Honolua Bay

As one of the best surfing and snorkeling spots in Maui, Honolua Bay is a favorite – of both tourists and locals alike. Surfers will enjoy the powerful waves and amazingly long and exhilarating rides. The winter months bring some of the best surfing conditions this side of Maui and will provide the challenge, especially for professional surfers.

Nature lovers will marvel at its rich marine life. It boasts of remarkable coral formations (with at least one species of rare coral), a wide variety of fish and even a resting ground for the green sea turtle. This is particularly true during the warm summer months.

Honolua Bay is part of the Honolua-Mokuleia Marine Life Conservation District and is to be found on the northwestern coast of Maui. This bay is readily visible from Highway 30, between mile markers 32 and 33. Parking is either along the highway or in a small turnoff. This means a bit of a walk through a lush rainforest before you can get to the shore. The water near the shore can be murky so you will have to swim farther out. Don’t worry, your efforts will be well rewarded with the sight of colorful coral growths near the sides of the cliffs. If you plan to snorkel, it’s best to enter the water near the right side of the shore (where most of the coral formations are). Be extra careful as you cross the rocks - they can be especially slippery.

It is not advisable to snorkel or scuba dive during winters or after a heavy rain. During this time, underwater visibility is poor, due to the runoff that come from the streams. However, you can still indulge in some sight-seeing. Lipoa Point (the lookout area on the bay’s east cliff) provides some of the best views of the bay – as well as of expert surfers slugging it out amidst the giant waves.