Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour

Check-in: 6:30 AM | Depart: 7 AM | Return: 12 PM

⏱️ 5‑hr morning (7 AM–12 PM)
🛥️ Departs Maʻalaea Harbor — Slip 64
🍪 Breakfast & lunch included
🤿 Gear & flotation provided
🛝 25‑ft waterslide (not used at crater)
🐢 2 stops: Molokini + Turtle Town

Play video: Molokini Crater Snorkeling

Video description / transcript

Guests check in at Maʻalaea Harbor and board the Lani Kai II for a morning snorkel adventure to Molokini Crater and Turtle Town.

Onboard, the crew helps guests get fitted with snorkel gear and shares a safety briefing. Optional beginner snorkel training and flotation options are available.

At Molokini Crater, snorkelers enter the water and explore clear conditions, coral reefs, and tropical fish. After the crater, the tour continues to Turtle Town, where you may see Hawaiian green sea turtles and other reef fish (wildlife sightings are never guaranteed).

Between stops, guests enjoy included breakfast, lunch, and drinks. On some days and stops, guests can ride the 25‑foot waterslide (the slide is not used at Molokini Crater).

The tour returns to Maʻalaea Harbor around noon.

Summary

🌞 Rise and Shine for a Maui Snorkeling Adventure!

Start your morning with a Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour! You’ll visit two amazing snorkel sitesFirst, explore Molokini Crater, where the calm, clear water makes it easy to see tropical fish and coral reefs. Next, head to Turtle Town, Maui! Here, you’ll find even more fun—including a ride down our 25-foot waterslide! You might spot Hawaiian green sea turtles. In the winter months, you could even see humpback whales.

Molokini crater snorkeling is best in the morning due to typically lighter winds and clearer water, which is why this 5‑hour tour departs at 7 am. It’s a Maui trip you don’t want to miss!

TOUR OVERVIEW

Molokini Crater Snorkeling Highlights

Highlights

  • Two snorkel stops in one morning: Molokini Crater + Turtle Town.
  • Early departure to catch the best conditions on most days.
  • Beginner-friendly support with gear fitting, instruction, and flotation options.
  • Comfortable boat amenities: shade, seating, and restrooms onboard.
  • Waterslide at select stops when conditions allow (not used at Molokini Crater).

Note: Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

What’s Included

  • Sanitized snorkel gear (mask, fins, snorkel)
  • Instruction + crew support
  • Flotation options
  • Breakfast + lunch
  • Drinks (water, juice/soda, coffee)
  • Reef-safe sunscreen

What’s Not Included

  • Towels
  • Transportation to/from the harbor
  • Gratuity
  • Wetsuits (available as rentals onboard)
  • Alcohol (BYOB; only after in-water activities)

Why choose us

The Maui Snorkeling Difference

Max 65 guests

More Aloha, Fewer Crowds

  • We intentionally limit trips to a maximum of 65 passengers.
  • More room to relax, gear up, and move around the boat.
  • More personal attention from our captain and crew.

About the Lani Kai II

  • 53-foot vessel designed for comfort, safety, and fun.
  • Spacious shaded cabin seating + open sun deck.
  • Freshwater rinse station and swim steps.
  • Two clean restrooms onboard.

Safety & Crew Standards

  • Operated by U.S. Coast Guard‑licensed captains.
  • U.S. Coast Guard‑inspected passenger vessel.
  • Crew participates in a random drug‑testing program (USCG regulations).
  • USCG‑approved safety equipment onboard, including life jackets.
  • Snorkel gear, flotation options, and beginner support available.

Official snorkeling safety guidance: Hawaiʻi Ocean Safety – Snorkeling Safety

Details

6:30 AM: Check-in at Maʻalaea Harbor. Public Parking is available.

7:00 AM: We depart for Molokini Crater.

7:15 AM: Continental Breakfast. Snorkeling for beginners training (optional)

11:30 AM: Deli Lunch

12:00 PM: Arrive back at the harbor.

