About three miles off Maui's southwest coast, the rim of an old volcanic crater rises from the sea in a perfect crescent. Inside its sheltered cove, Molokini's water is clear and full of reef fish, which makes it one of Hawaiʻi's best-known snorkel trips. Here's what to know before you book.
You'll need a tour
Molokini is reached only by boat, with a permitted tour operator. Most tours leave from Māʻalaea or Kīhei. The islet itself is a seabird sanctuary, so no one lands on it; you'll snorkel from the boat.
Go in the morning
Mornings are calmest, so plan an early trip. Currents outside the protected cove can be strong. Only snorkel when the sea is calm, and follow the crew's directions about where to swim.
How to choose a tour
- Check that the operator is permitted to run trips to Molokini.
- Ask about the boat: a bigger boat is steadier for anyone prone to seasickness; a smaller one may be quicker and less crowded.
- Ask what's included: snorkel gear, flotation for less-confident swimmers, and instruction.
- Ask what happens in rough weather, and what the refund or rebooking policy is.
You can compare Molokini snorkel tours on our Maui tours page; choose a permitted operator.
Only snorkel when the sea is calm, and follow the crew’s directions about where to swim.
Reef-safe sunscreen is the law
Hawaiʻi has banned the sale of sunscreens with oxybenzone or octinoxate since 2021, and Maui County allows only mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). Pack it from home or buy it on the island, and wear a rash guard so you need less.
Give the wildlife space
- Don't feed the fish or touch the reef.
- Stay at least 10 feet from sea turtles, 50 feet from Hawaiian monk seals (150 feet from a mother and pup), and 50 yards from spinner dolphins.
- In winter, humpback whales fill Maui's channels, generally November to May and peaking January to March. Federal law keeps boats, swimmers and drones at least 100 yards away.
A winter bonus
If you visit between about November and May, your boat ride may come with whale sightings. Maui's sheltered west and south channels are among the best places in Hawaiʻi to watch humpbacks breach.
Plan it
- South Maui in our Maui guide: Molokini, Big Beach and the Hoapili Trail
- Whales, turtles and ocean safety, with lifeguarded beaches and wildlife distances
- Build your Maui trip in our free Trip Planner, no account needed
- See the best Maui tours
Facts from our Maui guide, checked against Hawaiʻi's Division of Aquatic Resources, NOAA and the County of Maui in October 2026. Cover photo: Farid Askerov (whereisfarid), CC0. Some links in this story are affiliate links; we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
