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Molokini Snorkel
Choose from 6 cruises
Visit Molokini, a world class snorkeling environment inside the protective ring of an ancient volcanic crater, where over 250 marine species thrive in crystal-clear Hawaii waters. Molokini is actually a u-shaped remnant of what is called a tuff cone, formed by one or more underwater volcanic explosions. The islet's arc shape, the fact that there is little or no soil to run off into the sea, and the relatively shallow, protected waters combine to offer an incredible Maui snorkel experience with excellent visibility. Located just 2.5 miles off the coast of Maui's south shore, Molokini's shallow inner cove provides a unique habitat for fish and coral species, some of which are found nowhere else in the world but Hawaii. We provide everything you need for a fantastic Maui snorkel adventure; snorkel gear (including optical masks for eyeglass wearers), reef-safe sunscreen, floatation devices, delicious food and drinks. For first time snorkelers we offer a free beginner snorkel classes. All of our snorkel tours feature a team of Pacific Whale Foundation certified marine naturalists onboard to give educational and informative talks, a free guided reef tour, and instruction. All of our naturalists have American Red Cross lifeguard and first aid certification, including the use of our onboard defibrillators. We also have professional, U.S. Coast Guard certified captains for the safest trips available in Maui. 100% of the profits from our Maui snorkel eco-tours go toward education, research, and preservation of the world's marine environment.
Cruise Details
1. Molokini Eco-Express
(Tues-Sat only, Duration 3.5 hours)
Ma'alaea departure
Molokini Marine Preserve is a do not miss snorkeling experience. Our Molokini Eco-Express snorkel is a morning cruise that offers an economical and eco-friendly way to visit this mid-ocean coral reef oasis! The Molokini Eco-Express snorkel lets you sleep in a little later than our other Molokini cruises. It departs from centrally located Ma'alaea Harbor at 8:45am. You'll travel on a modern, ultra-smooth, eco-friendly catamaran right to Molokini, to enjoy an hour or more of relaxed snorkeling while avoiding the crowds. We provide all of your snorkel gear, including sanitized masks and snorkels, fins, optical masks (for eyeglass wearers), swim noodles and other flotation devices. If you're new to snorkeling or a beginner, a Pacific Whale Foundation Certified Marine Naturalist will provide a free "Learn to Snorkel" class during the Molokini cruise. Pacific Whale Foundation will also invite you on a free guided reef tour at Molokini, led by our Certified Marine Naturalists, to make it easy to learn about the reef inhabitants as you snorkel.
After snorkeling Molokini, there's a delicious deli lunch including a variety of freshly sliced deli meats and cheeses with all of the fixings, homemade rolls, pasta salad and cookies. We also provide ice-cold refreshments: soda, juices and filtered water. Pacific Whale Foundation provides reef safe sunscreen for your use, complimentary, throughout your Molokini Eco Express snorkel cruise.
Each party receives a complimentary color guide, "Enjoying Maui's Unique Ocean Environment" and a free marine life poster. Wet shirts are also available for rent for a minimal fee. Check in at the Pacific Whale Foundation Retail Store at the Harbor Shops at Ma�alaea (next to the Maui Ocean Center).
Bring: Swimsuit, towel, light cover-up, sunglasses and hat.
Online booking price is
at least 10% off.
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| $49.45 | $31.45 | Free | |
| $43.96 | $27.96 | Free |
2. Molokini & Turtle Arches Snorkel
(year round departs 7am daily, duration 5 hours)
Ma'alaea departure
This 'double the fun' excursion includes snorkeling at Molokini Marine Preserve plus a second snorkel stop at Turtle Arches, a dazzling reef off Maui’s south coast known for its underwater lava arches and large resident population of green sea turtles. Pacific Whale Foundation’s certified marine naturalists give a free guided reef tour to point out sights you could easily miss on your own! We also include all of the snorkel gear, reef safe sunscreen, "learn to snorkel" class for beginners, and a Jr. naturalist program for kids. Each party receives a complimentary color guide, "Enjoying Maui's Unique Ocean Environment" and free dolphin or sea turtle poster. Rash guards are also available for rent (cash only).
This eco-tour cruise includes a tropical continental breakfast with fresh baked pastries, local island fruits, and juices, freshly brewed Hawaiiancoffee. For lunch enjoy a delightful barbecue with grilled chicken, hot dogs and made-on-Maui taro burgers served on fresh rolls with all dressings and condiments. We also serve delicious pasta salad. To quench your thirst we provide a variety of chilled sodas, juices and filtered water, local microbrewery (Maui Brewing Co.) beer, wine and of course our famous Mai Tais.
