Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour (5-Hour Morning Trip)

Molokini Crater Snorkeling

EXCELLENT 5.0

Based on 4,621 reviews

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

Tour Quick Facts

⏱️ Duration: 5 hours (7:00 AM–12:00 PM) 📍 Departs: Maʻalaea Harbor (Slip 64) 🕡 Check‑in: 6:30 AM 🍳 Food: Breakfast + lunch included 🤿 Gear: Snorkel gear + flotation included 🐢 Stops: Molokini Crater + Turtle Town 👥 Capacity: Max 65 guests ✅ Cancellation: Free cancel within 24 hours 🛝Waterslide: Deployed when conditions allow (not at Molokini)

Note: Snorkel sites and the day’s route depend on ocean and weather conditions. We aim to visit Molokini Crater and Turtle Town, but the captain may choose the best available locations for the safest and clearest 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 on our Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour, a 5-hour trip departing from Maʻalaea Harbor at 7:00 AM. You'll snorkel Molokini Crater first, then head to Turtle Town, with snorkel gear, flotation, breakfast, and lunch included.

At Turtle Town, you'll explore a colorful South Maui reef and often spot Hawaiian green sea turtles. For a little extra fun, our 25-ft waterslide is available when conditions allow (not used at Molokini Crater).

It's an easy, unforgettable way to experience Maui's best snorkeling in one morning!

#1 Top Rated Tour

Price

$ 198

/ Adult

limited time offer

$188/Youth (14-17 years)
$148/Child (4-12 years)
FREE (3 years & under)

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.
You might see sea turtles, whales, and more, but sightings are never guaranteed.
Bring your favorite drinks! Alcohol is BYOB and can be enjoyed only after the water activities are done.
Tours may be canceled on short notice due to weather or insufficient passengers.
Actual snorkel locations depend on the weather and cannot be guaranteed in advance.
Our waterslide is available at some stops, but not at the crater.
For safety purposes, guests remain barefoot while onboard. We collect footwear upon boarding and return it upon disembarking.
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. Learn more in our Molokini & Turtle Town guide.

Google Reviews

Excellent 5.0 4,621 reviews

Fantastic trip, lots to see & experience. Crew did a wonderful job: all were kind, funny, and hospitable. Very accommodating when my youngest felt less than sea-worthy. Definitely worth booking-would 100% book again.

We really enjoyed our snorkeling experience. The crew was extremely friendly and helpful. They provided a light breakfast, snacks, and lunch for us. We would highly recommend Maui Snorkeling to anyone.
There was a photographer that did great pictures. He took photos of everyone on the boat as well as in the water!

We had an absolute blast on this snorkeling tour! We swam with sea turtles, flew down the boat’s waterslide, did front flips into the ocean, and enjoyed a delicious lunch. The crew was incredible, friendly, fun, and made the entire experience unforgettable. We’ll definitely be booking this same tour every time we come back to Maui. Highly recommend to anyone looking for an amazing day on the water!

An adventure that will forever be with us!!! The boat size was perfect! The crew was helpful, funny, and fun!! Our captain provided some history and comments as we traveled…and served as DJ with music to match our excursion. Our party of 7 saw many varieties of colorful fish, turtles, octopus, and beautiful coral. We had plenty of time to snorkel at each spot! Beverages, a continental breakfast, and sandwich lunch were included. LOVED it!!!!!

Amazing crew and Captain, definitely a must if you're in Maui and want to have an amazing time snorkeling. The crater is as good as advertised. 10 out of 10! Hard to get photos and video with a cell phone, which doesn't do this amazing experience justice!

PLEASE READ (Certified Scuba Diver)
My wife and I decided on this charter for our honeymoon and could not have been more happy with our decision!!!!

What stood out to me most with this was the crew. Captain Greg is most comparable to a modern day Jack Sparrow, and his crew (Walker, Dani, Sarah, and Emily) were so fantastic. You can tell they work together day after day and have become what is best described as family. They welcomed us aboard and showed us a fantastic time. They also shared with us the spots around Maui the locals visit and how to get the most out of your time on the island. Not only were we provided with a great dive, but also new friends.

I understand this may sound cheesy and sappy, but check my profile and you will see I almost never leave reviews. This experience was so fantastic I had to get on and do my part because it was such a fantastic experience. Thank you Captain Greg, Walker, Dani, Sarah, and Emily! If ever in Chicago you have two people who would buy a beer and return the favor!

What to Expect

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

Learn more: Molokini & Turtle Town guide Molokini Crater rules & FAQs

Timing

Why our Tour Leaves at 7 AM

Most days, mornings offer the calmest winds and clearest visibility at Molokini. Our tours depart early so you can snorkel the crater before conditions change and crowds arrive.

Morning conditions
Calmer winds
Clearer visibility

Logistics

Departure and 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

Parking: Maʻalaea Boat Harbor Public Parking

Guidelines

Safety and 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). 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

Sources: NOAA guidance DLNR Molokini info

FAQS

You don’t need prior snorkeling experience, but you should be comfortable in deep water and able to swim on your own.
Our crew will fit your gear, give a quick lesson, and we provide flotation, wetsuits, and other float aids to help you feel confident.

No. Full-face masks aren’t allowed on the Lani Kai II. We provide standard snorkel gear at no additional cost.

Check-in is 6:30 AM at Maʻalaea Harbor (Slip 64). We'll depart shortly after, and you’ll be back around noon (timing may vary slightly depending on ocean conditions).

Parking and check-in are at Maʻalaea Harbor, Slip 64 (101 Maʻalaea Rd, Wailuku, HI 96793). We recommend arriving 20–30 minutes early to park and meet the crew. Transportation isn’t provided.

This tour has two stops: Molokini Crater first, then Turtle Town (conditions permitting).

Typically about 45 minutes, depending on ocean conditions and departure.

Snorkel gear, instruction, flotation devices, wetsuits (for rent), breakfast, lunch, and drinks are included. Reef-safe sunscreen is also provided. The boat has restrooms onboard and shaded seating.

Bring:

Towel (not provided)
Swimsuit
Dry clothes for after snorkeling
Hat & sunglasses
Waterproof camera

Seasickness: If you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking your preferred remedy before check-in.

Not included: Gratuity and transportation.

Alcohol policy: Alcohol is BYOB and can only be enjoyed after all in-water activities are complete.

Yes. Our meals include vegetarian choices, and we can often accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice. Please call (808) 244-1979 with specific requests.

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 the next steps.

Written by the Maui Snorkeling team, operating Molokini, Turtle Town, and Coral Gardens 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: March 2026.