Anchorage· Hawaii (Big Island)· Hawaii

Kailua-Kona Pier and Bay

19° 38.2′ N · 155° 59.8′ W

An open roadstead off the old Kailua pier, with Hulihee Palace, Mokuaikaua Church and the seawall cafes of Ali'i Drive a dinghy ride away. It is rolly, but it is the only anchorage on the Kona coast with walking access to supermarkets, restaurants and services.

Practical

Noodle's Notes approximate GPS 19-38.20N 155-59.82W: depth 20-50 ft, sand, not a regulated anchorage, summer months with no north swell. The bay is managed by the Honokohau harbormaster: phone (808) 327-3685 before arriving and he will tell you where to anchor, probably along the edge of the mooring field. Noonsite (July 2024) notes charges for anchoring and use of the shore facilities, and that it is very rolly. Land at the dinghy dock near the end of the pier; Noodle recommends rowing so you can lift the dinghy out and lean it against the seawall, and locking dinghy and oars against theft. Coast Pilot (October 2026): no breakwater; the turning basin east of the pier is 12-20 ft deep and about 500 ft square; the pier approach is marked by a 023 degree directional light; boat ramp on the west side of the pier; pump-out station and a 2,000-lb hoist on the east side; Kailua Light (19-38.27N 156-00.05W) is a white pyramidal tower on Kukailimoku Point. Cruise ships anchor offshore and run tenders to the pier, so keep clear. There is no fuel dock; fill jerry cans at the gas stations a few blocks up Palani Road. The inner bay is the Kailua Bay Fisheries Management Area (Zones A and B, HAR 13-54) inside the Kona Coast FMA (HAR 13-58): check the rules before fishing. The Ironman swim starts here each October.

Kailua-Kona Pier and Bay

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