Safety Considerations at Molokini Crater Dive Spots
Visitors to the popular diving and snorkeling area should observe proper precautions.
If you are planning on visiting Molokini Crater, one of the world's top ranked diving and snorkeling sites off Maui's south coast, there are some precautions that you should be aware of to ensure your own safety as well as to preserve the unique habitat of this protected natural area.
The first thing to be aware of regarding safety at Molokini is that the arc-shaped crater provides a relatively well-protected cove that is shielded from the waves and ocean currents, yet when the winds pick up, as they often do in the afternoon, currents may form within the crater walls. Mornings are usually calmer, and the fish also tend to be more active in the morning.
Beginners should remain well inside the crater's perimeter and avoid the area where the crater wall meets the open ocean as a particularly strong current may flow through this region and will tend to pull you toward the Back Wall.
Experienced scuba divers often drift dive the sheer back wall, which extends to about 300 feet deep, and allow themselves to be carried along by the currents. These divers need to use caution during these maneuvers and always keep an eye on their depth gauge.
At the Shark Ledges dive spot within Molokini Crater beware of currents pulling you toward the Back Wall. This will only occur if you linger too close to the outside of the crater.
The southwest region of the Back Wall is particularly known for its ocean surge which sometimes very quickly pushes divers down or up by more than ten feet as if they were on an elevator. Use extreme caution in this area.
Another thing to be aware of when visiting Molokini is that you should always book a reliable charter boat that knows how to follow all of the rules and provides you with the proper safety equipment and advice.
Never attempt to kayak on your own to Molokini as the ocean currents are stronger than they appear and you can easily be swept off course and may have a very difficult time getting back to shore. Because the whole area is a protected bird and marine reserve you are required to visit Molokini only through a registered tour company.
Make sure and apply plenty of sunscreen on any trip to Molokini. The Hawaiian sun is very strong, and protection is essential. Also consider bringing UV-protective clothing and a good hat. Also advised, for people particularly prone to sea sickness (motion sickness), obtain some motion sickness medication and then make sure and take it well before you depart on your ocean tour.
To ensure a safe and fun trip to Molokini, always listen closely to the advice provided by the boat operators and dive supervisors and follow their suggestions.