Online booking price is
at least 10% off.
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| $71.95 | $31.45 | Free | |
| $63.96 | $27.96 | Free |
3. Molokini-Lana'i Snorkel
(departs daily 8:30, duration 7.25 hrs.)
Ma'alaea departure
This tour offers two great adventures in one: 1) snorkeling at Molokini Crater plus 2) snorkeling at a beautiful reef off the island of Lana'i. We'll also visit areas along Lana'i's scenic coast where wild dolphins live and play.
Special savings: Book today and save (special offer can not be combined with any other promotion or discount). Pacific Whale Foundation members save even more!
This high spirited adventure begins at the world renowned snorkelers' paradise, Molokini Marine Preserve, where you will snorkel inside a sheltered crescent-shaped islet that's home to many vibrant marine species, many of which are endemic to Hawaii and found nowhere else in the world!
Next, you'll cruise to the island of Lanai, to an area known for its populations of wild spinner, spotted, and bottlenose dolphins. Some of these dolphins are found in large social groups of 30 animals or more. We often have dolphins bowride alongside our vessel as we cruise between the islands. Our certified marine naturalists narrate and interpret the social behaviors of these intriguing acrobatic creatures.
This cruise also includes a second snorkeling adventure at a beautiful Lana'i reef. We provide all the snorkel gear (including optical masks) and flotation devices, with wet-suit rentals available. Enjoy riding in comfort on our ultra smooth high-tech, power catamaran featuring a spacious shaded cabin, sun decks, swim steps for ease in and out of the water, freshwater showers, and two bathrooms on board for your convenience.
Our complimentary menu includes a tropical continental breakfast including fresh baked pastries, island fruits, and juices, with freshly brewed Hawaii coffee. For lunch we serve BBQ grilled chicken, hot dogs and locally made taro burgers, served on fresh rolls with lettuce, tomato, sprouts and all the condiments; plus pasta salad and cookies. We also include all you can drink refreshing chilled sodas, juices and filtered water, and up to 3 cocktails per adult (with proper i.d. to show proof of age); you can choose from local microbrewery beer from Maui Brewing Co., wine and tropical well drinks. Don't forget to try our signature Mai Tais! Book early as this is a very popular Maui ocean adventure (recommended for high adventure; not recommended for young children).
Online booking price is
at least 10% off.
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| $76.45 | $40.45 | Free | |
| $67.96 | $35.96 | Free |
4. Afternoon Snorkel
(3 hours; 12:30pm - 3:30pm
Tuesdays & Thursdays)
Ma'alaea departure
The Best of Maui Afternoon Snorkel: Here's the most affordable Maui snorkel cruise offered by Pacific Whale Foundation! It's a fantastic trip for beginners, families, those who want to sleep in, save money and enjoy a quality snorkel adventure. Our "Best of Maui" Afternoon Snorkel includes all of the special features that have made Pacific Whale Foundation's ocean cruises the #1 year round marine eco tour choice on Maui. Your snorkel cruise includes free use of snorkel gear, including optical masks for eyeglass wearers, and flotation devices, plus free applications of SPF 30 “reef friendly” sunscreen. There's also a free learn-to-snorkel class, fish I.D. lesson and free guided reef tour which helps you locate the most fascinating inhabitants of the reef. For kids, we offer a free Jr. Naturalist Program on board.
Your afternoon snorkel cruise begins at centrally located Ma'alaea Harbor, where you'll check in at Pacific Whale Foundation's spacious Ocean Store (next to Maui Ocean Center). We offer lots of free parking.
You will cruise on one of Pacific Whale Foundation¹s super-stable, eco-friendly catamarans with a team of expert marine naturalists and a USCG certified captain. With years of experience in reading Maui¹s ocean conditions, our captain will find the very best snorkeling destination for your snorkeling adventure, where you can see sea turtles, corals and fishes.
Hot dogs, snacks and ice-cold refreshments (including beer, wine, Mai Tais) are available for purchase. Wetsuit shirt rentals and underwater camera rentals are also available.