Breakfast Includes

Scones · Hot Coffee · Water

Fresh Fruit

Pineapples · Honeydew · Cantaloupe · Grapes

Lunch Includes

Deli Sandwichwith Lettuce, Tomato, Cucumber, & Condiments

Turkey/Provolone · Ham/Swiss · Roast Beef/Cheddar · Housemade Veggie Patty (for Vegetarian Meal Requests)

Tricolor Pasta SaladMediterranean Style with a Tarragon Herbal Balsamic Vinaigrette

Artichoke Hearts · Red Onion · Sundried Tomatoes · Kalamata Olives · Spanish Olives · Feta Cheese


Quinoa Salad (for Gluten‑Free Meal Requests)
Mixed with a Pomegranate Balsamic Glaze

Toasted Quinoa · Cucumber · Red Onion · Red Bell Peppers · Tomatoes

Desserts

Chocolate Chip Cookie

Drinks

Water · Soda · Hawaiian Sun

*Please notify us of any dietary restrictions or preferences when making your reservation.

Things To Know About Molokini Crater Snorkeling

  • Guests should feel comfortable floating face-down in deep water.
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult who will be responsible for them at all times.
  • For your safety, full-face snorkel masks are not allowed.
  • Bring your favorite drinks! Alcohol is BYOB and can be enjoyed only after the water activities are done.
  • You might see sea turtles, whales, and more, but sightings are never guaranteed.
  • Tours may be canceled on short notice due to weather or if we don’t have enough passengers.
  • Our slide is available at some stops, but not at the crater.
  • Cancellation Policy: Cancel at least 24 hours before your trip for a full refund.

What you might see

Marine Life You Might See

At Molokini Crater

Every Molokini Crater snorkeling trip feels like stepping into a brand‑new world. Beneath the surface, look for bright reef fish gliding past coral—like swimming through a living rainbow.

Butterflyfish Yellow tangs Parrotfish Moorish idols Schools of reef fish

At Turtle Town

Turtle Town is home to the stars of the show—Hawaiian green sea turtles. You may also spot a mix of reef fish and a curious eel peeking out from the coral.

Hawaiian green sea turtles Trumpetfish Surgeonfish Parrotfish Spotted moray eel
On most days, the water is clear and these sites are great for kids, first‑time snorkelers, and anyone who wants to relax and enjoy the view. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Itinerary

Molokini and Turtle Town: Two Stops on One Morning

Molokini Crater is one of the most famous snorkeling spots in Hawaiʻi. It’s a small, crescent‑shaped islet just off the Maui coastline, known for crystal‑clear water with visibility up to 150 feet—snorkeling here can feel like swimming inside a giant aquarium.

Under the surface, you’ll float above colorful coral reefs and see more than 250 species of fish—many found only in Hawaiʻi. Turtle Town adds a calm, colorful South Maui reef where Hawaiian green sea turtles cruise through warm waters alongside schools of fish and coral gardens. We provide your gear, meals, and guidance—just bring your sense of adventure.

  • Molokini Crater
  • Turtle Town
  • Up to 150 ft visibility
  • 250+ fish species
  • Hawaiian green sea turtles
  • Gear + meals included

Timing

Best Time for Molokini Crater Snorkeling

Most days, mornings offer the calmest winds and clearest visibility at Molokini. That’s why our tour departs early—so you can snorkel the crater before conditions change and crowds arrive.

  • Morning conditions
  • Calmer winds
  • Clearer visibility

Guidelines

Safety & Wildlife Guidelines

Molokini is a protected Marine Life Conservation District with special rules to keep coral and marine life healthy. We snorkel from day‑use moorings (no anchoring) and never feed fish. Please give turtles space—at least 10 ft (3 m)—and remember that landing on the islet is prohibited because it’s a seabird sanctuary.

  • No anchoring
  • Don’t feed fish
  • 10 ft turtle distance
  • No landing

Logistics

Departure & Parking

Check in: 6:30 am, Maʻalaea Harbor, Slip 64 (101 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793). We recommend arriving 20–30 minutes early to park and meet the crew.

