Molokini Crater: Discover A Vibrant Undersea World Hidden In A Sunken Volcano

From afar, Molokini Crater looks like just another one of Hawaii's 137 islands and archipelagos.

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But In Hawaii, some of the most spectacular wonders are hiding in plain sight -- Molokini Crater included.

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A crescent-shaped crag of land rising 160 feet off the west coast of Maui, Molokini Crater is brown and barren from above -- but an entire prismatic planet awaits beneath its rocky shores.

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Molokini Crater is a place unlike any other in the entire world.

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Beneath the stunning cerulean waters, a wondrous world awaits.

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You'll be charmed and transfixed by this hidden realm, which feels a bit like stepping into Oz from Kansas. Life that you never knew existed, in every color of the rainbow, is right there, just beneath the surface. All you have to do is jump in.

The only way to access Molokini Crater is by boat. All boats depart early in the morning, due to heavy trade winds in the afternoon. Be ready to get up early to experience the crater.

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Here, a site of spectacular beauty awaits explorers, thanks to a partially submerged crater and volcanic eruption that occurred 230,000 years ago.

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Today, Molokini is a marine preserve protected by the State of Hawaii; it is one of its most prized treasures and a place of great significance.

The crater itself is far from Maui’s busy beaches, and its sunken bowl protects wildlife from the open ocean, nestling over 250 varieties of fish, birds, and mammals, plus 38 varieties of coral.

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But Molokini Crater is more than just a beautiful nature preserve in Hawaii; it's a place of great cultural and spiritual significance, figuring heavily into island legends and spiritual beliefs. As such, it's important to treat the area with respect.

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Wearing reef-friendly sunscreen, making an effort to avoid any possible contact with marine animals, and choosing an eco-friendly tour operator are all ways to show respect for this sacred space and its people.

Hawaii is the ultimate nirvana for snorkeling enthusiasts, and there's no better spot to snorkel than Molokini Crater. Pristine water clarity, clean coastlines, and an incredibly diverse abundance of marine life make Molokini a standout spot.

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There are myriad options for snorkeling in Molokini Crater, and the adventures aren't just for experienced divers, either. In fact, many attractions offer accessible options perfect for families and beginners.

Calypso Molokini Snorkeling Adventure's window boards allow young explorers the opportunity to see the reef and wildlife below the water, in a safe and enjoyable way above water.

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The shallow, calm waters of Molokini Crater make snorkeling absolutely perfect for first-timers.

In the early morning, the visibility is amazing; and, on a good day, you can see up to 150 feet deep.

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Adventures of all ages will delight as pods of spinner dolphins dance below the waters.

And older kids can try "snuba," a cross between snorkeling and scuba diving that allows beginners to stay underwater longer and not miss any of the action.

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Tours generally about 45 minutes of snorkeling at Molokini Crater, and another 30-45 minutes of snorkeling at a spot known for sea turtles.

Seeing Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles ("honu") is a staple of any Hawaii-based bucket list -- and you're bound to see some while exploring the crystal-clear waters of Maui.

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The only indigenous reptile found in Hawaii, these charming creatures symbolize wisdom and good luck.

If you're looking to take your excursion to the next level, the Lani Kai is a snorkeling boat that feels more like a private yacht.

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The 59-passenger catamaran features an expansive and shaded cabin, epic water slide, spa-like showers, and bathrooms, and feels like a vacation by itself.

If you're lucky, you may get to see one of the most spectacular sights of all: a North Pacific Humpback Whale.

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During the winter months (December-April), the shores of Maui house the world's densest humpback whale population. Every year, over 10,000 humpbacks migrate to the warm waters of Maui, to dazzle and delight visitors with their aerial acrobatics.

While Molokini Crater is most known for snorkeling, we'd be remiss not to mention other notable attractions in the area, like Iao Valley State Park.

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One of the most incredible places in the world, this West Maui Mountains park is a real-life Garden of Eden. Its dense rainforest canopy and gorgeous geographical features make this park an absolute must. The park's most notable landmark is the Iao Needle, a 1,200-foot, vegetation-covered lava remnant that soars from the valley floor to a higher height than the Eiffel Tower.

Those with an insatiable appetite for adventure will enjoy taking in Maui's scenic views from a zipline.

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Maui Zipline Company has five zipline courses ranging from 300-900 feet in length, where guests as young as five can experience the thrill of flying above Hawaii's lush canopies.

Of course, if you're searching for a way to truly take in everything -- the crater, the beaches, the waters, the wildlife -- your best bet is to head to the skies.

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Air tours of Hawaii are an absolute bucket-list must: these excursions offer the most jaw-dropping panoramas of The Paradise of the Pacific.

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Choose from a variety of airplane and helicopter tours available on the island, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that's truly priceless.