Molokini Volcanic Crater is a Geographical Wonder
The coral reef in the submerged crater supports native species.
Within the cove of Molokini Crater is the submerged floor of the volcano's crater. This inner cove area provides protection from the open ocean so beginning snorkelers can easily enjoy the crystal clear waters and abundance of marine life.
The unique crescent shape of Molokini crater creates a natural barrier that provides protection from waves and open ocean currents. A multitude of marine species thrive on the coral reef at Molokini including many species that are not commonly seen at the nearshore diving spots.
The deeper ocean around Molokini Crater once supported an abundance of black coral but this is no longer the case due to extensive harvesting of the species in the 1950s. The taking of marine life at Molokini is no longer allowed.
Molokini Crater does not have any sand beach. Instead the edges of the cove slope downward to a depth of about 100 feet where the rock then drops off sharply.
At the bottom of Molokini Crater are patches of sand and coral as well as boulders of basalt, a type of rock that is formed by volcanic activity. From the northwestern shoreline of Molokini and extending northward is a relatively shallow coral reef with a depth of about 30 feet.
On the south side of Molokini Islet is a steep rock face that descends to more than 200 feet below sea level. Black coral grows in small colonies along this rock wall, and there are also outcroppings of rock as well as crevices in the wall where a variety of fish and other marine life may be seen.
