Mauimolokini

Molokini

While on the islands of Hawaii, you will find many fascinating and abundant areas for premier snorkeling and diving trips. Hawaii is, after all, a chain of tropical islands, surrounded by acres of coral reef and thousands upon thousands of animal and plant species that make the Pacific waters of Hawaii their home. One of the most interesting and well-known snorkeling spots on Hawaii is the crater of Molokini, just off the island of Maui. Molokini is a partially sunken volcano crater that lies about 2.5 miles off the coast of Maui. It is basically the top of a volcanic crater that sunk many years ago, leaving only a crescent moon-shaped strip of land above the sea level.

Below the sea level a captivating and complex underwater world of marine plants and animals thrive in the once-volcanic sunken land. Molokini has proven to be one of the best spots for snorkeling and diving. In part because the small area is home to over 250 species of fish and the area immediately within the crescent has visibility of up to 150 feet. The island is uninhabited and takes up just 23 acres of land above sea level. The back wall of Molokini drops sharply up to 300 feet under sea level. Many boats and tours come to Molokini daily from Ma’alaea Harbor and the Kihei Boat Ramp, allowing visitors to be a part of this once active and powerful volcano.

Unfortunately, the area may be approaching a level of popularity that is dangerous for the well-being of the delicate ecology of the reef. Molokini is said to suffer from overuse with 20 or more boats with 20-40 passengers each making the trip daily out there and filling up the tiny crater with snorkelers and divers. It might not be long before the Molokini crater goes the way of Hanauma Bay which is now considered to be a natural marine preserve and government officials have created laws to limit the number of people who go there daily, as well as charging an entrance fee. Laws are already set up to protect the reef in Molokini that prevent visitors to the rater from walking on the island, feeding the marine life, removing anything from the area, or approaching turtles or seals. Like many other areas in Hawaii, visitors must understand the delicate balance that must be sustained in order for today’s visitors and visitors for years to come can be able to see and respectfully explore the unique and fascinating Hawaiian environment.

Molokini has an interesting connection to Hawaiian culture and myth. Hawaii legend believes that Molikini used to be a beautiful woman who was in love with the same man as the fire goddess Pele. Pele, in a fiery and jealous rage, is said to have ripped Molokini in two and turned her into stone, throwing her out to sea and becoming what is now the crater of Molokini. Her head is believed to be the cinder cone in the center of Makena Beach on Maui.