Molokini Crater

Off the island of Maui lie some of the best diving/snorkeling swimming locales available in the Pacific. Molokini Crater is a crescent shaped islet off of the Southwest tip of the island where we journeyed to swim with sharks and turtles.

A chartered boat will get you there, but the local boat companies have covenants concerning who works what part of the crater (as well as other excellent sites around the island.) So, be aware that you will be permitted to explore only the part which your captain is alotted. This is not as tragic as it might seem.

While some complained of not seeing as many fish as they had at other (read better) dive spots, I felt it was up to par with Cozumel, Grand Cayman, etc. The best tip I could give is to get as close to the Crater as you comfortably can and float over the shallow coral. We saw a large turtle, and swam with a group of black tip sharks and a colorful array of fish.

In reading Texas Monthly's swimming holes feature I got a chuckle out of the author's inclusion of "good dining choices" near swimming pools/holes. Yet, the more I think about it the more it strikes me as apropos, for what is better after a long day swimming in cool water, than a warm meal or perhaps the freshest local fruits?

The charters to Molokini are no exception. Most provide a light breakfast pre swimming, and a more robust post swim lunch with alcoholic beverage options (Mai Tais are a good touch). We were very happy with our boat, the Pride of Maui, and with the many options- snorkeling (free, all equiptment provided, decent equiptment), SNUBA (a modest fee, but limited groups and time in the water), as well as SCUBA (for those certified, they provide only the tanks).

As with any good snorkel/dive spot, you must be at least an average swimmer, for there is no place to rest (and no touching the coral!), yet float noodles are provided for more relaxed snorkeling, and we brought a float ride with shade for the 2 year old in our party.

Our off shore snorkeling at Kapalua had earned us horrific sunburns (as well as views of the most amazing stingrays in the Pacific), so we did rent Wetsuit tops for the trip (no need to pack personal gear when you can rent it everywhere on the island and Maui's airport is horrific to lug equiptment through.)