Seasonal· Maui· Hawaii
Maalaea Bay Afternoon Trade Wind Acceleration
20° 46.8′ N · 156° 29.4′ W
The trades funnel through the isthmus between Haleakala and the West Maui Mountains and blast out across Maalaea Bay, often reaching great force here while it is calm off Lahaina.
Practical
Coast Pilot: the trades following the northwest coast divide at the isthmus, 'one part drawing south and often reaching great force in the vicinity of Maalaea Bay'; high winds funnelling through the Maui saddle are also observed near Maalaea Bay. Maalaea Bay is only a fair anchorage with poor holding, fresh winds across the isthmus in the trades, a reported north current, an irregular bottom in the central and east parts and scattered shoals; strangers should pass well offshore. On the south coast a sea breeze often sets in about 9am and runs until after sundown. Plan Maalaea departures and arrivals for early morning, and expect calm water once round McGregor Point toward the Pali.
Best for
Timing Maalaea arrivals and departures
Season
Trade-wind season, strongest in the afternoon
Nearby
- Kealia Offshore Moorings1 NM away
- Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge1.3 NM away
- Coast Guard Station Maui1.4 NM away
- DOBOR Maui District Office and Maalaea Harbor Office1.4 NM away
- Lanai Ferry (Expeditions) from Maui1.4 NM away
- Maalaea General Store1.4 NM away
- Maalaea Harbor Fuel (Truck Delivery)1.4 NM away
- Maalaea Small Boat Harbor1.4 NM away