Molokini Crater and Turtle Town Snorkeling
Fish and clear water at the crater, then turtles along the south-Maui coast.
Plan a Maui Cruise With MolokiniThe Classic Two-Stop Morning
Most visitors book Molokini crater and Turtle Town snorkeling as a single trip. The boat heads to the crater first, while the water is calmest, then moves to a reef along the south-Maui coast where green sea turtles are often seen resting on the bottom or rising slowly to breathe.
The two stops are very different. Molokini is about clarity and fish: a bright, open reef with an enormous variety of species. The coastal stop is about turtles and lava rock: darker reef, arches and ledges, and the honu (green sea turtles) that use the area as a cleaning station, where small fish pick algae from their shells. Doing both in one morning gives you the best of south Maui’s underwater life.
Meeting Honu the Right Way
Green sea turtles in Hawaii are protected under the Endangered Species Act and state law. The NOAA marine life viewing guidelines ask visitors to:
- Stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) away, in the water and on the beach
- Never touch, chase, ride or feed a turtle
- Leave a clear path to the surface; a turtle that cannot reach air is in danger
- Limit your time near any one animal and move on quietly
Crews brief guests before the stop. Float flat at the surface and let the turtle go about its business; that is when you get the best view.
What Else You May See
Reef fish
Yellow tangs, Moorish idols, several butterflyfish species, wrasses and the reef triggerfish that is Hawaiʻi’s state fish.
Eels and octopus
Morays often watch from crevices. Octopus are masters of camouflage, so a sharp-eyed guide helps.
Spinner dolphins
Sometimes seen from the boat. Federal rules keep swimmers and vessels at least 50 yards away.
Humpback whales
In winter, humpbacks are common in Maui’s channels, and boats must stay at least 100 yards away.
For dedicated wildlife and whale-watching voyages around the world, see our sister site Natural Cruises.
Turtle Town Questions
Where is Turtle Town?
“Turtle Town” is a nickname used by boat crews for reef areas along the Makena coast of south Maui where green sea turtles gather to rest and be cleaned by reef fish. It is not a single marked site, and crews choose the spot by conditions.
Am I guaranteed to see turtles?
No one can promise wildlife, but green sea turtles are seen on most south-Maui reef stops.
How close can I get to a sea turtle?
NOAA’s Hawaiʻi guidance is to stay at least 10 feet away, never touch, chase or ride a turtle, and never block its path to the surface. Green sea turtles are protected under the Endangered Species Act.
Add a Turtle Morning to Your Hawaii Cruise
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise can find Hawaii cruises with time on Maui for a two-stop snorkel. Free quotes, no obligation.
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