Molokini Maui

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Sharks found in the waters near Molokini

Molokini sharks
Whale sharks eat plankton and are the largest sharks in the ocean!

Sharks are some of the coolest animals you’ll find underwater.

If you’re going to snorkel at Molokini Crater, it’s great to know something about the sharks who live there.  Read below to learn more about these important marine animals.

Whitetip Reef Shark (Mano-lala-kea)

Whitetip reef sharks are small and thin (up to approximately 5 feet in length), and are the most common shark you’ll find. During the day, they rest in caves, though they can sometimes be seen out and about. Other sharks must constantly move in order to breathe, but whitetips pump water over their gills and rest in place. At night they feed along Molokini’s reef. This is a safe place for juvenile sharks who may be too small to swim out in the depths alone. Adults are typically found along the bottom.

They like to eat octopus, crustaceans, and fish. Whitetip reef sharks give birth in spring and summer, and mate in the summer and the fall. They are not aggressive toward humans, but they are curious. They will also steal a fisherman’s catch in a heartbeat.

Grey Reef Shark

Although most grey reef sharks live in deeper water, some can be found at Molokini. The grey reef sharks must constantly swim in order to breathe. Greys are larger than whitetips and mate in groups. Grey reef sharks can be found in South Africa, Easter Island, and the Indo-Pacific. They like to hang out near reef ledges, looking for cephalopods and fish. Most have a specific area they habitually return to. During the day, they like to socialize in groups near the drop-off; at night they span out individually to hunt. Grey reef sharks were the first species of shark found to demonstrate a threat display, in which sharks indicate that they are about to attack by hunching their posture and swimming side to side dramatically. They only do this with humans if divers are harassing them, following them, or cornering them (which can happen if a diver enters a shark’s cave and accidentally corners the shark).

Whale Shark

Whale sharks are frequent visitors to Molokini. Reaching a maximum length of 41.5 feet and a weight of 21.5 tons, whale sharks were named for their size as well as the fact that they are filter feeders who swim on the surface. Whale sharks were first described in Cape Town, South Africa in 1828 by Andrew Smith, a military doctor. They evolved 60 million years ago. Whale sharks are the largest non-cetaceans, and the largest vertebrates, on Earth.

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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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