Honolua Bay

The basics

Visit Honolua Bay on a snorkeling or scuba diving trip by boat, which will sometimes include one or more spots along the west Maui coast. Independent visitors should swim out some distance from the beach for the best visibility. Expect to see plentiful coral, reef and tropical fish, turtles, rays, and even pods of spinner dolphins. In the winter, storms bring swells creating a long and powerful right point break at the bay. Spectators can watch the action from an overlook on the east cliffs.

Honolua Bay is also included in some guided sightseeing tours on land, which will often include other popular attractions such as Iao Valley State Monument, Nakalele Blowhole, and Olivine Pools. Opt for a private tour to fully customize your itinerary.

Things to know before you go

• There are no lifeguards and no facilities at Honolua Bay.
• The rocky beach is not ideal for sunbathing, or bare feet.
• Fishing, and taking anything from Honolua Bay, including marine life and rocks, is prohibited.
• Local landowners have prohibited dogs and the use of sunscreen.
• Do not leave any valuables in your car as cars have been broken into here.
• The waves here are not suitable for beginners; only experienced surfers should attempt.

How to get there

Honolua Bay is located around 3 miles (5 kilometers) north of Kapalua. Look for mile marker #32 on the Honoapi’ilani Highway (Hwy 30). From there, followed the marked path from the road to the beach access.

When to get there

Visit in the summer to go snorkeling and scuba diving. Avoid visiting after a heavy rain as runoff and sediment can affect visibility. In the winter, Honolua Bay is more suitable for surfing. Winter is also a good time to spot humpback whales. 

Top Snorkeling Sites on Maui

The best snorkeling sites on Maui can be found along the northwestern coast, and around the southern end of the island. In addition to Honolua Bay, the top spots in the northwest include Kapalua Bay and Black Rock Beach at Kaanapali. In the south, the top spots include Turtle Town at Maluaka Beach, Ahihi Kinay Reserve, and Molokini Islet.

Ways to explore

Honolua Bay lies within the Honolua‑Mokule‘ia Marine Life Conservation District on Maui’s west coast. You can access it via guided snorkeling or sailing tours that depart from Ka‘anapali Beach. These small-group excursions usually include breakfast, snorkel gear, and a stop at Honolua (plus often a second reef site), led by marine naturalists. Driving independently, you can park near the highway and walk for five to 10 minutes along a forested trail to reach the bay. There’s no admission fee, but parking is limited, and facilities at the beach are minimal, so plan accordingly.

Accessibility

The Honolua Bay access trail is a short, dirt path through forest; it is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible.

Age limits

All ages welcome, though the trail may be difficult for very young kids; the suggested age is 7 and up.

What to pack

Reef‑safe sunscreen (mandatory to protect coral), water bottle, snacks, water shoes for the rocky shoreline

What to wear

Comfortable walking shoes and sturdy water sandals, swimsuit or swimwear if you plan to snorkel, light layers

Not allowed

Fishing or collecting marine life (it’s a protected conservation district), sitting on or touching the coral, using drones near the reef, smoking

Amenities

Three portable restrooms located near the roadside parking lot; no restrooms, lifeguards, showers, or food vendors at the bay itself

Address

Honolua Bay is on Maui’s northwest coast, off Honoapiʻilani Highway, north of Kapalua. Arriving by car or as part of a guided snorkeling or sailing tour is best. Public transit is slow and requires walking.

Driving

From Lahaina, drive north on Route 30 (Honoapiʻilani Highway) for about 20 minutes, just past Kapalua, to mile marker 32. Look for the small dirt parking lot by the roadside, cross the highway, and walk through the forest to reach the bay.

Public transportation

Take the Maui Bus “Lahaina Loop” or West Maui Islander routes to Lahaina and transfer to the Napili Islander bus No. 29 northbound toward Kapalua. The ride takes more than an hour and requires a 15-minute walk from the Kapalua Dr. stop to the trail.

Best times to visit

Midmorning through early afternoon offers calm seas and brighter underwater visibility for snorkeling. Winter mornings may bring stronger surf, ideal for watching surfers.

Best days to visit

Weekdays—especially Tuesday through Thursday—are typically quieter, with fewer cars competing for limited parking.

Best months to visit

The summer months, from May through September, provide warm water, sunny skies, and ideal conditions for snorkeling. In winter (December through February), expect bigger surf, drawing surfers rather than snorkelers.

Special events

Occasional surf competitions