Landmark· Lanai· Hawaii
Kaumalapau Harbor
20° 47.1′ N · 156° 59.5′ W
Lanai's commercial barge harbor at the mouth of a steep gulch on the west coast, built by James Dole for the pineapple trade and rebuilt with a new breakwater in 2007; in all but west and kona weather it is the island's best harbor.
Practical
Coast Pilot 10: Kaumalapau Light (20°46'59"N, 156°59'30"W) on the south side of the entrance; a 250 ft white breakwater on the north side; no entrance channel, a 600 ft opening leads to a turning basin 30 to 50 ft deep, about 500 by 800 ft; many local fishing boats on unlighted moorings. A barge calls weekly (Wednesday), when the harbor becomes a security zone, and if a fuel barge is present there is no admittance. Gasoline, diesel fuel and water can be obtained on the wharf; small craft up to 40 ft can be lifted by derrick, and small machine repairs are possible. Sea Seek (2015): tiny bay with room for one or two boats; anchor in 7 m in the southern half. Access is limited on barge days (to-hawaii.com). Safety zone regulations apply (33 CFR 165.14-1414).
Best for
Commercial fuel and a west-coast refuge in trades
Season
Trades; avoid in west or kona weather