Anchorage· Oahu· Hawaii
Pokai Bay Anchorage
21° 26.6′ N · 158° 11.5′ W
The one anchorage on Oahu's west coast that Coast Pilot says shelters in all winds, a sandy bay inside the Waianae breakwater where boats sometimes wake up surrounded by hundreds of spinner dolphins.
Practical
Position is the state GIS anchorage point (public). Noodle's Notes (Nov 2024): 8-20 ft over sand; tuck inside the breakwater at the old abandoned marina ('South Pokai') and anchor in about 12 ft of sand; best in summer when no north or west swell is running. Pacific Cup cruising notes call it a protected summer anchorage. Rules: DOBOR allows anchoring for 72 hours or less (HAR 13-235). Coast Pilot: the breakwater from Kaneilio Point and the opposing groin form a state water recreation area; swim-zone buoys sit midway between breakwater and shore; east of the buoys is for swimmers, between the buoys and the breakwater is for outrigger canoes, and no other vessel may operate, anchor or moor there except for emergency anchoring in adverse weather. Shallow water extends 0.3 mile from the inner shore. Land the dinghy on the beach park sand or use Waianae harbor. Keep 50 yards from spinner dolphins by law. Supermarkets in Waianae town (see entry).
Best for
The best overnight anchorage on Oahu's leeward side
Season
Summer (roughly May-Sep); untenable in strong north or west swell