Molokini Maui

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Eels found in the waters around Molokini

The eels at Molokini are so cool!  Each one is unique.

Molokini-eels
Seen above is the yellowmargin moray eel.

Because they spend a lot of time in reef dens, eels can be hard to find when you are out snorkeling Molokini Crater.  The moment you do see one, though, you’ll know the search was worth it!  Brush up on your eel knowledge now, so you’ll know which type you’re seeing when you see it.

Henshaw Eel

The Henshaw eel is practically invisible. In the daytime, only the tip of its nose sticks out of the sand. At night, it lets its whole neck and head protrude. The Henshaw eel attacks its prey with its sharp teeth, dragging prey under the sand, and swallowing them whole. Henshaw males reach a maximum length of 40 inches. These eels were named after Henry W. Henshaw, an ornithologist.

Conger Eel

The spotted conger eel looks almost like it has leopard spots. Until 1989, only 5 conger eels were ever recorded throughout the world – two in Hawai’i, one in Indonesia, one in Madagascar, and another in Tahiti. They withdraw into the sand at the sight of predators, and swim in the open at night seeking their prey, which are small fish. Because this eels is nocturnal, it is very rare to see one during the day. In Japan, conger eel is on the menu at sushi restaurants.

Yellow-Spotted Snake Eel

These eels push their heads above the sand and pump water across their gills, but then retreat beneath the sand when threatened, digging backwards. Yellow-spotted snake eels are found in depths of 4 to 24 meters on Molokini as well as the main Hawaiian islands, Midway Island, and the French Frigate Shoals.

Yellowmargin Moray (Puhi Paka)

During the day, the puhi paka poke their heads out of the Molokini coral, but during the night they swim across the reef, searching for dinner. One of the most territorial eels, these moray can even be seen with battle cuts. Although they are known to be threatening to divers, in fact they will only display aggressive behavior when provoked. To breathe, morays open and close their mouths, pushing water through their gills.

Snowflake Moray (Puhi Kapa)

One of the few eels that can be spotted during the day, the snowflake moray eel is colorfully spotted and has a long, thin body. It preys upon crabs and fish. In addition to Molokini and the main Hawaiian islands, snowflake morays can be found in the Red Sea, Costa Rica, Micronesia, California, Mexico, and Columbia.

Garden Eel

The big eyes of garden eels help them see their food, which is tiny plankton. If threatened, the garden eels burrow themselves back into the sand. Garden eels can be spotted on Molokini, as well as the Caribbean, Atlantic, Indo-Pacific, and East Pacific. Living in groups, they appear as a bed of sea plants, which is how they get their name.

Zebra Moray

The zebra moray use their little teeth to crush their prey. They feed on crustaceans, sea urchins, and mollusks. Some favorite foods are snails and crabs. Zebra moray get their name from their band of dark and white stripes. They can be found in the Indo-Pacific, Red Sea, and the Galapagos, apart from Molokini and the main Hawaiian islands.

Dwarf Moray

Unlike the zebra moray which eat sea urchins, the pencil-sized dwarf moray hang out with sea urchins for their protection. One of the smaller eels, the dwarf gets up to 26 cm in length, and is a carnivorous species.

Okinawan Moray

The Okinawan moray eels can wiggle into the smallest of crevices because, unlike most other morays, they lack a prominent dorsal fin. These morays are carnivorous, eating crustaceans, octopus, squid, and tiny fish.

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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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