Seasonal· Hawaii (Big Island)· Hawaii
Hamakua Coast Exposure
19° 58.2′ N · 155° 12.0′ W · approximate
The 77-mile northeast coast from Upolu Point to Kumukahi is a weather shore of cliffs and gulches with no harbor except Hilo - beautiful from offshore, but no place to be caught in a blow.
Practical
Coordinate is a representative offshore point. Coast Pilot: 'This coast is mostly bold, and all dangers can be avoided by giving it a berth of 2 miles. Hilo Bay is the only sheltered harbor or anchorage.' Kauhola Point's reef extends 0.3 mile - give the point 2 miles. In the trades the coast is often clouded early but clear 1 to 2 miles off; the breeze picks up about 9 am. In light trades a land breeze can extend 5 or more miles off the Hamakua coast at night (Noodle's Notes). Storms far to the north and kona storms send heavy swell onto the north and east shores. Small-craft landings at Honokaa and Paauhau give no protection. Rainfall exceeds 100 inches a year on the coast.
Best for
Planning a Hilo-Kawaihae coastal passage
Season
Exposed year round; worst in winter north swell and strong trades
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).