Many guided tours are available when traveling in Hawaii. We chose a guided snorkel trip to Molokini Crater. Put on your swimsuit and come along!
Why I recommend the guided snorkel trip to Molokini Crater on Maui
A guided snorkel trip is ideal for first-time snorkelers and those who want to explore deeper reef sites
Before we landed in Hawaii, several people recommended booking a snorkeling excursion with the Pacific Whale Foundation, and we followed that advice. We chose the Molokini Wild Side Eco-Adventure Snorkel, a smaller outing that limits passengers to around 35. The boat was comfortable — not ultra-luxury, but well-equipped for a day on the water (the “on-board shower” was essentially a garden hose, which made us laugh).
We boarded early at 7:30 a.m., and within fifteen minutes of leaving the harbor we spotted humpback whales. Photographing them proved challenging, but watching their spouts and breeches so close to the boat was breathtaking.
Our guides were excellent: they explained the history and natural ecology of the area and described the atmospheric vog conditions that day. The vog brought light winds, which made the crossing smoother than it might otherwise have been.
The trip took us out to Molokini Crater, a crescent-shaped volcanic islet renowned for clear water and abundant reef life. Once anchored outside the crater, the guides gave a short briefing on snorkeling techniques and safety. Then we were free to explore.
Molokini offers spectacular visibility and a variety of colorful reef fish. We decided not to rent an underwater camera that day, but between what we saw and photos from other sources, we enjoyed spotting striped and yellow reef fish, surgeonfish, and other tropical species gliding through coral gardens.
After about an hour snorkeling around Molokini, the boat carried us to La Perouse Bay on the southern coast of Maui. There we had the chance to swim with green sea turtles in their natural habitat. Watching a turtle glide quietly beneath the surface, upending only to breathe, was one of the day’s highlights.
The water at La Perouse Bay was pleasantly warm compared with our home ocean, but after a second half-hour in the sea I started to feel chilled and returned to the boat early. My partner stayed in longer and had a memorable close encounter with a turtle that swam near enough to touch — but of course he didn’t, since touching wildlife is prohibited.
The sky that day had a visible layer of vog, which softened the sunlight and gave the horizon a hazy look. While vog can affect visibility on the island, it also thankfully kept the sea calmer for our boat ride.
An early-morning snorkel leaves the afternoon free to explore Maui’s beaches
Because our snorkel excursion started very early, we still had much of the afternoon and evening to discover other parts of Maui. We drove north from our base at Papakea Resort and explored several bays and beaches along the coast.
Kapalua Bay impressed us with its turquoise water and sheltered crescent beach. Nearby Napili Bay offered a more intimate shoreline and a chance to stroll along the path and watch local life unfold. At one beach we came upon a small vow-renewal ceremony: a man in formal attire played ukulele, blew a conch shell, and led a short service. Later we spoke with a woman waiting nearby who told us it was a family renewal; the scene felt both spontaneous and deeply local.
Further along the coast we watched waves hit rocky points, a dramatic reminder of the island’s volcanic origins. The wild surf and wind-sculpted coastline made for striking photographs and a peaceful evening walk.
After a relaxed evening of beach-hopping, we filled the rental car with gas and returned to the resort. The next morning we had an early flight to Oahu, so we were careful to get a good night’s rest.
More posts from our Hawaii trip
- The First Glimpse – Flying into Kahului
- Visiting Upcountry Maui
- Exploring Big Beach
- Kaanapali Beach and Sampling Hula Pie
- Day Trip to Honolulu and Waikiki Beach
- The Road to Hana
- Tips for Traveling to Hawaii and a Highlight Reel