Molokini Maui

Molokini Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Marine Life, History and More!

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History of Molokini

Molokini history has been lively for several centuries!

Molokini history involving humans began with the arrival of the first Polynesians around 500 BC.  For Hawaiians, Molokini was a part of life. For Europeans, the islet was uncharted until French explorer Jean-Francsoise de Galoup recorded it in 1786. Captain Cook’s crew, who left the islands in 1779 after their captain’s death, never mentioned Molokini. Perhaps they had plenty of other tales to tell of their misadventure.

In 1883, King Kalakaua hired two U.S. engineers, E.D. Baldwin and Arthur C. Alexander, to survey Molokini. The Alexander & Baldwin company is now well known and well established in the islands. In 1911, a navigation light was installed on Molokini.

Molokini Crater navigation light
Molokini Crater navigation light circled above.

During World War II, the navigation light was extinguished for security.  Then, Molokini was bombed by the U.S. Navy for target practice around the same time as nearby Kaho’olawe and other small islets.

After the war, a wooden lighthouse was built – the third in Molokini history.  This structure lasted 42 years until it was destroyed by a storm. Nowadays, a solar powered stainless steel light tower marks the islet, and is serviced via helicopter by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The damage caused to the island by the U.S. Navy is still evident, years after the war has ended. The inner slopes of Molokini show impact craters and twisted metal, while the outer cliffs have bullets deep within their rock. Unexploded underwater ordnance became a concern of the Navy.  In an attempt to trigger the unexploded shells that remained, two bombs were detonated in the bay of Molokini in 1975.  These detonations destroyed a large portion of the coral reef, and the effects of this can be seen when snorkeling today.

The Navy announced their plans for future detonation projects in 1984, and divers literally took things into their own hands by pulling a handful of bombs into deeper water.  In addition to keeping the bombs away from snorkelers and scuba divers, this helped to protect the reef. The Navy continued to detonate bombs within the diving area, but years later agreed to tow the bombs into deeper water before detonating them. Some bombs do remain at Molokini and can be seen by the discerning eye.

Molokini History - target practice by Navy
Molokini History – target practice by the U.S. Navy during WWII

In 1977, the State of Hawai’i created the Molokini Shoal Marine Life Conservation District. This placed limits on fishing, anchoring, and the removal of native species. Molokini’s beautiful black coral was overharvested from the 1950s until 1977.  Currently, trolling and removal of native species are only permitted from the crater’s outer rim to 100 yards out.  In the crater’s gorgeous inner reef, however, the activities allowed are snorkeling, scuba, and snuba!

The reef is now monitored by the Hawai’i Institute of Marine Biology, the University of Hawai’i Marine Options Program, and the Division of Aquatic Resources.7 The reef deserves to be protected, but not only for its beauty.  It is also home to an abundant diversity of marine life, and hosts up to 250 species of fish, 38 species of hard coral, and 100 species of algae.

Moray Eal in Molokini Maui on a colorful reef
Reef and marine life protected by divers who pulled unexploded bombs into deeper water before detonation.

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Snorkel Gear Rentals

Snorkel Gear Rentals

Deluxe Maui Snorkel Rentals Set Includes 1 Top Quality Silicone Mask This premium silicone mask features a 100% silicone skirt with tempered glass lenses. The … Rent your snorkel gear. Click here.

Maui Activities

Maui Activities

Maui activities are - plain and simple - endless fun! In addition to a visit to Molokini, you will find a variety of fantastic Maui activities. Whether you like flying through the air, hiking rugged trails, biking down … Read More

Molokini Snorkeling Aboard The Malolo!

Molokini Snorkeling Aboard The Malolo!

Most Molokini snorkeling tours include a stop at Turtle Town. Join us on our awesome Molokini and Turtle Town snorkeling adventure aboard Malolo. Malolo is a 55 foot comfortable, stable catamaran. She is equipped … Read More

Molokini Fish

Molokini Fish

MOLOKINI FISH Moorish Idol (Kihikihi) The popular and striking kihikihi is marked by its contrast of black and bright yellow bands. These speedy swimmers love the coral reef of Molokini and can be found alone or in … Read More

Turtle Town

Turtle Town

Turtle Town is an amazing snorkeling destination off the south coast of Maui. Here, sea turtles spend time resting, feeding, and gliding through turquoise waters. You are almost guaranteed to see at … Read More

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