Anchorage· Hawaii (Big Island)· Hawaii

Radio Bay (Hilo Harbor)

19° 43.9′ N · 155° 3.2′ W

The small, fully enclosed basin inside the root of the Hilo breakwater, east of Pier 1 - for decades the windward landfall and clearance stop for yachts arriving from the mainland and the South Pacific, with protection in all weather and swell.

Practical

Position is Noodle's Notes' Hawaiian Island Cruising Guide GPS (19-43.92N 155-03.15W, which the guide itself labels approximate); 10 ft, mud. STATUS: Hawaii DOT Harbors closed Radio Bay to all transient vessels on April 15, 2020 (Latitude 38, April 22, 2020), and sea-seek's 2020 correction says recreational vessels may not anchor, moor or come alongside. The 2026 Coast Pilot still describes Radio Bay and the south side of Kuhio Bay as well-protected small-craft anchorages, and a local diving/hull-cleaning business describes itself as based at 'the Radio Bay anchorage', so ask before you arrive whether anything has changed: Port of Hilo (DOT Harbors), 80 Kuhio Street, (808) 933-8850 or 933-8853; the harbormaster assigns anchorages. When it was open (Noodle, 2014 visit) boats med-moored to the quay or anchored mid-basin and used a floating dinghy dock; the state charged the same daily rate either way, with a higher rate if you were late checking in. Rats boarded med-moored boats via mooring lines. No fuel dock (Noodle jerry-jugged from road stations); supermarkets are a long walk but an easy ride. Hilo tide station 1617760 is in Kuhio Bay: mean range about 1.7 ft, diurnal range 2.4 ft.

Best for

Historic all-weather windward landfall - confirm status with DOT Harbors first

Season

Year round (when permitted)

Nearby