Travel tips

Many people are aware of the amazing snorkeling and diving opportunities to be found at Molokini Crater. Named one of the top ten dive locations in the world, the crater’s clear, warm waters offer a safe haven for underwater exploration.

Many people do not realize, though, just how abundant the sea life is, or what a tremendous variety of underwater life can be found in and around the crater.

Humuhumunukunukuapu’a’a’

That mouthful of a name is the former state fish of Hawaii. Translated into English it means, “fish with a snout like a pig.” It is one of many species of fish that can be found while snorkeling or diving the waters of Molokini Crater.

Most people visit Molokini Crater to view the variety of tropical fish swimming in the crater’s waters. Most of the fish can be found in the shallow areas near the shoreline of the crater, making viewing accessible to the entire family.

Over 250 species of fish have been documented at Molokini Crater, and many of them can be found nowhere else in the world. Some of the vibrant fish you will see there include: Butterfly fish, parrot fish, damsel fish, surgeon fish, tang, wrasse, squirrel fish, soldier fish, perch, chub, trigger fish, goat fish, snapper, hawk fish, jacks, emperor fish, needle fish, and eels. And of course, the pig-snouted trigger fish.

Other Sea Life at Molokini

Fish and coral are not the only underwater wonders to be found at Molokini Crater. Many reef sharks call Molokini home, as well as Hawaiian monk seals and manta rays. You may even see the occasional whale shark.

Molokini Crater lies within the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary, a popular breeding and birthing location for the beautiful whales. Those who dive or snorkel the waters of Molokini Crater between the months of December and April may be lucky enough to view a majestic Humpback Whale as it glides past the crater. Sharing the waters with one of these gentle giant is truly an experience of a lifetime.

Molokini’s Interesting Land Mass

In addition to housing an abundance of sea life, the 23 acres that constitute Molokini’s landmass have been designated a Hawaii State Seabird Sanctuary. You can view the little Bulwer’s Petrol, or watch the graceful aerial acrobatics of the Great Frigatebird, among others.

Another interesting and little-known fact about Molokini Crater is that its land mass very closely resembles the surface of the moon. In fact, it matches it so closely, NASA used the crater to train the Apollo astronauts during the 1960’s.

A visit to Molokini Crater offers such a diverse array of opportunities, from up-close viewing of fish normally only found in an aquarium to swimming with friendly sharks and rays. Take advantage of winter with the chance to see a humpback whale, and view a piece of America’s space history. No matter which aspect of Molokini Crater interests you the most, you will walk away filled with wonder.

Author: Tyler Bliss

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