Anchorage· Maui· Hawaii
Honolua Bay Anchorage (Summer Day Stop)
21° 1.0′ N · 156° 38.6′ W · approximate
The open bight on the south side of Lipoa Point, seven miles northeast of Kekaa Point, where smaller vessels find fair anchorage for a day of snorkeling in the marine reserve.
Practical
Coordinate is approx: near the bay mouth, derived from the bay position and the DAR description of a sand channel sloping to about 60 ft at the mouth. The Coast Pilot says smaller vessels can find fair anchorage and boats can land in the cove at the northeast end. Pick up a day-use mooring if one is free (2.5 hours if others waiting, no overnight); anchoring within 100 yards of an established mooring is prohibited, and elsewhere drop only on sand clear of coral. Patches of black rock awash at high water lie close in off points along this coast; give it a berth of at least 0.8 mile when passing. Untenable in north and northwest swell, which also makes it a world-class surf break in winter. Watch for surfers and swimmers.
Best for
Summer day stop on the way around to the Pailolo Channel
Season
Summer only; untenable in N/NW swell (roughly Oct–Apr)