Snorkel· Hawaii (Big Island)· Hawaii
Mahukona Harbor
20° 11.2′ N · 155° 54.3′ W
An abandoned Kohala Sugar Company landing (closed 1956) whose clear water hides old mill machinery, chain and a small shipwreck among the coral. A ladder and gently sloping steps make entry easy on calm days, and Nishimura Bay anchorage is just a few hundred yards north.
Practical
Coordinate is the OpenStreetMap position of Mahukona Harbor (the cove). The shore is rocky; wear sturdy sandals. Visibility is usually excellent except in rough winter conditions; stay out during heavy surf. Mahukona Beach Park nearby (20.18352, -155.90036) has had camping by permit. Used for snorkeling, scuba diving and fishing. From an anchored boat at Nishimura Bay, dinghy or swim over in the morning before the afternoon Kohala trades fill in. Coast Pilot (October 2026): Mahukona Light (20-10.82N 155-54.08W) is a 22-ft white pyramidal concrete tower on Ka'oma Point south of the village; the public landing at the head of the bight has a hoist in poor condition and the private landing on the north side is in ruins, both for small boats only; up to 3 degrees of magnetic disturbance has been observed near Kauili Point, 0.7 mile north.
Best for
Snorkeling over sugar-era relics and a small wreck
Season
Summer; untenable in north swell
Nearby
- Mahukona Anchorage0.2 NM away
- Nishimura Bay Anchorage0.2 NM away
- Big Island Humpback Whale Season1.3 NM away
- Lapakahi State Historical Park1.5 NM away
- Upolu Point5.7 NM away
- Kohala Coast Dive Moorings (Puako to Black Point)7.2 NM away
- Pololu Valley Lookout and Trail9.7 NM away
- Kohala Divers (Kawaihae)9.8 NM away