  • Check-in 6:30 AM
  • Maʻalaea Harbor
  • Slip 64
  • Arrive 20–30 min early

FAQs

Do I need to have experience snorkeling?
You don’t need snorkeling experience to join us—just be comfortable in the water and able to swim on your own. If you can float on your stomach, you’re ready! Our crew provides a quick lesson, gear fitting, and flotation.
Are there vegetarian options?
Yes. Our meals offer a variety of vegetarian options, and we can also accommodate dietary restrictions. Just call us at (808) 244-1979 with specific requests, and we’ll do our best to help you.
Is snorkeling safe?
The Hawaii Health Department recommends that all snorkelers feel comfortable in the water and able to swim without equipment. You should also be at ease floating on your stomach.To make your adventure easier, we provide flotation devices, wetsuits, swim noodles, and boogie boards. These will help you stay afloat while you enjoy watching Hawaii’s amazing marine life.
Can we use a full-face snorkeling mask?
No. We do not allow full-face masks on the Lani Kai II. But, we do provide all of your snorkeling equipment at no additional cost.
Do you offer transportation?
Transportation isn’t provided. Please meet us at the harbor for check-in.
Is there a kamaʻāina rate?
Each passenger must have a Hawai’i state or school ID to get the discount. Please contact us to discuss your Kama’aina discount. You can call us (808) 244-1979 or email us at [email protected].
Are service animals allowed on trips?
Space is limited on our tours, so please give us advance notice if you’ll be bringing a service animal. Our reservations team will be happy to help and make sure you have everything you need for a smooth experience.
Can you visit molokini without a boat?
No—Molokini is offshore; access is by permitted boat only.
Can you land on molokini?
Landing is prohibited to protect seabirds; snorkeling is from the boat.
How close can I get to sea turtles?
Stay at least 10 ft (3 m) away per NOAA guidelines; never touch or chase.
How long is the ride to molokini?
Typically ~45 minutes depending on ocean conditions and departure.
Do boats anchor at molokini?
No—commercial vessels use fixed moorings to protect coral.
Is the back wall included on this snorkel tour?
Back-wall decisions depend on conditions and safety; the crew will advise day-of.
What visibility can I expect?
Molokini often has visibility up to 150 ft; other sites vary with wind and swell.
Is morning better than afternoon?
Usually yes—mornings tend to be calmer with clearer water.
Do I need to be able to swim?
Yes. Guests should feel comfortable in deep water and able to swim on their own. We provide flotation and crew support to help you feel confident.
What’s included in the tour?
Your trip includes snorkel gear, instruction, flotation, breakfast, lunch, and drinks. Reef-safe sunscreen is also provided.
What’s not included?
Please bring your own towel. Gratuity and transportation are not included. Alcohol is BYOB and can only be enjoyed after the in-water activities are complete.
What time is check-in, departure, and return?
Check-in is 6:30 AM at Maʻalaea Harbor (Slip 64). We depart shortly after, and you’ll be back around noon.
Where do you depart from and where do we park?
Check in at Maʻalaea Harbor, Slip 64 (101 Maalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793). We recommend arriving 20–30 minutes early to park and meet the crew.
What snorkel sites do we visit?
This tour has two stops: Molokini Crater first, then Turtle Town.
Is the waterslide used at Molokini?
No. The slide is not used at Molokini Crater. It may be available at some stops, depending on the day and conditions.
Are kids allowed on this tour?
Yes. Children are welcome, but they must be accompanied by an adult who will be responsible for them at all times.
Do you have restrooms on the boat?
Yes—there are restrooms onboard the Lani Kai II.
Is there shade and seating on the boat?
Yes. There’s shaded seating onboard, along with open-air areas if you’d like sun.
What should I bring?
Bring a towel, swimsuit, and anything you’d like for after snorkeling (dry clothes, hat/sunglasses, and a waterproof camera). If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking your preferred remedy before check-in.
What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?
Safety comes first. Tours may be canceled on short notice due to weather (or if we don’t have enough passengers). If that happens, our team will contact you as soon as possible with next steps.
Will we see sea turtles or whales?
You might see sea turtles, whales, and more—but wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Written by the Maui Snorkeling team, operating Molokini and Turtle Town tours out of Maʻalaea Harbor since 1985. Tours are led by USCG‑licensed captains aboard a USCG‑inspected passenger vessel. We spend more days in these waters than on land. Last updated: January 2026

Check out our other activity:

Afternoon Tour

Check out our other activity:

Private Charter

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