas in the world

Experience the pristine beauty of Molokini Crater, a marine preserve that is perfect for snorkeling and seeing protected wildlife you won’t find anywhere else.

Molokini Formation

Molokini, which means “Many Ties” in Hawaiian, is an uninhabited islet that is located between Maui and Kahoolawe. It was formed more than 230,000 years ago during a volcanic explosion, and is just one of three partially submerged volcanic calderas in the world. At its highest point it is 161 feet above sea level.
Molokini Myths

There are many myths surrounding the islet of Molokini. One of these myths is that Molokini was an attractive woman who had the misfortune of falling in love with the same man as the fire goddess, Pele. In an act of jealousy Pele cut Molokini into two pieces and transformed her into rock. As the story goes, the islet of Molokini is the body of the woman and Puu Olai, a cinder cone near Makena Beach, is the head.

1 2

History of Molokini

Molokini has an incredibly rich history. According to archaeologists early settlers to Hawaii used to visit Molokini to fish; they also hunted seabirds and gathered their eggs and feathers. From the 1950s through the 1970s it was a location where the commercial harvesting of black coral.

And, During World War II Molokini was used for target practice by the United States Navy. Its unique shape, which is similar to that of a battleship, made it ideal for target practice. Unexploded munitions were eventually removed by volunteer divers, and in 2006 a survey found no trace of forgotten munitions. However, the southwest rim of Molokini is rather mutilated as a result of the target practice.

250 marine species

In spite of its mottled appearance, Molokini is one of the most beautiful snorkel and private charter destinations in the world. It is home to more than 250 marine species, many of which are endemic, including the following:

Parrotfish

(Scaridae)

Moorish Idol

(Zanclus cornutus)

Triton’s Trumpet

(Charonia tritonis)

Black triggerfish

(Melichthys niger)

Bluefin Trevally

(Caranx melampygus)

Molokini is unique so you may not be able to see the same fish twice!

Bear in mind however that due to the nature of marine life, each visit to Molokini is unique so you may not be able to see the same fish (or at least not the same type of fish) twice! Aside from being an amazing location that is home to plentiful marine life the iridescent waters off of Molokini Crater is home to over 100 species of algae and 38 hard coral species.
Gorgeous underwater photos

Moray eels, red pencil urchins, and small whitetip reef sharks have also been spotted in the area in the past. Due to the steady stream of guests who visit Molokini to snorkel, you will find that the marine life is quite comfortable around humans! The friendly nature of the sea life that resides here creates a unique opportunity for you to take a plethora of gorgeous underwater photos!

1 2

Protection of Molokini

Molokini Crater is federally owned, and is a Hawaii State Seabird Sanctuary and Marine Life Conservation District. Therefore companies who wish to operate tours at this location need to receive permission from both the United States Coast Guard and the Hawaii Division of Forestry and Wildlife. In an effort to protect the coral reef, tour boat operators are not allowed to drop anchor and are instead allocated a fixed mooring point. Additionally, as a part of the regulations, fishing and removal of specimens or feeding fish is prohibited.

Because of its protected status which has allowed marine life and seabirds to thrive and the clarity of its waters, it’s s obvious to see why Molokini snorkeling is one of the most popular activities for guests who visit Maui County.

Molokini Ocean Adventures

PRIVATE CHARTERS

Private Charters are a great way to experience everything Molokini has to offer. Whether you’re someone who appreciates their privacy or because there is a special occasion, like a birthday or honeymoon, you are sure to have a fantastic time on your privately chartered boat. We here at Redline Rafting offer private boat tours where we make you the boss for the day -

let us know what you want, and we‘ll make it happen. If you’re uncertain about what you‘d like to do, you can leave all the planning up to us! You can rest assured in knowing that you’ll have the time of your life while leaving the stress of planning the perfect day in our capable hands.

SNORKELING

Snorkeling in Maui is a special experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Redline Rafting offers a special Forbidden Coast & Molokini Snorkeling Tour. What makes our tour so special? Because we leave from sunny South Maui, we are one of the first boats to arrive in the morning

which in turn allows you to spend more time snorkeling and less time just thinking about it. We also take our guests to snorkel at the back wall of Molokini - a location that very few visitors ever get to see!

Molokini is a special destination that you simply can’t miss out on! Regardless of which fun ocean adventure you decide to embark on during your time at Molokini, you are certain to have the time of your life

swimming with our colorful and curious endemic sea creatures. We look forward to assisting you in planning a private boat charter or seeing you and your loved ones on our Forbidden Coast & Molokini Snorkeling Tour!

BOOK NOW

Redline Rafting embraces its responsibility in sharing and perpetuating the culture, nature and people of Hawai’i correctly and respectfully. We proactively work with cultural advisors to illustrate this commitment. Specific to this website, we recognize the proper use of the ‘okina [‘], a consonant, and the kahakō [ō] or macron in the Hawaiian language, and we are working to apply them when we can. If they are omitted, it is to provide you with the best online experience. We continue to use them on other communication practices.
Mahalo.