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.
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.
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.
Facilities and Amenities
There are no lifeguards on duty, restrooms, or other facilities at the bay. There are some portable toilets at the dirt parking lot. Visitors should come prepared with their own supplies, including water and snacks.
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.
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.
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.
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.
About
Auntie Snorkel
Auntie Snorkel shop has been serving Maui’s fun seekers for over 33 years, established in 1985. We're the original South Maui Snorkel Shop. When I bought the shop 10 years ago from Auntie, we decided to keep the name. The name "Auntie" is a term of respect here in Hawaii. I'm living my dream. I get to meet awesome people from all over the world and share with them my love and knowledge of this magical island that I get to call home. We know all the spots. I have lived here since 2001. We're the true definition of a family owned and operated shop. I answer the phones and work the shop along with my family. When you shop with us you're supporting my ohana and for that I thank you!! Why go anywhere else? We're the friendliest, fastest, cheapest and our location is the most epic! Mahalo and Aloha”. ~Mark Noble (Owner & Maui Fun Expert)
order online and pick up in store, a quick smooth process. cap Callie was very nice and friendly! highly recommend! i’d rent here again when i come back next time. 🤙🏼
Corbin H.
Rented snorkel gear here multiple times. Always super easy process, fair price & great gear! Sarah helped us, was super nice & gave us some recommendations on spots to go snorkeling! Will definitely rent here again :)
Megan L.
Scott was so helpful and friendly! He explained how to use the equipment and provided us with info on the best places to visit. This was the best deal on gear that we found and they were great quality! Definitely recommend and will come here again on the next trip!
HRC
Rented snorkel sets and boogie boards here last year, great service. Thanks!
Madison M.
Friendly staff, effective snorkel gear. Sarah was knowledgeable on the snorkeling areas and provided us with guidance to give us the best snorkel experience possible. We even got some prescription snorkel goggles, which we were so grateful for.
Abby W.
We had a great experience. Burton was knowledgeable and friendly.
Tom B.
We got a few boogie boards and Sarah told us about the killer spots to go. So we did. And lost all of our jewelry, got scraped up all over our bodies, and literallyate sand. It was awesome. Thank you guys.
