Landmark· Hawaii (Big Island)· Hawaii
Upolu Point
20° 16.1′ N · 155° 51.2′ W
The northern tip of the Big Island, marked by the small Upolu Airport, where the Kona lee ends and the full force of the Alenuihaha Channel begins. It is the jumping-off corner for the crossing to Maui.
Practical
Coordinate from Wikipedia. Noodle's Notes: the Alenuihaha is the windiest channel in the islands, funneling between 10,000-ft Haleakala and the 5,000-ft Kohala Mountains; when heading to Maui, the further north you enter the channel the broader the reach, and entering near Upolu Point gives a broad reach all the way to La Perouse Bay on south Maui regardless of trade strength. Give the point a good offing; the steep seas begin as soon as you clear the lee. Coast Pilot (October 2026): the bluffs near the point look alike from seaward; landmarks are two buildings at Upolu Point Airport, an aerobeacon on a wooden tripod, three blue silos and a prominent wind farm centered at 20-15.52N 155-51.27W. Northeast trades lose force when they round Upolu Point; vessels bound for the windward side should pass the point close-to to avoid heavier offshore winds.
Best for
Waypoint for the Alenuihaha Channel crossing
Nearby
- Nishimura Bay Anchorage5.5 NM away
- Mahukona Harbor5.7 NM away
- Mahukona Anchorage5.9 NM away
- Lapakahi State Historical Park6.7 NM away
- Big Island Humpback Whale Season6.9 NM away
- Pololu Valley Lookout and Trail7.8 NM away
- Kohala Coast Dive Moorings (Puako to Black Point)11.7 NM away
- Kohala Divers (Kawaihae)13.8 NM away