Marina· Hawaii (Big Island)· Hawaii

Honokohau Harbor

19° 40.2′ N · 156° 1.6′ W

The Big Island's main yacht and sportfishing harbor, blasted out of solid lava 3 miles north of Kailua-Kona: 262 moorings in two basins, the island's only fuel berth, a haul-out yard, chandleries and the Kona charter fleet. Noonsite calls it the safest harbor on the island.

Practical

Coordinate is the harbor point in the state Small Boat Harbors GIS layer (74-380 Kealakehe Parkway). DOBOR lists 262 moorings, piers A through H, two T-piers and an outer basin, 3 ramps, a fuel facility, vessel washdown and 2 comfort stations. All berths are med-moor style: pick up the mooring ball on the bow and back to the dock; no shore power. Noonsite (July 2024): two DLNR visitor berths are stern-ties on the first wharf you see entering, beside the fuel; they are not formally reserved but arrangements (multiple forms, proof of insurance meeting Hawaii requirements) should start well before arrival via the harbor's DLNR agent, (808) 327-3690 or DLNR.BD.HONOKOHAUHARBOR@HAWAII.GOV; it is unclear whether multihulls are accepted. Noodle's Notes got a visitor slip only twice in six attempts; even without a slip you can lie at the fuel dock for a while for fuel and water. Harbor office (808) 327-3685 (DOBOR page) or 808-329-4215 (Coast Pilot); DOBOR said in 2022 that the office is closed to the public Tuesdays and Thursdays, transacting Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Coast Pilot (October 2026): marked dredged entrance channel leading to two basins; two boat ramps, a haul-out ramp and moorings; a wharfinger is on duty weekdays 6:30am to 5:30pm and can arrange tank-truck petroleum deliveries; fuel facility and oil disposal shed. Noodle lists depth about 10 ft, hard pan, year round. Regulated under HAR 13-231.

Best for

The Kona coast's base for fuel, clearance, repairs and provisioning

Season

Year round; the best shelter on the west coast in kona storms

Nearby