files.hawaii.gov · Official
Official county guidebook covering boat-only access, morning conditions, and stronger afternoon currents.
Dive Spot Guide•
Molokini Back Wall
Advanced Molokini wall dive with sharks and huge visibility.
Local operator required
Access is by boat only, so a licensed local operator is required for normal visiting dives.
Boat-only outer wall dive with strong currents, deep drop-off, and clear water for experienced divers.
About Molokini Back Wall
Molokini Back Wall is an advanced boat dive on the outer face of the crater where a steep wall, deep blue water, and fast-moving current make buoyancy control essential. The site is known for dramatic structure, sharks, pelagic passes, and dense reef life along shaded wall sections and overhangs.
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Research Estimate At Molokini Back Wall
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
VisibilityVisibility: 40m
AccessDifficult access
CoralHealthy coral
Aquatic LifeExceptional variety
FacilitiesBasic facilities
Crowd / PopularityQuite busy
CurrentVery strong current
SurgeStrong surge
Where Is Molokini Back Wall?
This spotNearby spotsExplore nearby spots on the map
Community sourced coordinates.
Molokini Back Wall Planning Details
Depth range, seasonality, and planning context.
Reported Depth
24m - 91m
Depth Note
The outer wall drops vertically to roughly 300 ft / 91 m, while divers usually level off around 80 ft / 24 m or shallower.
Best Season
Year-round; the calmest water is usually early morning, and whale season adds surface sightings in winter.
Typical Conditions
Boat-only wall dive with strong currents common, best early in the day, and exceptional visibility on good days.
Safety & Access At Molokini Back Wall
Hazards, restrictions, and access requirements.
Key Hazards
Boat trafficStrong currentWaves
Safety Notes
Treat the back wall as an advanced drift dive, hold your buoyancy, and keep a close eye on the guide and the group because current and blue-water drop-off can separate divers fast.
Access Restrictions
Boat-only access with licensed charter operators; this is not a shore-entry site.
Legal Notes
Use licensed charter access and follow sanctuary rules; do not touch or collect marine life.
Local Intel For Molokini Back Wall
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
An advanced drift-style scuba dive along a steep volcanic wall with deep blue water and dramatic relief.
Freediving
Not a freedive site; the wall depth, boat-only access, and current profile make it unsuitable for casual breath-hold use.
Snorkeling
Not a snorkel site; the back wall is a boat-only advanced scuba dive.
Wildlife at Molokini Back Wall
Species commonly reported at this site, with direct links into their wildlife guides.
Recent Logged Visits At Molokini Back Wall
Community dive logs and visit reports for this site.
Dive Spot Log Averages At Molokini Back Wall
Average conditions based on logged dives & visits.
Conditions
Avg. Visibility40m
Activity
No dive activity logged yet.
