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Maui guideMolokini snorkel tours

The crater, the turtles and the clearest water in Hawaii. How to pick the right boat, and the trips we'd book ourselves.

6 picks, all rated 4.5★ or more. Updated October 2026.

Molokini Crater and Turtle Town from KīheiOur pickSouth Maui

Molokini Crater and Turtle Town from Kīhei

Leaves from Kīhei, much closer to Molokini than Māʻalaea: more time in the water, less on the boat. Our first pick.

4.9 (139)3 hours
From$194See dates
Molokini express snorkel, 2 hoursSouth Maui

Molokini express snorkel, 2 hours

The short version: straight to the crater and back. Perfect if you get seasick or have small kids.

4.8 (217)2 hours
From$154See dates
Molokini snorkel and performance sail, with lunchTop ratedFrom Māʻalaea

Molokini snorkel and performance sail, with lunch

Molokini by sailing catamaran instead of a crowded motor boat. Smaller group, better ride.

4.8 (248)5 hours
From$221See dates
Molokini snorkeling adventureFrom Māʻalaea

Molokini snorkeling adventure

A classic half-day trip to the crater, with plenty of time in the water. A safe first choice for families.

4.6 (482)5.5 hours
From$190See dates
Molokini and Turtle Town, with mealsFrom Māʻalaea

Molokini and Turtle Town, with meals

Two snorkel stops in one morning: the crater for the fish, then Turtle Town for the green sea turtles.

4.5 (475)5 hours
From$198See dates
Turtle Town kayak and snorkelBest valueSouth Maui

Turtle Town kayak and snorkel

Paddle out from the beach and snorkel with turtles, with a guide and a small group. No boat needed.

4.7 (356)3 hours
From$120See dates

The short version

Molokini is a half-sunken volcanic crater about three miles off Maui’s south coast. The inside of the crescent is shallow, calm and protected, with visibility that often reaches 100 feet. Go in the morning, on a boat that gets there early, and pair it with a second stop at Turtle Town for the sea turtles. If you only book one boat trip on Maui, make it this one.

How to choose your boat

If you wantChooseWhy
The calmest waterA boat that leaves before 7:30 amThe trade winds usually pick up around midday, and the first boats get the crater before the crowds.
Less time on the waterA raft or small boat from KīheiThe Kīhei boat ramp is much closer to Molokini than Māʻalaea, so you snorkel sooner and get back by lunch.
Comfort, shade and foodA catamaran from MāʻalaeaLonger ride, but with a bathroom, shade, breakfast and lunch. The easy choice with kids or nervous swimmers.
Whales tooAny Molokini trip from December to AprilHumpbacks pass through the channel all winter, and most crews stop when they see them.

What it is like in the water

Boats tie up to moorings inside the crescent, where the water is shallow enough to see the reef from the surface. Expect clouds of yellow tang and butterflyfish, parrotfish, and the occasional reef shark resting on the sand. The back wall, on the open-ocean side, drops more than 300 feet and gets strong currents: it is for experienced snorkelers and divers on trips that advertise it, not for a first swim.

How to do it right

  • Bring mineral sunscreen only. Maui County has banned non-mineral sunscreens since October 2022. Look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the only active ingredients, or wear a rash guard.
  • Book an early trip in your first days. If the crew cancels for wind, you still have time to rebook.
  • Look, don’t touch. Molokini is a Marine Life Conservation District. Touching coral or fish, feeding them or taking anything is prohibited.
  • Stay at least 10 feet from turtles. At Turtle Town they swim right past you. Let them come and go.
  • Take something for seasickness the night before if you are prone to it. The channel can be choppy on the way back.