Marina· Hawaii (Big Island)· Hawaii
Wailoa Sampan Basin and Boat Harbor
19° 43.4′ N · 155° 4.2′ W · approximate
The state small boat harbor just inside the mouth of the Wailoa River in downtown Hilo, home to most of the area's small craft and fishing boats, beside Wailoa River State Recreation Area.
Practical
Coordinate approximate: the Coast Pilot puts the harbor 0.1 mile south of the river mouth, which is marked by Wailoa Basin Channel Lights 1 and 2 (19-43-27.1N 155-04-16.4W and 19-43-27.7N 155-04-18.5W). DRAFT LIMIT: the mouth shoals heavily, especially in winter; after 2006 flooding locals reported 2.5 ft in the channel, and a sign with a flashing red light warns of shoaling. The Coast Pilot says vessels drawing more than 4 ft should not attempt the river. A fixed highway bridge at the entrance has 12 ft clearance - so this is a dinghy destination for most cruising yachts, not a berth. Cruisers anchored off the breakwater reported tying dinghies to trees in the park here (Noodle's Notes). Administered by DLNR DOBOR (Hawaii District office at Honokohau, (808) 327-3690); ask the Hilo office about any temporary space. Suisan Fish Market and Hilo Bay Cafe are nearby on Lihiwai Street. DOBOR facility page (checked 2026): 50 moorings, 2 launch ramps, vessel washdown and a comfort station; office at 75 Aupuni Street, Suite 210, Hilo, (808) 933-0414. No fuel dock is listed.
Best for
Dinghy landing to downtown Hilo; small shoal-draft boats only
Nearby
- Hilo Bay Cafe0.1 NM away
- Suisan Fish Market0.1 NM away
- Hilo Tsunami Clock0.2 NM away
- Liliuokalani Gardens and Coconut Island (Mokuola)0.2 NM away
- Propane Refills (Hilo and Puna)0.3 NM away
- Fuel and Diesel in Hilo (Jerry Jug or Truck)0.4 NM away
- Ken's House of Pancakes0.4 NM away
- Wailoa River State Recreation Area0.4 NM away