Was Molokini a Volcano?

Molokini Crater lies along the southwest rift zone of Haleakala, or the East Maui Volcano. It sits three miles offshore of Maui’s Haleakala Crater. So, was Molokini a volcano? Geologists have long assumed that Molokini was a relatively young volcanic formation. More recent age measurements of lava fragments indicate that Molokini is, in fact, much older and was last active about 230,000 years ago. It is probably older than Haleakala itself.

Pride of Maui at Molokini Crater

Is Molokini really what remains of a volcano?

Molokini is a volcanic cone that rises about 500 feet from the submarine flank of Haleakala to a summit that is only 162 ft above sea level. In ancient times, Molokini’s peak may have been as high as 500 feet above sea level. Years of rain and wind have eroded the rim. Once the north rim “sank” below sea level, the ocean streamed into the crater. Over time, a coral reef formed inside the protective arms of the crater, creating a shelter from the strong winds and waves. As a result, the waters around Molokini are now designated as a Marine Life Conservation District, protecting 260 breeds of fish and 38 coral species.

So, the short answer is yes, Molokini is what remains of a volcano. These days it is an absolute necessity for any visitor to Maui who might be looking for some of the best diving on the planet. You can take a comfortable trip out there on the Pride of Maui, which will also give you the opportunity to go snorkeling or SNUBA diving.

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History of Molokini

The tiny, crescent-shaped islet of Molokini lies 3 miles offshore of Haleakalā volcano, East Maui. Molokini is a volcanic cone that rises about 500 ft from the submarine flank of Haleakalā to a summit only 162 ft above sea level. The cone is capped by a crater 1,770 feet in diameter, although the northern rim is below sea level, and the sea floods the crater.

It was active about 230,000 years ago—give or take 90,000 years—according to an age measured from lava fragments contained in the cone. While the neighboring Haleakalā volcano has erupted dozens of times since that date, this is generally believed to have been the initial event that formed the crater in which we snorkel today. Because this lava flow occurred underwater, it cooled very quickly, so much of it turned into volcanic glass. Volcanic glass breaks down into a dark yellow clay, which is why Molokini is shaded very differently from the reddish volcanic cinder cones you’ll find on land.

Wind and rain have eroded part of the exposed cone over the centuries to give it the crescent shape for which it is now known. Because of the sheltering “arms” created by nature, the islet has been a haven for sea life and corals for many centuries.

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Sea, Rain, and Wind Shape the Land

Long, long ago, Molokini was once part of Maui island. It’s believed that, with the melting of the ice caps at the end of the last ice age, sea levels around Molokini rose 400 feet, surrounding the entirety of the volcanic cone with water. At its height, Molokini’s peak may have been 500 feet above sea level. Years of rain and wind have eroded the rim. Once the north rim “sank” below sea level, the ocean streamed into the crater. In time, a coral reef formed inside the protective arms of the crater.

Snorkeling and scuba diving are the crater’s most popular activities. This dive offers steep drop-offs 360 feet to the ocean floor’s reef and underwater life. Visibility at Molokini regularly exceeds 50 feet, and the inside of the crater is generally sheltered from strong winds and waves. The island’s back wall is considered one of the top 100 diving destinations in the world.

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What Molokini Meant to Ancient Hawaiians

In Hawaiian legend, Molokini (the name means “many ties”) was once a beautiful woman. She and Pele, the fire goddess, were in love with the same man. The jealous Pele cut her rival in two and transformed her into stone. The woman’s head is supposedly Puʻu Olai, the cinder cone by Makena Beach on Maui.

Molokini provided an excellent fishing ground for Ancient Hawaiians, who trawled its calm morning waters with nets, firebrand, and stone sinkers. These ancient Hawaiian relics can be as big as your hand. Other ancient Hawaiian relics modern divers seek are the teardrop sinker stones known as pohakialoa (long stone), up to 10 inches in length. These stones have been spotted up to depths of 180 feet! Early Hawaiians visited Molokini not just to fish but on land they would hunt birds and collect eggs and feathers.

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Marine Life Conservation

The waters around Molokini are now designated as a Marine Life Conservation District, protecting 260 species of fish and 38 species of coral. Among these types of fish are the black triggerfish, yellow tang, Moorish idol, parrotfish, raccoon butterflyfish, and bluefin trevally. Small whitetip reef sharks and moray eels are occasionally seen in the crater, and red pencil urchins are abundant.

So, the short answer is yes; Molokini is what remains of a volcano. But now, it is an absolute necessity for the visitor to Maui who is looking for some of the best diving on the planet.

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Discover the magic
of Molokini

If you love to swim, snorkel, scuba dive, bird watch, or simply feel the history of somewhere new, this place is awesome. You cannot call your visit to Maui complete without a trip to Molokini. Book your adventure with Pride of Maui and experience the wonder. Mahalo for reading our blog!

Helen Shirts

Helen is a creative professional living the good life on Hawaii Island. She enjoys writing about local events, foods, and history. Her inspiration often comes from reading about local traditions and researching them to uncover some amazing stories. She truly enjoys sharing ideas for fun and unusual activities here in the islands she calls home.

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