Experience One of the Best Drift Dives in Hawaii
Just off Maui’s sun-kissed leeward coast lies Molokini Crater, a crescent-shaped islet offering a world-renowned diving destination: the Molokini Back Wall. Located roughly 2.5 miles from Kihei, this volcanic formation rises from the ocean like a half-submerged sentinel. While the inside of the crater is famous for snorkeling, the back side of Molokini is reserved for advanced divers ready for a vertical adventure along one of the top ten dive sites in the world.
Unrivaled Visibility and Rich Marine Life
Thanks to its rocky structure and minimal sand, Molokini’s crystal-clear water offers visibility reaching up to 150 feet. Over 250 species of marine animals inhabit the area, from vibrant yellow tangs and Bluefin trevally to elusive whale sharks. Above the waterline, the crater is protected as a Hawaii State Seabird Sanctuary, home to wedge-tailed shearwaters and great frigatebirds. The clarity and biodiversity make the Molokini Crater back wall a bucket list dive for ocean lovers.
A Vertical Wall That Drops 350 Feet into the Pacific
The Molokini Back Wall dive site is a sheer underwater cliff that plunges 350 feet into the open ocean. This vertical wall is blanketed with life—slipper lobsters, eagle rays, moray eels, and even white-tip reef sharks are common sightings. Black coral forests harbor pipefish, shrimp, and long-nose hawkfish, while cauliflower and Elkhorn coral formations line the crevices. The drift diving experience offers a rare combination of both deepwater obscurity and jaw-dropping visibility.
Rare Marine Encounters and WWII History
The open-ocean-facing wall of Molokini occasionally welcomes manta rays, humpback whales, and spinner dolphins, especially in winter months. Divers may also spot machine gun shells and WWII bombing remnants from the islet’s use as a military target. These historical remnants contrast with the vibrant underwater life, creating a unique dive experience steeped in both natural and cultural significance.
Logistics: What to Expect on a Molokini Back Wall Tour
Most tours to the Molokini Crater backside depart early from Kihei Boat Ramp or Maalaea Harbor, with options like Kai Kanani offering beach entries at Maluaka. Tours typically last 3 to 5 hours, with some shorter options like the 2-hour Redline Rafting snorkel. Expect to pay between $130 and $250, including gear rental. Always check conditions—this site is exposed and best visited in calm early-morning waters.
Certified Divers Only: Safety and Skill Required
The Molokini back wall dive is for experienced, certified divers with strong buoyancy control. This is a live boat drift dive, meaning there’s no mooring line, so divers must descend and ascend independently while maintaining a 15-foot safety stop. Conditions can change quickly, and a surface marker buoy is essential for visibility and safety. Divers must also avoid high elevations post-dive due to Maui’s mountainous terrain.
A Dive into Ancient Legends and Marine Conservation
Beyond its natural wonders, Molokini carries spiritual and scientific significance. Hawaiian legend claims Molokini is the severed tail of a sacred lizard (moʻo), its head forming nearby Puʻu Ōlai. Meanwhile, scientific studies suggest the crater was once above sea level during the last ice age. Since 1977, the site has been protected as a Marine Life Conservation District, preserving its thriving ecosystems and ensuring future generations can witness the magic of the Molokini Crater Back Wall dive.
