Anchorage· Maui· Hawaii
Makena Anchorage (Nahuna Point)
20° 39.1′ N · 156° 27.1′ W · approximate
The classic south Maui trade-wind anchorage off the old Makena landing and Keawalai church, where the strong trades that hammer Maalaea Bay ease off and the water over the sand is clear enough to see the turtles; it is the natural jumping-off point for Molokini at dawn.
Practical
Approx: derived from Coast Pilot 10, which places Makena Anchorage 1 mile north of Puu Olai in 12 to 15 fathoms off Nahuna Point, with a fairly prominent church bearing 100°; plotted about 0.6 nm off the Makena shoreline. Good holding during the trades; exposed to kona weather. Anchor only on sand clear of coral, and at least 100 yards from the state day-use buoys at Five Graves, Keawalai, Turtle Arches, 19th Hole and Puu Olai (HAR 13-257-4). Coast Pilot also lists anchorage in Ahihi Bay just south of Puu Olai, but Ahihi-Kinau NAR waters are closed to motorized vessels. A 2005 cruiser log describes the Makena anchorage turning into a nasty lee shore when wind and swell returned: leave if a kona or big south swell is forecast. Dinghy landing at the Makena Landing boat ramp. No fuel or water; nearest at Maalaea.
Best for
Overnight in the trades and an early start for Molokini
Season
Trade-wind season; avoid in kona winds and summer south swell
Nearby
- Makena Offshore Moorings0.3 NM away
- Five Caves (Five Graves)0.4 NM away
- Turtle Arches and Keawalai Reef Dive0.5 NM away
- Keawalai Congregational Church (Makena)0.6 NM away
- Maluaka Beach (Turtle Town)0.6 NM away
- South Maui Kona Storm and South Swell Exposure0.6 NM away
- Makena Landing0.7 NM away
- Puu Olai Reef Dive (Makena)0.8 NM away