The Hawaiian Islands are an absolute dream – especially for those interested in water sports. From surfing and kayaking to scuba diving and snorkeling, the Pacific Ocean surrounding the islands’ is almost always warm and inviting. And while we believe that everyone should try new things as often as possible, there is one activity that cannot be missed: Molokini is an ancient volcanic crescent-shaped cinder cone, and it is perhaps the greatest snorkel and scuba destination in the world.
Located just 2.5 miles off the shores of Maui’s Makena State Park is Molokini, all that remains of an ancient cinder cone that last erupted more than 230,000 years ago.
Aftab Uzzaman/Flickr
Molokini is only one of three volcanic calderas in the world, and is Hawaii’s only island marine sanctuary.
Vlad Karpinskiy/Flickr
Divers and snorkelers from around the world flock to this beautiful islet to experience its crystal clear waters and plethora of vibrant sea life. Because Molokini is rock, and not soil, there is nothing to wash into the water and inhibit visibility. In fact, you can often see more than 150 feet into the ocean.
Divya Thakur/Flickr
Rising approximately 300 feet from the ocean’s surface, Molokini is a half mile wide, and peaks at approximately 160 feet.
James Huckaby/Flickr
Though the islet is protected, it certainly pays to arrive early as the waves and currents pick up as the day wears on. While this means you will often need to be at the harbor before 5 a.m., it is totally worth it to be among the first visitors to the reef - an excess of visitors will sometimes scare off some of the larger sea creatures who hang out near the cinder cone.
April/Flickr
From colorful fish and vibrant coral to manta rays, green sea turtles, moray eels, and even whitetip reef sharks, Molokini is home to more than 250 species of fish, and you will find spectacular marine life you won’t encounter anywhere else in the state.
Taylor Boger/Flickr
Matt McGee/Flickr
Whether you scuba dive or snorkel is up to you, but personally, I would fork over the extra cash to dive - simply because it is a once in a lifetime experience - and you will be able to explore more secluded areas around the reef.
Vlad Karpinskiy/Flickr
In 1977, Molokini was declared a Marine Life Conservation District, and it is imperative to protect this magnificent slice of reef for decades to come.
Scott James Remnant/Flickr
As always in Hawaii, please remember to refrain from touching the reef - and also use chemical-free sunscreen in order to prevent reef bleaching.
Frankling Samir Dattein/Flickr
Not into snorkeling? Why not consider trying any of these 15 adventures you can only have in Hawaii?
Aftab Uzzaman/Flickr
Vlad Karpinskiy/Flickr
Divya Thakur/Flickr
James Huckaby/Flickr
April/Flickr
Taylor Boger/Flickr
Matt McGee/Flickr
Scott James Remnant/Flickr
Frankling Samir Dattein/Flickr
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
