annk

Has anyone snorkeled off the island of Molokini? How was your experience? Was it worth it or was it crowded and touristy?

EmilySD

Molokini is not an island, it is the top portion of a crater, the rest of which is underwater, and is a natural reef. The snorkeling there was wonderful. There are several boat tours that operate from Maui, most serve a breakfast on the way out and lunch on the way back in, about an hour or so each way, if I remember correctly. And you have a couple of hours of snorkeling time. We really enjoyed it, though it has been 7 yrs.

gyppielou

thought it was ok,,,went out in a sail boat, but saw better fish on my own off Maui. If your into the excursion thing then go for it, if you want to see fish search for yourself or check to ocean forcast to see how the seas, wind, tide are your day. Realize that it is one of the windiest harbors in the world...so sea sickness whould be a concern, take precausions if you go

Suzie

We went on Four Winds in NOv. Thought the trip was smooth but there must have been some passengers having a little trouble because the captain did encourage anyone who was not feeling well to let the crew know so they could help out. They seemed really interested in making sure everyone had a good time.

As far as crowds, typically you snorkeling near the boat so you want to make sure the boat you go on has a good spot near the crater. If I ever go again I would wait for the initial crush of fellow passengers to get tired (which was quite fast) and then enter the water for a relatively undisturbed snorkel. The Four Winds offers BBQ food right away so you can get your lunch and then snorkel while everyone else is eating. If you try to go in the water with everyone else, it is really busy and bubbley.

Doug

Just returned from Maui on Sunday. Decided not to do organized snorkel trip to Molokini.....thought it would be a little crowded as well. Instead went on our own to the Fishbowl.....was terrific and would highly recommend it as a great snorkel spot.

Suzie

We thought the best snorkeling of our trip was not Molokini nore Black Rock but the reef on the north end of Ulua Beach. It was terrific. The beach also has restroom and shower facilities. Parking is scarce so you need to get there early or late.

marthag

Doug....where is "The Fishbowl" on Maui? I'll be there next month and would like to do some snorkeling on my own.

Doug

Marthag,

It's in South Maui, south of Wailea (10-15 minute drive from the 4S). You have to hike a little to get there, but what a hike it is...through a lava field. Will take you about 30 minutes each way. I would recommend going first thing in the morning (i.e. by 8 A.M.) because as the morning goes on, it gets crowded with kayakers.

If you have any more questions, let me know.

Have fun.....

Suzie

Here are other places to snorkel with brief descriptions of what to expect and how to get there. http://www.maui.net/~tkern/snorkel.html

Doug,

Is fishbowl near La Parouse Bay?

Doug

Hey Suzie,

Yeah, the Fishbowl is just north of La Perouse Bay....the hike to get there was great and the snorkeling was even better.

annk

Thanks for all your suggestions and for the website on snorkeling in Maui! We've been to Maui before about 7 years ago and I remember Kapalua being pretty good as well. Cheers.

logandog

The inside of Molokini crater is not that interesting to snorkle. There are lots of fish but also lots of people.
There is good snorkeling with easy parking at the Kamaole III beach in Kihei.
As a matter of correctness, Molikini is most certainly an island. If Emily's definition were correct, none of the Hawaiian Islands would qualify as such.

cd

You can not walk on the island as it is a protected preserve, so this might cause confusion as to whether or not it is an island. The morning we were there we were the only boat anchored and it was wonderful. One of the highlights of our trip.