Maui Snorkeling Trips

Photo Courtesy Jim Friend Productions

 ^{Molokini islet is a fabulous place to enjoy for many reasons.  First, it is not an island, but a ‘tuff cone’.  Tuff cones are formed by a volcanic eruption, which exploded, or had a series of explosions, when combined with water.  The state of Hawaii has three such cones and two are accessible by boat to delight both snorkelers and divers.  One is off the island of Niihau, which is just south of the island of Kaua’i.  Molokini is just three miles from the Maui shoreline, but most vessels leave from Maalaea Harbor giving the travelers a relaxing hour ride while munching on fruit, muffins, bagels and sipping juices or a steaming hot cup of delicious island coffee, depending on what the particular tour company offers.  Sitting in the center of the Alalakeiki (screaming child) channel, the waters on the backside of Molokini drop down to 300 feet deep, offering divers a diverse view of reef animals, sharks, and many species of coral, including some rare black coral.  Inside the crescent, the crystal clear waters amaze snorkelers with clarity to 150 feet.  On a really good day there is the possibility visitors may even catch a glimpse of bottlenose or spinner dolphins, manta rays or even the amazing whale shark!}

 ^{Molokini is steeped with Hawaiian folklore.  One story tells of Pele (the goddess of fire) and a mo’o being (lizard goddess) named Pu’uoinaina having a disagreement.  The end result was Pu’uoinaina being cut in half, the tail becoming the hill in Makena (Pu’u Olai’i) and the head and body becoming Molokini.}

 ^{All visitors to Maui should really consider making the time to take the family on a snorkel trip to Molokini.  It will create great memories for all who enjoy being on the Pacific Ocean.  After all, half of what Hawaii’s all about is in the sea!}

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