Off the Coast of Maui, the Molokini Crater Island Awaits

Off the coast of the Hawaiian island of Maui is the Molokini Crater Island, a crescent shaped, partly submerged volcanic crater located in the Alalkeiki Channel, right in between Maui and Kaho’olawe islands.

It’s become a popular place to try out one of the newest sports, SNUBA, as well as more traditional water sports like scuba and snorkeling.  Tourist boats make the 2.5 mile trip to Molokini every day, bringing many visitors to see this natural spectacle and dive in its waters.

Molokini Crater Island is considered a world’s  top ten diving location and with its crescent shape it blocks the big waves. The back wall drops off to a depth of 300 feet. Inside the reef in places you can see as far as 150 feet.  More than 250 different kinds of fish can be seen swimming here.

So now that you know about Molokini, you’ve got to choose which outfitter is best to take you there.  Pride of Maui has the most spacious vessel in Maui and many of their customers have praised their dive, SNUBA and snorkeling experience at Molokini. The boat holds 149 passengers and the captain, Patrick Grady grew up on Maui and knows these waters well. Their catamaran  is 65 feet long,  with about 30 feet across–plenty of room for passengers, places to put out the two meals, and for water fun.

Barb Kruize, who tried SNUBA recently, said is was one of the most fun things she’s ever done in her life.

In a review, another family talked about a SNUBA day trip and explained that with Snuba, the air tanks float on the surface and the swimmer just uses a hose, not air tanks, to breath. It’s a great way to get the thrill of scuba without having to be certified. This same  local family praised the breakfast buffet that was set out for them when they boarded the boat, and also how easy it was to park at Carl’s Jr for a quick walk down to the water.

The Pride of Maui’s resident SNUBA instructor Julie Norton explained to them how to breathe with the device and how to clear the water from your mask.  Despite their kids excitement, they ended up not going SNUBA diving. But when dad showed the kids the water slide off the boat, they slid down with glee again and again.

Read more about outdoor fun in  Maui on GoNOMAD