Molokaʻi Hawaii’s Secret Scuba and Snorkeling Destination

Molokaʻi have you ever heard of it? It is Hawaii’s secret scuba and snorkeling destination. The Most Hawaiian Island is often called “The Friendly Island” because the aloha spirit flourishes here. Home of the Hula dance. It’s the fifth-largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago; 260 square miles (420 sq km) in area, 38 miles (61km) long, and 10 miles (16km) wide at its widest point. Still, most tourists, scuba divers, and snorkelers never heard of it.

The view from the head of Waikolu Valley looking towards the Kalaupapa Peninsula.NPS / Hailey Shchepanik Public domain:

The population is estimated at 8,000 residents, half of whom live in or near the principal town of Kaunakakai. Nearly 60% are of Hawaiian descent, thus the nickname, “The Most Hawaiian Island.” The average statewide is only around 21%. People of Filipino descent represent about 28% of the island’s population. In the early 1900s, both Hawaii and the Philippines were American Territories. Many Filipinos migrated to Hawaii to work in the pineapple fields and other agricultural jobs.

 Why do we say, "It is Hawaii’s secret scuba and snorkeling destination”? Because the people of the island hold traditional Hawaiian culture sacred. Tourism is accepted and embraced, but not at the expense of losing their identity. Unlike the more well-known islands, tourism is not a major industry. Only one hotel is available on the island, with most accommodations being condos. Camping is also available. There are no high-rise buildings, palm trees soar above the local buildings. To get around you may need to rent a car, taxis are available but are limited. There is no public transportation. If you are looking for lively nightlife, sorry wrong destination. However, if you want a destination that embraces nature and culture, this is the place for you—Molokaʻi Hawaii’s Secret Scuba and Snorkeling Destination.

Molokaʻi Hawaii’s Secret Scuba and Snorkeling Destination

So why would you want to visit here? First is that it gives you real exposure to Hawaiian culture. Real culture, not the tourist version. The shoreline features the largest fringing reef in Hawaii.  There are over 40 dive sites for scuba diving, from sites suitable for open-water training to very advanced dive sites for only highly experienced divers. Only one dive operator with three dive vessels. The quality of the dive sites is such that dive operators on Oahu and Maui have special trips to the island's dive sites. Mokuho’oniki, also known as the “Rock” is a small islet just off the coast of Molokaʻi which has 6 dive sites, is often a premium destination for divers from Oahu and Maui. Diving with large schools of hammerhead sharks can be found here in season, other sharks and large pelagic are found year-round. It features some of the most pristine reefs in the world. Molokai’s North slope is home to the highest sea cliffs in the world 3,600 to 3,900 feet from the top to the sea. The cliffs continue underwater to beyond diving limits. Diving here is limited to advanced divers and not always available. When it is you will find pristine wall diving.

Snorkelers and beach lovers, this is your destination if you do not like crowds. The south coast has many places that you can walk from the beach and snorkel, some sections of the beach are better suited for surfing. As far as enjoying the sun and sand, Molokaʻi has the longest beach in Hawaii and many others as well.

Scuba Diving Molokaʻi

Among divers that do know about diving here, Molokaʻi has a reputation as a destination for advanced dives. That reputation is well deserved; however, it is only a small part of what is available. Most divers who dive around the island of Molokaʻi are diving from Oahu or Maui. Given the distance these dive trips require, they are geared towards the special advanced dive sites. Most recreational divers would be satisfied with the outstanding dive sites around Oahu and Maui and not be interested in the longer trip.  Mokuho’oniki is well worth the hours getting to the site for advanced divers, and most operators are targeting divers with deep and drift dives as well as over 50 dives. These dive sites offer pelagic, such as the hammerheads, and pristine corals. There are some sites suitable for novice divers and even snorkelers, but the distant dive operators do not normally focus on them. The local dive operator provides dives for both advanced and novice divers.

Molokai’s North slope, also known as the backside, is also an advanced destination. These sites are seldom dived.

The South Shore is the real secret. A fringing reef protects the south shore of the island. The fringing reef protects over 30 miles of shoreline, mostly white sand beaches. Unlike a barrier reef which is often miles offshore with a sandy lagoon between it and the shore, a fringing reef is shallow and close to the land. Divers will find around 40 dive sites on this reef. The reef is considered one of the most pristine in the world. Considering that there are no major industries on the island to pollute the waters, lightly populated in comparison to the land mass, heavily forested and the local peoples are in tune with nature means man’s impact on the reef is minor.  The healthy reefs are the home of Spotted Eagle Rays, Manta Rays, Green Sea Turtles, sharks, and dolphins. Among the 250 varieties of reef fish, you will find Hawaiian Butterflyfish, Parrotfish, Wrasses, Surgeon fish, and Triggerfish. Both in the water and onshore, you will likely see the endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals.

