Anchorage· Hawaii (Big Island)· Hawaii

Kealakekua Bay Anchorage

19° 28.4′ N · 155° 55.5′ W · approximate

Two miles wide beneath the 400-600 ft Pali Kapu o Keoua cliffs, Kealakekua is the Coast Pilot's 'by far the best anchorage along this coast', calm in everything but strong southwesterlies, with spinner dolphins and the Cook Monument reef across the bay.

Practical

Coordinate is approximate: placed in Subzone B of the MLCD (checked against the state MLCD polygons and OpenStreetMap coastline), since anchoring is prohibited in Subzone A. You need the State Parks vessel permit before entering. Coast Pilot (October 2026): the bay is free of obstructions and affords good anchorage in all but strong southwest winds; bottom of coral and sand, only fair holding; expect a daytime sea breeze shifting to a land breeze at night; a mass of bare rocks extends 125 yards off the north side of Palemano Point (south entrance). In Kaawaloa Cove state rules forbid anchoring except in an emergency and overnight mooring other than at designated locations. Drop only on sand in Subzone B. Noodle's Notes (Fair Wind mooring at 19-28.92N 155-55.95W, 20 ft, coral): there is a single permitted commercial mooring by the monument, used daily by the Fair Wind catamaran from about 10am to 4:30pm; the author has tied to it overnight after Fair Wind leaves, but that mooring is not designated for private overnight use, so ask State Parks first. Napo'opo'o village has a landing (about 4 ft alongside per the Coast Pilot) but water and provisions are scarce, and permitted vessels may not launch from the Napo'opo'o wharf.

Best for

The most sheltered anchorage on the Kona coast, by permit

Season

Year round except strong southwest (kona) winds

Nearby