Seasonal· Maui· Hawaii
South Maui Kona Storm and South Swell Exposure
20° 39.6′ N · 156° 27.6′ W · approximate
Every south Maui anchorage, from Kihei to La Perouse, depends on the trades blowing offshore; when a kona low reverses the wind, or a southern-hemisphere swell arrives in summer, the whole coast becomes a lee shore.
Practical
Approx: representative point off Makena. Kona storms (kona lows): usually two or three a year between October and April, sometimes none and sometimes four or five, lasting up to a week, with SW-W winds, heavy rain, waterspouts and large surf; strong kona winds cause considerable damage to boats lying southwest of the islands (the January 1980 storm gusted to 106 mph at Lahaina Roads). Coast Pilot: Makena and Maalaea Bay are exposed to kona weather; in Hana Bay boats drag in strong SW blows. South swells: roughly May to September, biggest June to August, long-period sets from storms near New Zealand that arrive with little local warning; NWS High Surf Warnings have reached 18-24 ft (July 2022, South Kihei Road closed) and heavy shorebreak closes Makena. Plan: watch the NWS Honolulu coastal waters and surf forecasts; when a kona or big south swell is forecast, move to the north shore (Uaoa Bay in south winds), Kahului Harbor, or a harbor such as Maalaea or Manele. Hurricane season is June 1 to November 30.
Best for
Knowing when to leave the south coast
Season
Kona lows Oct-Apr; south swells May-Sep; hurricanes Jun-Nov