Animal Life around Molokini Crater

Join us in discovering the amazing fish of Molokini Crater! You’ll spot familiar faces and maybe even some surprises. Remember, it’s a bird sanctuary and marine conservation area!

Fins, Flappers, and Whales, oh my!

Molokini Marine Life Conservation District

Hey there! So, back in 1977, Molokini got a makeover and became a Marine Life Conservation District, which means all the awesome marine life—like the reef, fish, and birds—are totally protected from fishing and other harmful stuff. Now, there’s been some chatter about eco-tourism here because of the snorkeling and diving activities. To keep things chill and protect the reef, they’ve set up specific moorings for tour boats, limiting the number of vessels allowed in.

want to know more about the cool fish you’ll see in Maui?

State Bird Sanctuary

Molokini is federally owned and protected as a Hawaii State Seabird Sanctuary. On and within the rocky terrain of the island atoll, you can find nesting seabirds.

The Wedge-Tailed Shearwater is a large shearwater with thin beak primarily feeding on fish (mainly Goatfish) as well as crustaceans. Though thought to primarily feed on the surface, recent studies show that they can reach a depth of 216 ft (66m).

The Bulwer’s Petrel is a small petrel with a rather long wingspan and pointed tail. It feeds off of planktonic creatures on the ocean surface. They’re found to breed on north Pacific islands, China & Hawaii, after which the Bulwer spends most of the year at sea.

Learn More about the Birds of Maui

Pacific Humpback Whales

Humpback whales typically do not enter the shallow waters of Molokini Crater, but they are plentiful around Molokini during whale season. Each year, Humpbacks migrate from the Pacific Northwest to Hawaii, particularly Maui, to mate and give birth. The warm, shallow waters between Maui, Molokini, Kahoʻolawe, Lanaʻi, and Molokai provide a safe haven after their long journey. Male Humpbacks exhibit various surface behaviors to attract females and compete with other males. They also produce complex songs that can be heard by other whales over long distances. If you go snorkeling or scuba diving during the season, you will likely hear their songs.

What you might see

REEF SHARKS

White Tipped Reef Sharks are harmless to humans if unprovoked.

REEF SHARKS

White Tipped Reef Sharks are harmless to humans if unprovoked.

REEF SHARKS

White Tipped Reef Sharks are harmless to humans if unprovoked.

REEF SHARKS

White Tipped Reef Sharks are harmless to humans if unprovoked.

Common Fish at Molokini Crater