This Maui afternoon snorkel cruise makes it all so easy! All of the snorkel gear is provided; you just need to bring your towel, hat and sunglasses. Wear your swim suit under your clothes and you're good to go! A credit card for snacks, drinks, lunch or rentals is also suggested. Kids ages 6 and under go free (one per paying adult). If you wish to consume alcoholic beverages (available for purchase), you must provide your photo I.D. for proof of age -- it’s required by law in Hawaii, no matter how old you are.
There are freebies, too! Your family will receive a free guide to Hawaii's coral reefs and a free ocean wildlife poster to take home.
Reservations are required for the "Best of Maui" Afternoon Snorkel.
Available Tuesdays and Thursdays
Online booking price is
at least 10% off.
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| $31.45 | $22.45 | Free | |
| $27.96 | $19.96 | Free |
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| $31.45 | $22.45 | Free | |
| $27.96 | $19.96 | Free |
6. Molokini Eco-Express
(Tues-Sat only, Duration 3.5 hours)
Ma'alaea departure
Molokini Marine Preserve is a do not miss snorkeling experience. Our Molokini Eco-Express snorkel is a morning cruise that offers an economical and eco-friendly way to visit this mid-ocean coral reef oasis! The Molokini Eco-Express snorkel lets you sleep in a little later than our other Molokini cruises. It departs from centrally located Ma'alaea Harbor at 8:45am. You'll travel on a modern, ultra-smooth, eco-friendly catamaran right to Molokini, to enjoy an hour or more of relaxed snorkeling while avoiding the crowds. We provide all of your snorkel gear, including sanitized masks and snorkels, fins, optical masks (for eyeglass wearers), swim noodles and other flotation devices. If you're new to snorkeling or a beginner, a Pacific Whale Foundation Certified Marine Naturalist will provide a free "Learn to Snorkel" class during the Molokini cruise. Pacific Whale Foundation will also invite you on a free guided reef tour at Molokini, led by our Certified Marine Naturalists, to make it easy to learn about the reef inhabitants as you snorkel.
After snorkeling Molokini, there's a delicious deli lunch including a variety of freshly sliced deli meats and cheeses with all of the fixings, homemade rolls, pasta salad and cookies. We also provide ice-cold refreshments: soda, juices and filtered water. Pacific Whale Foundation provides reef safe sunscreen for your use, complimentary, throughout your Molokini Eco Express snorkel cruise.
Each party receives a complimentary color guide, "Enjoying Maui's Unique Ocean Environment" and a free marine life poster. Wet shirts are also available for rent for a minimal fee. Check in at the Pacific Whale Foundation Retail Store at the Harbor Shops at Ma�alaea (next to the Maui Ocean Center).
Bring: Swimsuit, towel, light cover-up, sunglasses and hat.
Online booking price is
at least 10% off.
|
|
|||
| $49.45 | $31.45 | Free | |
| $43.96 | $27.96 | Free |
Based on our Coral Reef Research Pacific Whale Foundation's research team conducted a seven year study of Maui's coral reefs and a comprehensive assessment of the marine and bird life found at Molokini. Our research data and the efforts of our staff has led to the installation of mooring pins at Molokini. Mooring pins eliminate the use of anchors and the destructive effects they have on the reef. Our education programs have also helped discourage maui snorkelers from fish feeding which threatens the balance of the marine ecosystem. We respect and love the ocean and this sense of respect propels our efforts to preserve it. This shows at every level of our company. Our crew will be happy to tell you about all the steps we take to bring you the most eco-friendly cruises possible, including our biodegradable plates, cups and utensils, the reef-safe sunscreen that we provide free to our snorkeling guests, and our investment in modern, high-efficiency vessels with low-emissions engines and special features to reduce underwater noise.
Molokini in Hawaiian Legend: According to Hawaiian legend, Molokini was a beautiful woman who invoked the jealousy of Pele, the fire goddess, when they both fell in love with the same man. In anger, Pele cut her rival in two and transformed her into stone. The head of Molokini is Puu Olai, the cinder cone by Makena Beach. The rest of her body is the u-shaped islet that we know today as Molokini Marine Preserve. "Pacific Whale Foundation's first-rate modern catamaran fleet offers some of the best tours of Molokini and offshore Lana'i". The entire crew is knowledgeable, eco-conscious and friendly. You simply can't go wrong with these folks." - Hawaii for Dummies
Concerned about safety? Pacific Whale Foundation prides itself on being the leaders in ocean vessel safety on Maui. We meet and exceed all federal and state requirements. Each vessel is staffed with highly trained crew, most on whom are are lifeguard, CPR & first aid certified; each vessel is also equipped with the latest in life saving, rescue and safety equipment, including AEDs (defibrillators).
