Island of Molokini

The Island of Molokini is a crescent shaped island near Maui, Hawaii. It is an island formed from a partially sunken volcanic crater. It is what allows the Alalakeiki Channel to form between the island and Maui.

Molokini has 23 acres with a diameter of .4 miles. It is 2.5 miles west of Makena State Park and south from Ma'alaea Bay. The Island is not habitable considering its size and location. Over time it may eventually become a completely sunken crater; however, for now the island is used for dive boat mooring as it is one of the top out of 10 dive spots in the world. Scuba, snuba, and snorkeling are all possible. The islet or Island of Molokini is a seabird sanctuary protected by the state of Hawaii.

Mythology states that Molokini was a beautiful woman. Pele and she were in love with the same man. Pele turned her rival into stone, which is why the Pu'u Olai or cinder stone on Makena Beach is considered the woman's head.

Sadly, during World War II the island was used for target practice because the shape was similar to battleships. Unexploded munitions were found in the crater and finally detonated between 1975 and 1984. In 2006 a survey ruled the area clean and it is slowly healing from the damage enough to be a top dive spot in the world with beautiful sea life.