Molokini Back Wall
Also known as: The Back Side, Edge of the World
Best time to dive
January to December; May to September
What you might see
- DolphinPossible
- Eagle rayLikely
- Grey reef sharkLikely
- Manta rayLikely
- Moray eelLikely
Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.
Certification & difficulty
Advanced Open Water - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.
Snorkelling
Not a snorkel site - No - deep open-ocean wall dive, not snorkelable
Safety notes
Deep wall/blue-water exposure (unplanned deep excursion or diver separation risk), strong/unpredictable currents, negative entries; humpback whales require 100-yard federal approach distance Dec 15-Apr 15; Hawaiian monk seals protected
Permits & fees
Commercial operators must hold the Molokini Shoal MLCD Use Permit (DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources, Maui office, $50 application fee, governed by HAR 13-31) since the Back Wall sits within Subzone B of the MLCD; individual divers need no personal permit
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Location
Nearest hub: Kihei/Maalaea
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand dive report. Coordinates are approximate.