Molokini Island - Coral Reefs Attractions

This horseshoe-shaped islet lies to the south of Maui's west coast off the village of Makena. Molokini stands 148ft/45m above sea-level and consists of the remains of a crater, the larger part of which has sunk beneath the sea.

The rich fishing to be had in its sheltered bay has caused the island, lying between Maui and Kahoolawe, to be declared a protected marine area. As its clear blue waters are always calm, Molokini is particularly suitable for beginners to snorkeling. Boats sail every morning from Maalaea and Lahaina to Molokini. According to Hawaiian legend, Lohiau, the lover of whom the fire goddess Pele dreamed, married a noble Hawaiian woman. In anger, Pele cut their bodies up into pieces. Their torsos became Puu Olai ("earthquake hill"), a hill near Makena, and their heads became Molokini.