Molokini Crater & Turtle Town Snorkeling Tour from Kihei

Summary

Snorkel Molokini’s clear waters then meet turtles near La Perouse Bay

You’ll start your Molokini Crater snorkeling tour from Kihei with warm cinnamon rolls before zipping across clear morning waters. Snorkel among vibrant fish at Molokini and swim alongside sea turtles at Turtle Town near La Perouse Bay. Alongside local guides, enjoy breakfast and lunch on board as you soak up Maui’s wild coastline—leaving you with memories that linger long after salt has dried from your skin.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing that hit me was the smell of cinnamon — seriously, before we even left the Kihei boat ramp. I grabbed a roll (still warm), and our guide Kimo grinned at my sticky fingers. The sun wasn’t up yet, but you could already feel that gentle Maui warmth on your skin. We climbed onto this fast raft — not what I expected, almost military-style but comfier than it looked — and zipped out over the water, wind whipping past. I’m not a morning person but being one of the first boats to Molokini Crater made it feel like we had the whole place to ourselves. The water was so clear it felt unreal; you could see fish darting below like little flashes of color on blue glass.

I hesitated before jumping in (it always looks colder than it is), but once you’re under, there’s this weird hush — just your breath and the sound of fins swishing. Kimo pointed out a moray eel tucked into coral, and someone else spotted a ray gliding by. At one point I just floated on my back, squinting up at the crater rim with sun starting to peek over. After breakfast and more gawking at fish (and yes, I lost track of time), we drifted around to the backside of Molokini. Fewer people come here — it felt quieter somehow, maybe because everyone was busy peering into the deep blue.

On the way to Turtle Town we hugged the coastline past black lava fields near La Perouse Bay — Kimo told us about the last eruption here (I probably should’ve paid better attention in school). Someone shouted when they saw spinner dolphins off starboard; everyone scrambled for their phones but honestly they’re too quick for photos. At Turtle Town I finally met a Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle up close — bigger than I expected and totally unbothered by us awkward snorkelers bobbing around. Lunch tasted extra good after all that swimming; nothing fancy, just wraps and chips, but sitting on deck with salty hair made it perfect somehow.

I still think about that moment floating above the reef with sunlight flickering through turquoise water — kind of quiet in my head for once. If you’re thinking about a day trip to Molokini Crater from Kihei, don’t overthink it. Just go early, bring sunscreen (trust me), and let yourself be surprised by how different everything feels out there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkel Molokini and Turtle Town

• Depart from Kihei Boat Ramp
• Speed to Molokini Crater
• Enjoy continental breakfast on boat
• Snorkel at Molokini Crater
• Relax on boat pontoons
• Snorkel backside of Molokini Crater
• View Maui coastline and lava flow
• Watch for spinner dolphins at La Perouse Bay
• Snorkel at Turtle Town with sea turtles
• Eat deli lunch on boat
• Return to Kihei Boat Ramp

Top questions

How long is the Molokini Crater snorkeling tour from Kihei?

The tour lasts about five hours from departure to return at Kihei Boat Ramp.

Is breakfast included on this day trip to Molokini Crater?

Yes, breakfast includes hot cinnamon rolls and fresh fruit served individually packaged onboard.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling equipment?

No, all snorkeling equipment is provided as part of your booking.

What age range can join this Molokini & Turtle Town tour?

The tour is recommended for ages 8-65; contact directly for exceptions outside this range.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

This tour isn’t suitable for pregnant travelers or those with back/neck injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Where does the boat depart from in Maui?

The boat leaves from Kihei Boat Ramp—arrive 30 minutes before departure time.

Will I see turtles during this snorkeling trip?

You’ll visit ‘Turtle Town,’ known for Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles; sightings are likely but not guaranteed.

Is lunch included on this snorkeling adventure?

Yes, a deli lunch with individually packaged wraps and chips is included after snorkeling at Turtle Town.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning check-in at Kihei Boat Ramp with hot cinnamon rolls and fruit for breakfast before heading out on an eco-friendly raft with your local guide. All snorkel gear is provided for exploring both Molokini Crater and Turtle Town reefs. After swimming alongside tropical fish and turtles, enjoy a deli lunch onboard before returning to shore—all you need is sunscreen and a towel.