Just another day in Molokini Crater

Molokini: A tuff cone in the middle of Maui County, formed about 150,000 years ago when a crack in the crust of the earth blasted rocks and ash, forming a half crescent shape islet. Additionally ash blow off from concurent explosions on Haleakala continued to build up the islet, forming layers much like the rings of a tree, allowing geologists to accurately age the island.

Also a seabird sanctuary, frequented by Great Frigate Birds and Wedge Tail Shear waters, it is illegal to set foot on Molokini.

The back side of Molokini- a treat to visit on a particularly calm day, is fragmented with sharp holes; remnants of World War II when the United States Army and Navy declared Marshall Law in the Hawaiian Islands and used the nearby island of Kahoolawe for target practice. As bombs (and the works) bounced off Kahoolawe, they hit Molokini forming these indentations.  Also visible on the backside of Molokini is the "wave bench." This bench is a result of constant waves and erosive forces on the backside of the islet. An almost identical wave bench sits at approximately 350 feet of water, indicating the sea level at Molokini was once much lower than its current position. Though the inside of the crater (where we snorkel daily) is a shallow, protected zone, the backside of Molokini almost immediately drops to 600 ft and is subject to strong currents and winds. 

Voyager!

Cruising along!