A few weeks ago, we discovered for the first time a hugely better way to snorkel on Molokini: the Kai Kanani from Mākena: http://www.kaikanani.com/snorkelmolokini.asp. Take the early departure (6:30 am) and you'll be in the only boat at Molokini (save a few small boats for divers). Calm, early morning waters and hardly anyone there -- can't beat it.

For years we would take one of the boats from Māʻalaea. There isn't really anything wrong with those boats, but leaving from Māʻalaea adds about 45 minutes to your journey, each way. From Mākena, it's only 15 minutes to Molokini. The total time on the Māʻalaea boats is 5 hours, while the "Molokini Express" trip from Mākena is just 2 hrs. 15 min.

Maybe you like the idea of a longer boat ride -- you might see some whales or sea turtles. But I'm pretty bored with the Māʻalaea to Molokini journey, and from now on, it's only going to be the Mākena departure for me.