If you have pride in maui you will come to pacificwhale.org
For your safety, all cruises, in part or in whole, are weather permitting. Captains may use their discretion in choosing alternate sites without giving prior notice. We reserve the right to substitute vessels and equipment. All activities are at your own risk. No liability, expressed or implied, rests with Pacific Whale Foundation Eco-Adventures or its subsidiaries or officers. All reservations are non-refundable and reschedules are not permitted within 48 hours prior to the scheduled check-in. All no-shows are non refundable.
Thank you for choosing Pacific Whale Foundation as your eco-tour provider, and we look forward to having you onboard! All profits go to help save whales and their ocean habitat.
Molokini is Maui¹s Mid-Ocean Coral Reef Ecosystem
Halfway between Maui and Kaho¹olawe is the tiny island of Molokini, one of Hawaii¹s top snorkel and dive sites. Molokini is a Marine Life Conservation District and State Seabird Sanctuary. Except for a Coast Guard lighthouse on shore, there are no structures on the island and humans are not allowed to set foot on it.
For all of its fame, Molokini measures just 1,770 feet in diameter and rises only 162 feet above sea level. Yet it is home to more than 250 species of fish, an amazing number for such a small area.
"Molokini is a special place, a vibrant little ecosystem that is set apart, in the world¹s most isolated island chain," says Greg Kaufman, Chief Scientist at Pacific Whale Foundation.
A fiery birth
According to the scientists at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, Molokini is actually a volcanic cone capped by a crater. It is believed to have erupted explosively from below the sea about 230,000 years ago. The northern rim of the crater is below sea level, which is why Molokini crater became flooded by oceanwater.
A mid-ocean oasis
To thrive, corals need shallow water and sunlight. The shallow ocean depth inside Molokini crater provides a perfect habitat for corals. At its deepest point, along the outer edge, Molokini is just 100 feet deep. The water in the center is just 60 feet deep and along the "shore" only a few feet deep.
A 1987 survey of Molokini, conducted by the University of Hawaii Marine Options Program and Pacific Whale Foundation, found 15 species of corals living there.
The most numerous species of fish documented in the study of Molokini were parrotfishes, saddle wrasses, goldring surgeonfishes, fantail filefishes, sleek unicorn fishes and yellow tangs. Humpback whales, gentle plankton-eating whale sharks, Hawaiian monk seals and manta rays have been sighted in Molokini over the years.
A place of legend
According to Hawaiian legend, Molokini¹s creation was the result of jealous retaliation by the fire goddess Pele. Pele was in love with one of the three Kanaloa brothers of Maui. She believed that the beautiful Mo¹o Maiden of Kanaloa, who sometimes took the form of a giant lizard, was in love with the same brother. In anger, Pele cut off Mo¹o¹s tail and flung it into the sea, thus creating Molokini.
The islet¹s Hawaiian name was originally Mo¹okini, which means "multitude of the spirits". The spirits of ancestors, which number in the thousands, were believed to gather there, assuming the shape of birds, animals or humans.
A protected place
Molokini was "discovered" as a snorkeling and diving location in the late 1970s, but as tour boats proliferated, so did anchor damage. Anchors dropped or dragged along the bottom were killing the living corals. While working at Pacific Whale Foundation. Jim Housh became an advocate for the installation of permanent mooring pins, as a way to prevent anchor damage. He later worked with an organization known as TORCH (The Ocean Recreational Council of Hawaii).
In 1988, the first mooring pins were installed at Molokini, using data from a study conducted by the University of Hawaii and Pacific Whale Foundation to determine the best locations for the pins. Since then, every boat company using the crater has utilized mooring pins and mooring lines to help protect the coral.
Over the years, tour operators have joined together to stop fish-feeding at Molokini, after learning that it causes an imbalance to the reef ecosystem.
Pacific Whale Foundation provides free applications of "reef safe" sunscreen to its snorkeling guests, as yet another step to protect the remarkable coral reef ecosystem at Molokini. Passengers are also taught proper reef etiquette, which includes not standing or walking on corals and applying sunscreen at least 20 minutes before entering the water.
"There¹s no other place in the world that¹s quite like Molokini," says Kaufman. "We want people to enjoy Molokini and help protect it."