Best Snorkeling Beaches

Most accommodations are within walking distance of a beach on the south coast, so you do not need to go far for great snorkeling. Here are a few suggestions for you to try.

•   Kaunakakai Wharf: Located in the center of the main town, not only is it the easiest to get to, it also offers amazing snorkeling. You can snorkel from the pier in shallow water over a sandy bottom and experience an amazing range of marine life. Moving away from the pier in either direction parallel to the shore will give you an even broader range of marine life. Afternoon swims are best if you want to photograph what you see underwater.

• Halawa Bay: A state park with 2 separate beaches is located on the east end of the island at the Halawa Valley. The fringing reef is just a short distance from shore and offers outstanding snorkeling. The reef at this point is very wide and tour operators also offer boat trips to the outer reaches of the reef in the bay.

• Papohaku Beach Park: This 3-mile-long golden sand beach is one of the longest and most beautiful in Hawaii. Along the whole beach is great snorkeling. Many consider the far north rocky point the best place to snorkel.

The snorkeling here is outstanding, so it will be extremely likely that you will want to do it frequently during your visit. Rental equipment for snorkeling is not convenient to find and the price of multiple rentals can rapidly increase. It will be best to bring your snorkeling gear with you. A mask, snorkel, and set of fins are all you need. Check out the mask sets that include a mask and snorkel. The mask sets give you a choice between mask types and snorkel types. If you are a beginner, you may want to consider the single-lens mask with a dry snorkel. Many beginners are more comfortable with a single-lens mask, and the dry snorkel is easier to use. Divers and those with more experience snorkeling may prefer a double lens mask and wet snorkel.

To protect your iPhone while on the beach and snorkeling, look at the ProShot Dive Case & Dive Light & Red Filter 3 Pack. Not only will this set help protect your phone, but the dive light and filters will help improve your underwater images.

Tourism

As mentioned, this is not a tourist-focused destination. Which means you are more likely to be welcomed into the daily life of the locals. The few restaurants will have more locals than tourists, Shopping in the grocery stores is the same ones they use. Everyone seems to know everyone else. If you ask about doing something, the person you ask will likely know someone who can help you. It will be a relaxing vacation.

If you are the outdoors type, this is a great destination. Many culturally significant sites on the island can only be reached by hiking. If you enjoy kayaking or paddleboarding, this is also a perfect place for you. There is even a yearly paddleboard festival.

The island is said to be the home of the Hulu dance. Legend has it that the dance was passed down for generations and only within families. However, one young girl left the island for another one and taught the dance to outsiders.  With the secret out, you can see traditional dances and maybe learn it yourself.

Kalaupapa National Historical Park is a site that was once a settlement to isolate people with Hansen's disease, more commonly known as leprosy. A few descendants of people sent here still live in the area. Access is strictly controlled and permits must be obtained before arrival.

Getting Here and Other Key Facts.

Molokaʻi is 25 miles (40km) southeast of Oahu and a 25-minute flight from Maui. From the eastern end of the island, it’s only 8 miles (13km) across the Pailolo Channel to Maui.

While close to other islands, there is no longer any ferry service.  Visitors and residents must travel by air. Kaunakakai Molokaʻi Airport (MKK) has flights to three airports. The Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) is the largest Airport in the State of Hawaii and is located in Honolulu on the island of O’ahu. Kahului Airport (OGG) is the primary airport on the island of Maui. Both of these airports have multiple flights daily to MKK. The Kaunakakai Molokai Airport also has a few flights to Kalaupapa Airport (LUP)which is also located in Molokaʻi. Kalaupapa Airport (LUP) can also be reached from Honolulu. However, this airport serves the National Park and you must have an approved pass to book your flights.

Molokaʻi is a year-round destination with temperatures averaging about 75°F and rarely going 6 or 7 degrees above or below. In winter (Dec. through Mar.), there will be slightly more rain, and nighttime temperatures could fall to the lower 60s.

Many of the beaches are great for surfing in the winter and should be avoided for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. In the other seasons, they are great for these activities.

The rest of the year may see temperatures reach up to 85°F which is cooled by the trade winds. Evenings should be in the mid-70s

Look here for some photographs from the island and local Molokaʻi information here