Unprecedented Sea Life

Molokini is the crescent-shaped island just off Maui’s southern coast and can partially be seen from the west side as well. More specifically it is 23 acres in size with a diameter of about 0.4 miles, and is located about 2.5 miles west of Makena State Park (south side) and south of Maʻalaea Bay (west side). The partially submerged volcanic crater forms an islet (tiny island) located in Alalakeiki Channel between the islands of Maui and Kahoʻolawe.

Molokini is a marine sanctuary below water and a bird sanctuary above water, which means that it is completely protected under state law. No one is permitted access to the island itself; only those with research permits are permitted to go ashore. The incredibly crystal clear water is due to its location in the middle of the channel and the lack of any sand deposits around the islet. No matter the wind or wave conditions the visibility here is unparalleled.

There are a variety of snorkeling tours, so carefully select which tour you would most enjoy. Below are just a few of the options available.

Aqua Adventures

Aqua Adventures features a two location snorkel tour (normally Molokini for the first stop and Turtle Arches for the second) with a 7am check in daily at Maalaea Harbor slip #51. This is the boat harbor in Central Maui, located just behing the Maui Ocean Center Aquarium along Highway 30. Some Molokini boats hold upwards to 140 people. However, no such crowds on board Aqua Adventures while the vessel can hold 49, they limit the trip to just 36 guests per day.

The boat is fast too! Powered by twin 350HP motors, this vessel cruises at 22 knots which means you’ll be waving goodbye to other boats as you pass them on the way to Molokini crater.

Adults $94.95, Children (ages 3-12) $64.95, 2 & under free (plus 7.1667% tax and harbor fee). 

Pride of Maui

The Pride of Maui sails you out to Molokini in comfort, offering glass-bottom viewing, a fun water slide, continental breakfast, an excellent BBQ lunch, and a refreshing open bar. Thr vessel is spacious and stable; the sprawling upper deck features unobstructed panoramic viewing and outstanding photo opportunities of the majestic Maui coast and surrounding islands.

First stop is typically Molokini Crater, famous for its clear water and incredible array of undersea life. After snorkeling at Molokini, the boat makes a second stop at “Turtle Town” where you can swim with Hawaiian green sea turtles!

Adults $86.00, Children (ages 3-12) $57.00, 2 & under free (plus 7.1667% tax and harbor fee and $4 per seat fuel surcharge). 

Fourwinds Tour II

Four Winds II boasts a 55 foot glass bottom catamaran, uniquely referred to as “the boat for fun-lovers”. Onboard, you’ll discover why Maui’s visitors love this trip to Molokini and why we have become a local favorite too. With a crew that will work hard to meet your needs and providing you absolute fun, this trip is a family favorite. Breakfast, BBQ lunch, waterslide, glass bottom viewing, open bar, all snorkel gear and instruction.

The Fourwinds has one destination, Molokini…and they stay there for the entire morning! You won’t get to snorkel with sea turtles on this trip but you will get more time at Molokini than any other boat. The Fourwinds II AM Molokini Snorkel is offered daily and has a check-in at Maalaea Harbor slip#80 at 7:00am; the tour is five hours long from 7:30am to 12:30pm.

Adults $88.00, Children (ages 3-12) $58.00, 2 & under free (plus 7.1667% tax and harbor fee and $5 per seat fuel surcharge). 

South Maui Real Estate

Listed by the Sayles Team: 2439 Hihimanu Street 

Hokulani Golf Villas Model 110 is a three bedroom, den and two and a half bath home. The elegant mater suite and den are located on the main level while the two additional bedrooms, loft and lanai are located on the upper level. Listed for $1,072,000. 

12 foot ceilings enhance the great room and dining area with easy access to the covered mail floor lanai. The kitchen features a huge center island for dining and entertaining.

Neatly Designed: Unit 81-1

Unit 81-1 recently came on the market at $3,285,000. This Hibiscus Floor Plan is uniquely situated on slopes directly above the community pool.  Fully furnished with established owner-inspired rental activity.

Ho’olei offers exceptional value and amenities, and unit 81-1 is uniquely situated to offer all the best. Poised above the lush tropical pool and recreation area, the landscaping. lighting and tumbling waterfalls combine to create a peerless ambiance. Unit 81-1 features the larger floorplan and a separate, private grand entrance.

The elevation provides a lovely ocean view, yet offers easy, strolling access to the pool, spas, workout facility and the beach fronting the Grand Wailea Resort. This is an ideal blend of elements for a perfect island resort experience. Elegant, spacious, turnkey.

Contact a Maui Real Estate and Lifestyle Specialist

We are now the exclusive listing brokers of the Hokulani Golf Villas. I encourage you to use this helpful link to keep track of all the Hokulani Golf Villas for sale; you can even sign up via email to receive automatic updates regarding price changes or additional units listed. Don’t delay seeing why this neighborhood offers one of the best values on Maui, please contact me for a private showing .

Ho’olei villas, we are also currently the in house “Sayles” team at Ho’olei Grand Wailea

Please interview me to be your trusted Maui Real Estate and Lifestyle Advisor. I was born and raised on the island, and spend a considerable amount of time to inform my clients about the best deals currently on the market. Please do not hesitate to call me for your Maui real estate needs. I am more than happy to assist you in your home search.

Aloha,