Permit· Kahoolawe· Hawaii
Kahoolawe Island Reserve
20° 33.0′ N · 156° 36.0′ W
Kahoolawe and every drop of water within 2 nautical miles of its shore form a closed reserve, managed by the Kahoolawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) after decades as a US Navy bombing range; you may not enter, anchor, swim or fish without authorization.
Practical
Position is the island centre (Wikipedia). The Reserve (HRS 6K, HAR 13-261) is the island plus submerged lands and waters within 2 nm of shore. Zone A, shoreline out to the 30-fathom (180 ft) contour: unauthorized entry prohibited at all times except emergency. Zone B, 30 fathoms out to 2 nm: entry prohibited except for KIRC-registered trolling on scheduled weekends; trollers must stay underway. Anchoring and bottom fishing are prohibited everywhere because of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and reef damage. Federal danger zone 33 CFR 334.1340 also extends 2 miles from the island. Enforcement is shared by DLNR DOCARE, KIRC and the US Coast Guard; administrative fines run up to $10,000 for a first violation (2026 KIRC notice). Plot the 2 nm line on your chart before transiting Alalakeiki or Kealaikahiki channels. KIRC: 811 Kolu St., Suite 201, Wailuku; (808) 243-5020.
Best for
Plotting the no-go line when sailing between Maui and Lanai
Nearby
- Kahoolawe (Restricted Island)3 NM away
- Kahoolawe Volunteer and Cultural Access (KIRC / PKO)3.7 NM away
- Kahoolawe Reserve Zone B Trolling Weekends4.4 NM away
- Molokini Backwall7.5 NM away
- Molokini Crater Marine Life Conservation District7.6 NM away
- Molokini Day-Use Moorings and Anchoring Ban7.7 NM away
- Molokini Inner Crater Reef (Enenue)7.8 NM away
- Ahihi-Kinau Natural Area Reserve9.8 NM away