Molokini Diving

Molokini Diving in Reef’s End

 

Covered in cauliflower coral, the Reef’s End section of the Molokini Crater runs below the water for about 200 yards right at the surface. Remarkable terraces formed where the edge of the crater suddenly ends and drops off into “steps” that continue to 350 feet. Many eels and sharks call the deepest ledges of the terraces home and it’s common to see humpback whales from December until April. This dive is recommended for certified divers who have an 85 feet for 30 minutes dive profile.

 

Molokini Diving in Tako Flats

 

The Tako Flats are an incredible place for more advanced divers to enjoy Molokini diving. Speckled with rocks and coral heads there are many octopus that hide here. Many fish live in and around Tako Flats, which is appreciated by the Manta Ray that frequent this area of Molokini.

Molokini Diving in Middle Reef

In the center of Molokini Crater is Middle Reef. This area is protected by the crater, which means the water is calm and there are no waves or strong currents. As a result, many indigenous Hawaiian fish and other exotic fish live here. These include butterfly and trumpet fish. Due to the tranquility of the water, beginners will especially love Molokini diving here. Intermediate and advanced divers can also enjoy Molokini diving in the crater’s center.

Molokini Diving in Shark Condos

Advanced divers may be interested in Molokini diving in the shark condos. The depth reaches 130 feet and there are many underwater caves and terraces where sharks and lobsters hide. White tip reef sharks are found in shallow water while the Maui sharks and lobsters are in the deeper terraces. The view from the shark condos is incredibly due the visibility of the water and the underwater caves and terraces.

Molokini Diving at the Edge of the World and the Back Side

At the Edge of the World the crater’s shelf sticks out of the side and then there is water until the bottom 200 feet below. The Molokini Crater’s backside is deepest here at 250 feet. Many of the larger marine animals live here, like sharks and tropical fish, as the area is typically in the shade. The back side is only for highly trained and experienced divers and those with expert buoyancy control. Those interested in Molokini diving on the back side should be prepared for strong currents and amazing sea life. This includes tropical fish, manta rays, and spinner dolphins. The wall dive here is world renowned and part of the reason Molokini diving here is popular.