One of the many activities that attract visitors to our Ka’anapali Beach vacation rentals is diving. There are a lot of various places to jump in and see the underwater life that surrounds Maui. However, none can really compare to Molokini Crater. It features eight legendary dive sites where visitors can expect to see a diverse amount of marine life. Here’s a look at just three of the 250+ creatures that call the underwater paradise home:
- Boar Fish
One creature you’ll generally find swimming around the crater is a boar fish. They are part of the Capros genus and love to eat marine worms as well as small crustaceans. As such, they are characteristically found near the base of coral beds and the ocean floor. The adults have diamond-shaped, svelte, reddish-orange bodies that are roughly 18-cm long. They also have several spines and fins. For the most part, they are moderately elusive. Consequently, don’t expect them to stick around crowded dive sites for very long.
- Butterfly Fish
You’re also likely to find a vast array of butterfly fish while snorkeling in the crater. The variety is due to the fact that they are part of what marine biologists call a super family. The super family is included in the Chaetodon genus. Despite the huge differences in size, coloration, shape and behavior, they are pretty easy to spot. Look for them near the Enenue and Middle Reef dive spots. They tend to travel in schools and congregate near the crater’s many species of coral. For the most part, they are not bothered by the sight of divers in their mist.
- Black Triggerfish
Black triggerfish are last on our short list. Considered to be members of the Melichtyhys genus, they love to hang out in spots where there is natural shelter. They also tend to prefer areas where the water is anywhere from 5 to 35-meters deep and rife with zooplankton or tiny shrimp. As their name suggests, you can count on their bodies to be a lovely shade of brownish-black with bright, white detailing. Size wise, the adults tend to be 18-inches long or less. It is also common for them to be quite curious and aggressive. Thus, don’t be surprised if they boldly rush towards your face mask. And keep a look out for its bright yellow cousin, the reef triggerfish, also known by its Hawaiian name as Humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa. It is Hawaii’s state fish.
To learn more about these fish firsthand, please contact us and book one of our Ka’anapali Beach vacation rentals. We can help you locate charter boats and diving guides that would be delighted to introduce you to Molokini Crater’s most famous residents.