Anchorage· Maui· Hawaii
Lahaina Roadstead Moorings (A and B)
20° 52.0′ N · 156° 41.3′ W · approximate
The open roadstead off Lahaina town, historically the classic West Maui anchorage: calm water in the lee of the West Maui Mountains even when the trades howl elsewhere, with Lanai filling the view across the Auau Channel.
Practical
Coordinate is approx: derived from the Coast Pilot approach (keep about 1 mile off until Lahaina Light bears 056 degrees, then run in and anchor in 9 to 15 fathoms), placed about 0.6 nm on the 236 degree line from the light. DOBOR lists undesignated offshore moorings in Lahaina Roadstead A and B, but its Maui facilities page shows the roadstead 'closed until further notice' since the 2023 fire; offshore mooring buoys (up to 72 hours) are by permit only (Coast Pilot). A reef that usually breaks runs about 350 yards offshore from Makila Point to Puunoa Point, so stay outside it. Exposed in kona (southerly) weather. Current off Lahaina usually sets north, up to 1 to 2 kt before low water; weak and variable before high water. Cruise ships anchor here fall to spring with 100-yard security zones around them; when one is in, the harbormaster acts as VTS on VHF 68. Shore access through the harbor is restricted (see Lahaina Wildfire Recovery Zone Access Rules). Contact DOBOR Maui District (808) 243-5824 before planning to stop.
Best for
Trade-wind lee anchorage off Lahaina once the roadstead reopens
Season
Calm in trades; untenable in kona storms and south swell
Nearby
- Kona Storm and South Swell Exposure (West Maui Roadsteads)Right here
- Lahaina Banyan Court Park0.6 NM away
- Lahaina Harbor Fuel Dock (Pacific West Fuels)0.6 NM away
- Lahaina Small Boat Harbor0.6 NM away
- Vic-Maui International Yacht Race0.6 NM away
- Carthaginian II Wreck0.7 NM away
- Lahaina Wildfire Recovery Zone Access Rules0.7 NM away
- Lahaina Yacht Club0.7 NM away