Molokini Crater Snorkeling Tour (5-Hour Morning Trip)

Molokini Crater Snorkeling

EXCELLENT 5.0

Based on 4,702 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: Full refund when canceled at least 24 hours before departure 🛝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. Our route is planned for Molokini Crater, followed by Turtle Town or the safest, clearest alternate reef if conditions call for a change. We provide snorkel gear, flotation, friendly crew guidance, breakfast, and lunch, so you can relax and enjoy the adventure.

Along the way, you may see colorful reef fish, coral, and Hawaiian green sea turtles. Exact stops and wildlife sightings depend on ocean conditions and aren’t guaranteed.

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

#1 Top Rated Tour

Price

$ 178

/ Adult

discounted rate

$168/Youth (13-17 years)
$128/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

Your Morning Itinerary

6:30 AM: Check in at Maʻalaea Harbor, Slip 64. Public parking is available.
7:00 AM: Depart aboard the Lani Kai II; breakfast and the snorkel briefing follow.
Morning: Snorkel Molokini when conditions allow.
Second stop: Continue to Turtle Town or the safest, clearest alternate reef selected by the captain.
Around 11:30 AM: Lunch during the return cruise.
Around 12:00 PM: Return to Maʻalaea 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.

Before You Book

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

Molokini is known for clear offshore water, coral scenery, and colorful reef fish. Conditions and visibility vary by day, and wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Butterflyfish
Yellow Tangs
Parrotfish
Moorish Idols
Schools of Reef Fish

At Turtle Town

Turtle Town is a South Maui reef where Hawaiian green sea turtles may be seen when conditions and wildlife activity cooperate. Sightings are never guaranteed, and the captain may select a different second stop when it offers safer conditions or better visibility.

Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles
Trumpetfish
Surgeonfish
Parrotfish
Spotted Moray Eel

This tour can accommodate first-time snorkelers who can swim independently and are comfortable in deep water. Wildlife sightings and stop selection are never guaranteed. Learn more in our Molokini fish and marine life guide.

Google Reviews For Maui Snorkeling

Excellent 5.0 4,702 reviews

From 11 months to 67 years young, all 15 of us had a great time. The crew was supportive, fun, and took great care of all the passengers and us. The huge Eel and graceful Manta Ray were the highlights of our day. Thanks for a super experience!

Captain Greg and his crew were awesome!

This was a wonderful tour! The crew was so efficient and fun! Greg “boat driver guy” was funny and did amazing! We are so glad we booked this one. They are local and only 65 passengers max on the boat which made for a nice experience. I highly recommend booking with them! We were a party of 6 with teenagers and smaller child and everyone loved it! Also the water slide was super fun! We saw a lot of fish, a turtle and a Manta ray. The water was not too cold and it was also super clear. Great snorkeling experience.

The staff was patient and caring as they showed my family and small kids how to snorkel. I had a panic attack and struggled to adjust to the waves, learn to breathe through the snorkel equipment, and put on fins. It felt overwhelming and scary, but I faced my fears with their support and patience. They were super reassuring the entire trip. I would definitely recommend this excursion and this company. Book early; it sells out.

It was only my second snorkeling tour, but it was absolutely awesome! The crew was professional and fun at the same time! Some issues others have warned me about: the crater being packed and overcrowded. The crew was aware of this and actively avoided the crowded times; we were only 1 of two 2 boats at the crater and the only boat at Turtle Town. Amazing experience, thank you!

An amazing experience. We had an incredible time. The staff was a delight to be around - nothing but good energy!! Highly recommend!!

This was awesome!!! We had an amazing time! Last time we did a different one, and this one is definitely our favorite!! The crew is awesome; we saw a lot of turtles and then got to use the slide! It was an awesome trip, and the crew made it that much better! Thanks, guys!!

We had a truly amazing experience with this company. They were professional, safe, and the trip was very fun despite some Weather that was not ideal. We highly recommend it when you are on Maui.

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

Route Highlights

Molokini and Turtle Town Highlights

Molokini is known for clear offshore water, coral scenery, and colorful reef fish. Turtle Town is a South Maui reef where Hawaiian green sea turtles, or honu, may be seen when conditions and wildlife activity cooperate.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed. The captain may select a different second stop when it offers safer conditions or better visibility.

Molokini: crater views and reef fish
Turtle Town: possible honu sightings
Coral and reef habitat
Gear and crew support

Explore: Compare Molokini and Turtle Town Molokini fish and Marine Life

Timing

Why Our Tour Leaves at 7 AM

Morning departures often offer better odds of lighter winds, smoother water, and clearer visibility before afternoon trade winds build. Conditions change daily, so the captain may adjust the route for safety and the best available snorkeling.

Morning conditions
Calmer winds
Clearer visibility

Learn more: Best Time and Conditions for Snorkeling Molokini

Logistics

Departure and Parking

Check in at 6:30 AM at Maʻalaea Harbor, Slip 64, at 101 Maʻalaea Road in Wailuku. Allow 20 to 30 minutes to park and walk to the slip before check-in.

Check-in at 6:30 AM
Maʻalaea Harbor
Slip 64
Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early

Parking: Maʻalaea Boat Harbor Public Parking

Guidelines

Safety and Wildlife Guidelines

Molokini is protected. Boats use day-use moorings, guests may not land on the islet, and no one should touch coral or feed wildlife. Give sea turtles at least 10 feet of space and follow crew instructions at all times.

Day-use moorings
Do not touch coral or feed wildlife
Keep at least 10 feet from turtles
No landing on Molokini

Learn more: Molokini Location, Access and Visitor Rules

Official guidance: NOAA Hawaiʻi DLNR

Molokini Crater Snorkeling 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 (for rent), 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.