Molokini Crater

Molokini is a crescent-shaped, partially submerged volcanic tuff cone three nautical miles off Maui's south coast, designated a State Marine Life Conservation District since 1977 and a State Seabird Sanctuary on the dry rim. The crescent shelters its inner lagoon from prevailing trade-winds and its calm, clear water has made it one of the most-visited dive and snorkel sites in Hawaii. Two distinct dives are run: the Inside Reef on the protected face, in 4 to 20 metres with sloping reef and a sand bottom, ideal for beginners; and the Back Wall, a vertical drop on the seaward side that falls past 76 metres into the open Pacific. On the back wall, divers float in blue water along the wall covered with whip corals, lace corals and antipatharians, with grey reef sharks, white tip reef sharks, scalloped hammerheads in season, eagle rays and the occasional manta. Inside, expect green sea turtles, octopus, yellow tang, ornate butterflyfish and the state fish. Visibility regularly exceeds 30 metres.