Hotels near Molokini Crater

Molokini is a partially submerged volcanic tuff cone rising from the seabed between Maui and Kaho'olawe, and its crescent shape shelters the interior from swell, so visibility routinely runs 100 to 150 feet. The reef inside supports about 250 species of fish plus green sea turtles and reef sharks. Access is by boat only - the crater is a State Marine Life Conservation District, and no anchoring or shore landing is allowed. Tours run $130 to $230 per adult for a 4 to 6 hour trip that usually includes gear, breakfast, lunch, and a second stop at Turtle Town off Makena.

Boats leave the harbor between 6am and 7:30am to reach the crater before afternoon tradewinds kick up chop. Choose a smaller catamaran (25 to 50 passengers) over the large 100-plus operator boats if you want less crowded water at the mooring buoys. Book at least a week ahead in high season (December to March, June to August) and pack reef-safe mineral sunscreen - the Hawai'i state ban on oxybenzone and octinoxate has been in force since 2021.

Pro Tip: Take a Bonine or ginger capsule an hour before boarding even if you never get seasick on other boats - the channel between Molokini and Maalaea can be lumpy on the return trip, and the mooring lines make the boat pitch even at rest.