Hawai'i Coral Reef Network

Marine Protected Areas in Hawai'i

Molokini, Hawai'i

200 acres, Established 1977

 

Molokini is a crescent shaped islet located in the 'Alalakeiki Channel about 3 miles off Maui's southwestern coast. Access is by boat only, and charter boats operate out of Lahaina, Ma'alaea Harbor and Kihei. Molokini is the southern rim of an extinct volcanic crater. The shallow inner cove is the crater's submerged floor. Black coral was once found in abundance in the deeper waters around Molokini, but was harvested extensively. Harvesting is now restricted, and small colonies can be found on the islet's back wall.

There is no sand beach on Molokini. The cove area slopes off from the shoreline to a depth of about 100 feet before dropping off. The bottom consists of sand patches, coral and basaltic boulders. A shallow reef in less than thirty feet of water extends from the shoreline northward at the islet's northwestern point. The diversity of fishes and other marine life within the MLCD is among the most impressive in the state. Even humpback whales have been known to enter the cove.

The back (southern) side of the islet has a steep face that drops off to depths of over 200 feet. Small patches of coral are scattered across the wall. Crevices and outcroppings harbor large populations of fishes.

The Molokini shoal marine life conservation district shall include subzones A and B of that portion of the submerged lands and overlying waters surrounding Molokini islet, county of Maui, as follows:

(1) Subzone A is defined as that portion of submerged lands and overlying waters within the crater, beginning at a point at the highwater mark of Lalilali Point, then along the highwater mark of the northern shoreline eastward until Pahee O Lono Point, then west along a straight line to the end of the submerged ridge (shoal) extending from Lalilali Point, then along the top of the shoal back to the point of beginning; and (2) Subzone 3 is defined as that portion of submerged lands and overlying waters outside the crater, encircling the islet out to 100 yards, seaward of the point of beginning at the highwater mark of Lalilali Point then eastward along the highwater mark of the southern shoreline of the islet to Pahee O Lono Point, then west along a straight line from Pahee O Lono Point to the end of the shoal extending from Lalilali Point, then along the top of the shoal back to the point of beginning. 

 

Safety considerations

Currents can always be a problem outside of the cove, and may get stronger inside during the afternoon when winds pick up. When diving the back wall be sure to keep an eye on your depth gauge.

Facilities

None.

Molokini islet is a state seabird sanctuary, and entry onto the island is prohibited.

Allowed activities

A person may (l) Fish for, catch, take, possess, or remove any finfish by trolling in subzone B only; (2) Possess in the water, any knife and any shark billy, bang stick, powerhead, or carbon dioxide (C02) injector for the sole purpose of personal safety. 

Prohibited activities

No person shall engage in the following activities in the Molokini shoal marine life conservation district: (1) Fish for, catch, take, injure, kill, possess, or remove any finfish, crustacean, mollusk including sea shell and opihi, live coral, algae or limu, or other marine life, or eggs thereof; (2) Have or possess in the water, any spear, trap net, crowbar, or any other device that may be used for the taking or altering of marine life, geological feature, or specimen; (3) Take, alter, deface, destroy, possess, or remove any sand coral, rock, or other geological feature, or specimen; (4) Feed or deliberately introduce any food material, substance, or attractant, directly to or in the vicinity of any aquatic organism, by any means for any purpose; (5) Moor boats for commercial activities; or (6) Anchor a boat when a day use mooring system and management plan is established by the Division of Aquatic Resources.  

See the Administrative Rules for exceptions and required permits for prohibited activities.

 

See also: Administrative Rules
 


Last update: 6/12/2002