The Best Snorkeling Spots on Molokai

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Molokai is the fifth largest and least developed of the Hawaiian Islands. It is known for its rural charm, natural beauty, and rich history and culture. Molokai is also a great destination for snorkeling, as it has some of the most pristine and diverse coral reefs in Hawaii. Here are some of the best snorkeling spots on Molokai that you should not miss.

  1. Kumimi Beach Park. Also known as Murphy's Beach or Mile Marker 20, Kumimi Beach Park is one of the most popular and accessible snorkeling spots on Molokai. It is located on the east end of the island, near the town of Kaunakakai. The beach is small and sandy, with a large reef that extends from the shore. The reef is home to a variety of fish, turtles, rays, and eels, and the water is clear and calm. You can snorkel right from the beach, or follow the reef to the left or right for more exploration. The best time to snorkel here is in the morning, when the sun is shining and the wind is low.
  2. Papohaku Beach Park. Papohaku Beach Park is one of the largest and most beautiful beaches in Hawaii. It is located on the west end of the island, near the Kaluakoi Resort. The beach is three miles long and 100 yards wide, with golden sand and turquoise water. The beach is also a great spot for snorkeling, especially on the north end, where there is a rocky point with a reef. The reef is full of colorful fish, coral, and sea urchins, and the water is shallow and calm. You can snorkel right from the beach, or take a short walk to the point. The best time to snorkel here is in the summer, when the surf is low and the visibility is high.
  3. Mokuhooniki Rock. Mokuhooniki Rock is a small island off the north coast of Molokai, near the Kalaupapa Peninsula. It is one of the most spectacular and challenging snorkeling spots on Molokai, as it has a deep and rugged reef that attracts large and rare marine life. The reef is known for its hammerhead sharks, spinner dolphins, manta rays, monk seals, and humpback whales, as well as its fish, coral, and caves. The water is deep and clear, but also rough and choppy. You can only snorkel here with a guided tour, as the island is remote and the conditions are unpredictable. The best time to snorkel here is in the winter, when the whales are present and the water is calm.
  4. Kaunakakai Wharf. Kaunakakai Wharf is the main harbor and pier on Molokai, located in the center of the island. It is also a hidden gem for snorkeling, as it has a shallow and sandy bottom that hosts a variety of marine life. The bottom is covered with starfish, sea cucumbers, crabs, and octopuses, and the water is teeming with fish, turtles, rays, and eels. You can snorkel right from the pier, or swim to the left or right for more diversity. The best time to snorkel here is in the afternoon, when the sun is bright and the water is warm.
  5. Halawa Bay. Halawa Bay is a scenic and historic bay on the east end of Molokai, near the Halawa Valley. The bay is surrounded by lush mountains and waterfalls, and has a long and sandy beach. The bay is also a wonderful spot for snorkeling, as it has a coral reef that runs along the shore. The reef is alive with fish, turtles, rays, and eels, and the water is clear and calm. You can snorkel right from the beach, or take a boat to the outer reef for more adventure. The best time to snorkel here is in the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the water is clear.

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