Conditions referenceSeason, water and visibilityBest Apr–Oct · Moderate current · 24–28°C (coldest Jan, warmest Aug)
- Current
- Moderate
- Water temperature
- 24–28°C (coldest Jan, warmest Aug)
- Visibility
- 15–35m: Molokini can exceed the normal coastal range, but wind, swell and plankton prevent a fixed visibility promise.
- Experience
- Molokini's sheltered interior and selected shore reefs can suit Open Water divers.
01 · Marine life
What you may see
Sightings are never guaranteed. The bars show typical likelihood by month.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | commonly seen |
| February | commonly seen |
| March | commonly seen |
| April | commonly seen |
| May | commonly seen |
| June | commonly seen |
| July | commonly seen |
| August | commonly seen |
| September | commonly seen |
| October | commonly seen |
| November | commonly seen |
| December | commonly seen |
Green turtles are resident on Maui reefs.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Eagle rays may pass Molokini and Lānaʻi walls throughout the year.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Nudibranchs occur on island reefs with no defensible seasonal calendar.
| Month | Likelihood |
|---|---|
| January | occasional |
| February | occasional |
| March | occasional |
| April | occasional |
| May | occasional |
| June | occasional |
| July | occasional |
| August | occasional |
| September | occasional |
| October | occasional |
| November | occasional |
| December | occasional |
Whitetip reef sharks may rest in Molokini's recesses and under ledges, without a supported monthly peak.
See all 8 species
02 · Dive sites
Dive sites worth knowing
A starting point, not a ranking. Conditions decide what works on the day.
First Cathedral, Lānaʻi
A large lava formation with multiple openings.
12–30m · Mild current
Second Cathedral, Lānaʻi
A second cavern-like lava structure often paired with First Cathedral.
12–28m · Moderate current
Molokini Back Wall
An exposed outer-wall dive with blue-water pickup.
18–40m · Strong current
See all 4 dive sites
03 · LogisticsGetting there and costsEasy. Fly to OGG. Typical trip $–$$.
Route overview
Easy
Day trips from a coastal base, about 0.5h from the airport, then a short boat.
Airport options
OGG
Kahului Airport
South Maui harbours are roughly 25–40 minutes by road; departure harbour varies by operator and trip
Typical trip cost
$–$$
under $2,000 to $2,000–4,000
Per person, excluding international flights.
- Two-tank local or Molokini trips are commonly about $180–260 USD.
- Lānaʻi trips often cost more and may require a minimum number of divers; equipment, tax and tips vary.