The Top Mistakes Tourists Make at Molokini Crater

Aloha! I’ve lived in Hawaiʻi for over 20 years, splitting my time between Oʻahu and Maui, where I’ve snorkeled Molokini Crater more times than I can count. I’ve seen tourists arrive starry-eyed, only to make mistakes that ruin their trips—and sometimes harm this fragile ecosystem.

Molokini isn’t just a snorkeling spot; it’s a protected marine sanctuary, a volcanic remnant older than our grandparents’ grandparents, and a place where one wrong move can ripple through the ocean. Let me share what not to do so you can enjoy its magic responsibly—and keep it thriving for generations.

Why These Mistakes Matter

Molokini’s crystal waters and neon fish hide a delicate balance. Over 250 species call this crescent-shaped crater home, but human footprints—literal and figurative—can disrupt everything. I’ve watched reef sharks dart away from noisy snorkelers, seen sunscreen slicks poison coral, and heard stories of exhausted swimmers rescued by lifeguards.

The good news? Every mistake is avoidable. Let’s dive into the blunders I’ve seen (and made myself) so you can sidestep them like a pro.

Underestimating the Power of the Ocean

Molokini’s calm surface fools everyone. The crater’s back wall drops 300 feet into open ocean, where currents can sweep even strong swimmers into deeper waters. Last year, a tourist tried kayaking from Makena Beach—a 2.5-mile stretch—and got caught in a riptide. Rescue crews found him hours later, clinging to his overturned kayak, dehydrated and sunburned. “I thought it looked close,” he told me later, shaking his head. Spoiler: It’s not close.

Pro Tip: Always take a licensed boat tour. Permitted vessels have lifeguards, gear, and knowledge of hidden currents.

Skipping Reef-Safe Sunscreen

I’ll never forget the family who slathered coconut-scented sunscreen before jumping in. By midday, the water had an oily sheen, and I spotted a patch of bleached coral below them. Most sunscreens contain oxybenzone, which kills coral larvae. Hawaiʻi banned these chemicals in 2021, but tourists still bring them. One crew member told me, “We confiscate three tubes a week. People don’t realize it’s like dumping poison into a nursery.”

What to Do: Buy mineral-based sunscreen (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) and apply it 30 minutes before swimming. Better yet, wear a rash guard—you’ll avoid reapplying and protect your skin.

Touching Wildlife (Yes, Even the “Cute” Fish)

A few summers back, I watched a teenager grab a parrotfish, laughing as it wriggled in his hands. A lifeguard blew her whistle so hard I thought it’d crack. “That fish’s slime coat protects it from infection,” she snapped. “You just signed its death warrant.” Molokini’s ecosystem thrives because humans don’t interfere. Touching coral, chasing turtles, or feeding fish disrupts their behavior and spreads diseases.

Pro Tip: Keep your hands clasped behind your back if you’re tempted. Better yet, practice “float and stare”—let the wildlife come to you.

Ignoring the Buddy System

“I’m a great swimmer,” a solo snorkeler once bragged to me on the boat. Ten minutes later, he drifted half a mile from the group, too far to hear the captain’s whistle. Lifeguards had to tow him back. Molokini’s visibility is incredible (up to 150 feet!), but that also means you can’t gauge distances underwater. Strong swimmers overestimate their stamina, and panic sets in fast.

What to Do: Pair up and check on each other every few minutes. If your buddy vanishes, alert a lifeguard immediately—don’t wait.

Arriving at Peak Hours

In 2023, a University of Hawaiʻi study found that Molokini’s fish populations rebounded during the COVID tourism freeze. Predators like jacks returned to shallow waters—until crowds came back. Now, midday tours pack the crater with 40,000+ visitors a month. I’ve seen boats mooring so close, their anchors scraped coral.

Pro Tip: Book sunrise tours. Not only is the water calmer, but you’ll avoid the crowds and snorkel alongside fish—not flippers.

Forgetting Hydration and Seasickness Prep

“I’ll be fine,” my cousin insisted before chugging a coffee and skipping breakfast. Halfway to Molokini, she turned green, vomited over the railing, and spent the trip curled in the cabin. Seasickness hits fast, especially on smaller boats. Dehydration from sun and saltwater worsens it.

What to Do: Take non-drowsy motion sickness meds before boarding. Pack a reusable water bottle and sip often—even if you don’t feel thirsty.

Disrespecting the “No-Take” Rules

A tourist once smugly showed me a seashell he’d pocketed from Molokini. “It’s just one,” he shrugged. But Molokini’s a “no-take” zone—removing anything, even dead coral, is illegal. Fines start at $500, and I’ve seen rangers board boats for random checks.

Pro Tip: Snap photos, not souvenirs. Your Instagram feed will thank you, and so will the ecosystem.

Final Thoughts

Molokini isn’t a theme park—it’s a living, breathing world where humans are guests. I’ve made my own mistakes here (who knew jellyfish love sunscreen residue?), but each misstep taught me to tread lighter. When you visit, ask yourself: Am I leaving this place better than I found it? The answer should always be “yes.”

Mahalo for caring—and see you in the water! 🌊