Molokini Crater
Conditions & tides
Scored by DiveConnect's site-physics model
Marine forecast via Copernicus Marine. Score is a rule-based guide from swell/wind vs. the site's exposure — always dive your own assessment.
Dived here today? How were conditions vs. what we showed?
About this site
Molokini Crater is a crescent-shaped volcanic islet off the coast of Maui, Hawaii, forming a naturally protected reef that ranks among the top snorkeling and diving destinations in the state. The submerged crater's curved shape shelters the interior from wind and swell, producing consistently calm conditions that suit all skill levels, including beginners.
The reef holds more than 250 species of fish, and the site is known for its exceptionally clear water — regularly cited as the clearest in Hawaii. Visibility allows divers and snorkelers to observe marine life both up close and from considerable distances across the reef.
Access is by boat only; there is no shore entry. Morning visits offer the calmest water and the best visibility, with less surface chop than afternoon sessions. Conditions are suitable year-round, with warm water throughout all seasons and no significant current issues reported at this site.
Marine life here
Confirmed by our research team, reported by independent divers, or observed nearby via iNaturalist — each entry is labelled with its source.
TriggerfishTriggerfishReported here · unconfirmed
Manta rayManta rayReported here · unconfirmed
WhaleWhaleReported here · unconfirmed
ParrotfishParrotfishReported here · unconfirmed
TrevallyTrevallyReported here · unconfirmed
Whale SharkRhincodon typusReported here · unconfirmed
Durable tips from divers — access, hazards, marine life, facilities. For day-of conditions, use the report tool in the conditions card above.
No notes yet. Dived here? Be the first to leave a tip.
Share a write-up or a photo. Submissions are reviewed before they appear on the page.
Nearby dive sites
Shops that dive here
No shops have listed this site yet.