Get Into Your Bikini and Head to Molokini
It’s Independence Day, and nothing says freedom like strapping on a snorkel and taking off for the day. If you’re up for a sea faring adventure on Maui, the Molokini Crater is a rite of passage that’s been tourist-tested and resident approved.
The facts:
- Molokini Crater is an extinct volcano located 2 1/2 miles off Maui’s south shore. Only part of the top ring is visible above the water; from the air it appears as a crescent.
- The snorkeling is generally great, although if you’re out on a particularly rough day, it’s not so much…if you’re allowed to go out at all.
- If you’re not into snorkeling so much, you can always try your luck getting into the water with a boogie board or a noodle and simply looking around, or, for the immersion-friendly types, sometimes there’s Snuba.
Since it’s such a popular destination, most of the charters take trips there daily. If you’re not so good at smaller boats, try the Pride of Maui, the largest craft that goes there. Smaller operations include Aqua Adventure, Kai Kanani, Four Winds, Maui Dive Shop, and others. Most operators take an early morning trip that lasts most of the day, and make a stop at “Turtle town.”
Booking a cruise to the crater is easy, although deciding which company to use isn’t always such a no-brainer. Read a few review sites to get an idea of which kind of ride is for you. Above all, know thyself. If you know you’ll want to head below deck to escape the sun for a few, take a bigger boat. If you like taking your own lunch, choose a no-frills carrier. Do sales offers make you uncomfortable? Ask if there’s an on-board photographer, for example. If there is one, you’re going to hear a sales pitch for pictures.
Have you been to the Molokini Crater? Tell us about it in the comments; I’m always interested to hear what’s up with the island’s hottest snorkel spot. Happy 4th of July, everybody.
Photo by Flickr–Creative Commons, by vonlohmann
Tags: Hawaii, Maui, Molokini Crater, snorkeling in HawaiiRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Attractions, Family Fun, Scenic & Short Trips
0 opinions for Get Into Your Bikini and Head to Molokini
No one has left a comment yet. You know what this means, right? You could be first!
Have an opinion? Leave a comment: