The part of Molokini Crater visible above water is shaped like a crescent moon. Out of one corner of that crescent is an underwater finger of reef that extends the edge another quarter of the way around, as if a 3/4 circle. At the end of that submerged reef is an area aptly named: Reef’s End.
The reef ends in a series of stair stepping plateau’s of reef that extend from 10 feet below the surface dropping off to approx. 350 feet.
On the outside of that finger of reef is a slopping reef drop off to 350 feet. On the inside of that finger reef is the shallow water crater/reef. Immediately on the inside of the Reef’s End dive site is a sand channel that has a patch of Garden Eels that dart back into the sand as divers approach.
Here we often see baby White Tip Reef sharks (and their mothers…), occasional Grey Sharks, lobsters, a variety of eels, antler coral and what we have dubbed, “The Galaxy of Fish”—From Raccoon Butterflies to Damsel fish, schools of Pennent Fish, Moorish Idols and Blue-stripped Snappers…
Majestic Manta Rays often come to Molokini to feed, and dolphins, both Spinner and Bottlenose are often spotted here. Even the occasional Whale Shark shows up from time to time (but that is really a lucky day!)
A typical Reef’s End dive begins in the sand channel, and then we go out to the end of the reef, explore the shelves, swim out to “the great drop off” and then cross the sand channel to end the dive exploring the mid-reef hard corals.
We often dive the Reef’s End dive site as our first dive due to its consistent 100-200 feet of visibility and plethora of sea life. An alternative first dive may be the Enenu’i Reef on the opposite side of the crater.
On Expedition Dive Days, if the Back Wall has unfavorable conditions, we may opt to do a Reef’s End Drift, starting at Reef’s End and drifting toward the Back Wall.
All dive sites are weather conditions permitting.
Situated between Maui and Kaho’olawe, along the Alalakeiki Channel of Hawaii, Molokini remains an uninhabited island that provides excellent snorkeling opportunities at various parts of the island – including: Enenu’i, Reef’s End, and Back Wall. Its crescent-shape contains a submerged reef that lies 10 feet deep along the sand channel inside the volcanic crater, extending past its western tip, and dropping off to approximately 350 feet at what’s known specifically as the “Reef’s End.”
This natural phenomenon is home to over 250 types of marine wildlife, such as: Manta Rays, Dolphins, White Tip Reef Sharks, occasional Grey and Whale Sharks, lobsters, various eels, antler coral, an array of fish, and seasonal migrating Humpback whales. Typical Reef’s End trips start with snorkelers in the sand channel, then to the edge of the reef, the shelves, “the great drop off,” and finally across the sand channel at the mid-reef hard corals. Please keep in mind that all dive sites are weather permitting.
Since boat travel is the only way to access this unique landmark, we offer competitive rates for our top-of-the-line charter boats. Guests can enjoy our roundtrip transportation from the Kihei Boat Ramp to this beautiful snorkeling destination. Snorkel gear, snacks, meals, and beverages are provided, along with professional guidance and supervision; check out our FAQ for more information. Dreaming of exploring Molokini’s Reef’s End? Book with us today for your next snorkel adventure at sea!