Honolua Bay Snorkeling and Beach Guide

Honolua Bay Snorkeling and Beach Guide

**7/14/25 – New porta-potty facilities have been installed at the Honolua Bay parking lot! Mahalo to all who took action to restore these facilities. Please continue to respect and cherish this beautiful marine reserve and conservation district.** 

Honolua Bay is a renowned and picturesque marine reserve located on the northwestern coast of Maui, Hawaii. It’s celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life.

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▶️ Check the live webcam at nearby Napili Bay.

🌤️ Check the forecast for the Northwest Maui region.

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Directions and Distance from Auntie Snorkel 

• https://maps.app.goo.gl/v2jzg3BEeMQeCrAn9
• Honolua Bay is on the northwest coast of Maui, off Honoapiilani Highway (Route 30), just past mile marker 33. The bay is approximately a 15-20 minute drive north from Auntie Snorkel Lahaina.

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Parking and Access

• Park in the dirt lot makai (ocean side) of the highway. Parking is limited and can fill up quickly, so early morning is the best time to visit. Do not leave valuables in your car. 
• From the parking lot, take a short, magical jungle walk to the rocky shoreline of Honolua Bay. Access to the water is either over slippery rocks or via a slippery old boat ramp, so exercise caution entering and exiting the water. There is no sandy beach at Honolua Bay.

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Facilities and Amenities

• There are no lifeguards on duty, restrooms, or other facilities at the bay. There are 3 porta-potties located at the dirt parking lot. Visitors should come prepared with their own supplies, including water and snacks.

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What to Bring

• Bring what you can carry for an enjoyable bay exploration experience! Auntie recommends your snorkel gear, floatation, a GoPro, reef-safe sunscreen, and snacks.

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Snorkeling and Surf

• Honolua Bay is a marine reserve and conservation district, preserving the delicate marine ecosystem. Therefore, fishing, spearfishing, and other forms of marine harvesting are prohibited within the bay, making it an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving due to the abundant marine life.
• Snorkelers and divers can explore the vibrant coral reefs that teem with colorful fish, sea turtles, eels, octopuses, and other marine creatures. 
• Honolua Bay welcomes winter swells that can produce excellent surf conditions. Generally, surfing there is suitable for advanced and experienced surfers only, due to the powerful and challenging waves that break over the reef.

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Environment and Seasonal Variation

• Due to its status as a marine reserve, it’s crucial for visitors to respect the conservation efforts in place at Honolua Bay. Accordingly, do not touch or damage the coral, refrain from collecting, touching, or feeding marine life, and follow posted rules and regulations.
• The bay provides some shelter from trade winds and currents. Currents and winds can be very strong just outside the bay.
• The best time for snorkeling at Honolua Bay is during the summer months (May to September) when the ocean is typically calmer, and visibility is at its best. Conversely, winter months can bring larger waves and choppier, murky waters.

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Remember to respect the natural beauty and environment of Honolua Bay by leaving no trace and following any posted rules and regulations. Honolua Bay is a gem on Maui’s coastline, offering a serene and natural setting for those looking to experience the island’s underwater wonders. Whether you’re a snorkeler, diver, or simply looking to enjoy the scenic beauty of Hawaii’s coast, Honolua Bay is a must-visit destination.