Molikini Snorkeling opinions

Question

My wife and I (mid 60s) are making our first trip to Hawaii in a little over two weeks. We'll be spending about a month visiting the 4 main islands, starting off with 10 days on Maui. During the course of our time in the state, we plan to do a number of excursions, but need to be somewhat selective as our budget isn't unlimited, especially given to extent of our stay.

I have a question about snorkeling at Molikini crater. It looks really cool and a lot of reviews indicate that it's a not to be missed activity. At the same time, I've come across some reviews that say it's over-rated and the physical demands to get the most out of such an excursions might realistically be beyond our capability at the moment. While we absolutely love the water, we're no longer the strongest swimmers. We're novice snorkelers. When we have gone on short snorkel trips in recent years we've done so with the aid of flotation devices. As I look at videos of Molikini excursions, it seems that are kind of free diving pretty far down--just don't know if we're going to be able to do that...

We are going to be splitting our time on Maui between Napili Bay and Kihei. I believe that Napili is very close to Kapalua which is supposed to be a great snorkel spot. Given what I told you about us would this be better suited for us than spending the $ for a Molikini excursion?

Love to get opinions. If Molikini is truly something we should not miss, by all means we'll do it--though I think we would take a shorter excursion (about 2 hours) leaving out of Kihei. Thanks for any and all guidance.

Answer

Molokini Crater is often described as one of the premier snorkeling spots in Maui, and for good reason. The crescent-shaped volcanic crater offers crystal-clear waters, abundant tropical fish, and incredible visibility, often exceeding 100 feet. Snorkeling here can be a truly memorable experience, particularly if you enjoy seeing vibrant coral and marine life in a pristine environment.

However, based on your description, there are a few important considerations. Molokini is accessible only by boat, and the excursions vary in length from around 2 hours to 4-5 hours. The water conditions can sometimes be rough, with swells that might challenge less confident swimmers. While many tours provide flotation devices and guided assistance, the snorkeling experience does require some swimming ability, and the deeper parts of the crater are not suitable for casual floating—many people do free dive a little to see the reefs, though you can still enjoy snorkeling closer to the surface.

Given that you are novice snorkelers and prefer to use flotation devices, a short Molokini trip could work if you choose a tour specifically geared toward beginners or short excursions. Tours leaving from Kihei often include safety briefings, flotation devices, and instructors who stay close to participants. A 2-hour trip is more manageable and can give you a taste of Molokini without committing to a longer, more strenuous excursion.

On the other hand, Maui itself has excellent snorkeling spots that are more suited for relaxed exploration and less physically demanding. Napili Bay and nearby Kapalua offer calm, shallow waters with reefs right off the beach. You can snorkel at your own pace, use flotation devices, and easily take breaks on shore. These spots are family-friendly, less expensive, and very scenic.

Molokini Crater (short excursion from Kihei) – Pros: Stunning underwater visibility, unique marine life, “bucket-list” experience. Cons: Requires getting in and out of a boat, may be choppier waters, some swimming/floating needed even with devices.
Napili Bay/Kapalua snorkeling – Pros: Calm, shallow waters; easily accessible from your lodging; ideal for novice snorkelers; no boat required; you can go at your own pace. Cons: May not have the same sheer abundance of tropical fish and coral as Molokini.
Other beginner-friendly spots – Honolua Bay (near Kapalua), Ulua Beach in Wailea, and Kapalua Bay are great options for gentle snorkeling with clear waters and beautiful reefs.

Considering your comfort level and swimming abilities, a Molokini excursion is certainly appealing, but it is not essential if you are worried about physical demands or cost. Enjoying the nearby beach reefs at Napili or Kapalua will still provide wonderful snorkeling experiences in safer, more relaxed conditions. If you do want to experience Molokini, booking a shorter, beginner-focused tour from Kihei would allow you to try it without overexertion.

Ultimately, both options offer memorable experiences, so you could even split your time: spend a day snorkeling locally at Napili/Kapalua, and if you feel confident, schedule a short Molokini trip for one of the calmer days. That way, you get a taste of the best of both worlds without stretching yourselves too much.

Molikini Snorkeling opinions

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