| Between South Maui and Kaho'olawe in the Alalakeiki | | | | in love with him. In a jealous rage, Pele, cut the beautiful |
| Channel lies the Molokini Islet. Formed when an ancient | | | | Molokini in two and turned her to stone and threw her |
| volcanic crater collapsed, Molokini Crater has become | | | | into the sea. Today what remains of Molokini is her |
| world renowned for its snorkeling and diving. Listed as | | | | head, believed to be the cinder cone of Makena |
| one of the top ten dive spots in the world, Molokini | | | | Beach and her body, the Molokini Islet, a grizzly |
| Crater is lumped together with dive sites including the | | | | reminder of what happens to those who argue with |
| Cayman's and Galapagos, offering a look at almost 40 | | | | Pele indeed. |
| coral species and almost 300 different species of fish. | | | | During World War II, Molokini became part history again. |
| Part of a federally owned and protected area of | | | | It is said that it's shape, being similar to that of a |
| Hawaii, Molokini is a great place to explore, but be | | | | battleship, made it a perfect place to target practice by |
| aware, permission must be obtained to land on the | | | | the U.S. Navy. Between 1975 and 1984, the U.S. Navy |
| shores of the Islet itself. The best way to experience a | | | | began detonating all the unexploded shells left around |
| trip to Molokini is to take a tour, available at a number | | | | the islet. A public outcry ensued and the destruction |
| of locations on the island of Maui. | | | | occurring around Molokini to both the land as well as |
| The History Of Molokini Crater | | | | the coral reef. As of 2006, it is believed that all |
| The history of Molokini begins hundreds of thousands | | | | unexploded shells are now accounted for. |
| of years ago with the eruption of the volcano, | | | | Amazing Natural Wonders Of Molokini |
| destroying most of the volcanic cinder cone. Ensuing | | | | Today, Molokini has become one of the Hawaiian |
| years of erosion by the ocean, eroded one side of the | | | | Island hotspots for snorkelers, scuba divers and scuba |
| rim of the volcano, filling the crater with water and | | | | divers as well. What makes it so popular among divers |
| creating the islet we see today. | | | | today is the stunning variety of corals, fish species as |
| Molokini has become part of Hawaiian history as well | | | | well as its protection from the channels powerful |
| as legend. As with many important sights in Polynesian | | | | waves and currents. Visibility in the crater itself often |
| culture, areas that had cultural or every day | | | | reaches 150 to 200 feet deep, allowing amazing views |
| significance to a people, often became part of the | | | | of the rich coral reef and sheer walls of the volcano. |
| legends of that society. Molokini is no different. | | | | Best times to visit Molokini are in the morning and |
| Archeological evidence supports the theory that this | | | | noted dives sites include: |
| now rich and sheltered coral reef was often fished by | | | | - Reefs End |
| the early Hawaiians. It is believed that the thousands of | | | | - Tako Flats |
| nesting birds, which today make Molokini a federally | | | | - Middle Reef |
| protected area, were also a source of food to this | | | | - Enenue |
| original Hawaiians. It's importance to those Hawaiian's | | | | A note to divers, the Molokini Islet is not for the |
| living on the island of Maui is illustrated by the legend of | | | | inexperienced diver as intense currents surround the |
| Molokini passed down through generations. | | | | islet. Divers planning on taking a charter or tour to |
| The Legend Of Molokini | | | | Molokini must have adequate dive experience and be |
| Molokini was a beautiful woman in love with a prince. | | | | certified. Trips can be arranged to Molokini by a |
| Unfortunately for her, Pele, the fire goddess was also | | | | number of dive charters in Maui. |