Molokini Crater

May 15, 2012

Molokini is Hawaii's only Island Marine Sanctuary. Molokini is a small volcanic cone (Caldera), located just a few miles off Maui's shore. Scientists believe Molokini Crater formed about 150 thousand years ago. Molokini rises from 300 feet below the ocean's surface and is almost half a mile wide. Molokini peaks at about 160 feet above sea level and half the crater appears to be missing.

The isolation of Molokini Crater creates a unique Maui snorkeling experience. There are significant reasons why Molokini snorkeling is so special. The quality of the water surrounding Molokini is superior, providing unsurpassed clarity. Visibility is consistently excellent, often in excess of 150 feet. Molokini is rock, with no soil to wash down into the water. Absent of sediment, the water is amazingly clear allowing excellent sunlight penetration. This enhanced sunlight feeds the algae living inside the coral. Offshore currents bring food, while flushing away what little sediment exists. The result is a uniquely healthy coral reef providing unsurpassed Maui snorkeling. Located in the middle of Molokini this reef is protected from waves and surge.

Inside the sheltered arms of the crater, Molokini is an amazing underwater Marine Sanctuary. Underwater at Molokini is a flourishing coral reef, where thousands of fish and marine animals cohabitate. Molokini's shallow reef is teeming with a wide variety of colorful and fascinating fish and marine animals. You will experience a rare opportunity to closely observe the marine life at Molokini Crater.

boat ride out to Molokini

Molokini Crater

fun underwater pic....Mommy and her little snorkel buddy

some of the fish that were hanging around

snorkeling with Grandma 

Grandma's snorkel buddy 

back with mom

little yellow guy in the reef

more of the coral

Grandma hanging loose 

Hang Loose

Leaving Molokini Crater and heading to Turtle cove 

ready for more snorkeling 

(He got this snorkel set from the Easter Bunny)

 heading into the water

snorkeling with Grandma again

Mommy's little swimmer 

 more snorkeling with Grandma

Hanging Loose with Mom

more underwater fun

We had so much fun on our snorkeling trip.  I was so proud of how much snorkeling Chris did with me and Grandma.  He had a lot of fun in the water, and enjoyed seeing the fish. I can't wait until he's old enough to get scuba certified, then we can go scuba diving and see so much more of the aquatic life.  I've promised him that I will take him diving with the Manta Rays in Hawaii when he gets his scuba certification.  I can't wait to do that....snorkeling with them was very cool....but I bet scuba diving with them will be amazing.

I experienced my first, and hopefully last, jelly sting as I was swimming back to the boat at Turtle Cove.  I was reaching up to push the buoy line out of the way to get to the ladder to the boat, when I felt a strong stinging sensation on my hand.  In reaction, I pulled my hand up out of the water and attempted to flip whatever it was off of my hand.  My mom heard me yell from the water, and came to check on me as I got back up into the boat.  Once I was out of the water I was able to look more closely at my hand, and there was a long line of blue spots across three of my fingers, and man did they sting.  Turns out myself and another kid on the boat got stung by some jellies.  His was much worse looking than mine so I tried to suck it up....but like I said, it sure burned.  Jared was so kind and offered to pee on my hand for me....I passed on that.  The burning lasted for about 2-3 hours, and I was very grateful when it stopped burning.  Chris was very sweet and gave me lost of hugs and kisses to help me feel better.  What a sweet heart!