Anchorage· Maui· Hawaii
Mala Anchorage (Bight North of Mala Wharf)
20° 53.5′ N · 156° 41.8′ W · approximate
The sandy bight just north of Mala Wharf, a mile above Lahaina town, where West Maui's private boats lie to offshore moorings off the Mala ramp.
Practical
Coordinate is approx: about 0.6 nm offshore in the bight north of Mala wharf, per the Coast Pilot ('anchorage can be had anywhere in the bight north of Mala wharf, 0.6 mile offshore in depths of about 12 fathoms, sandy bottom'). Offshore moorings for up to 72 hours by DOBOR permit only. The current near the wharf is reported to set south most of the time. Exposed to kona weather and south/west swell. Dinghy access via the Mala Boat Ramp and its two loading docks (see Mala Wharf and Ramp). DOBOR waived Lahaina/Mala offshore mooring fees after the fire 'until further notice' (Aug 2023); confirm current status with the Mala temporary harbor office.
Best for
Overnight lee stop when Lahaina is closed, with a ramp for the dinghy
Season
Trade-wind season; avoid in kona weather