Honolua Bay

Honolua Bay is a great place to snorkel in Maui. The waters at Honolua Bay is protected by Honolua-Mokule’ia Bay Marine Life Conservation District while the surrounding land is privately owned by a family who allows visitors to access this bay. This location is one of the few limited snorkeling locations that is sheltered from the open ocean, large waves, and trade winds. 

Honolua Bay is large and has fantastic snorkeling on both sides of the bay, but the best coral appears to be at the North End.

The privately owned property that allows visitors to access this bay has several enforced rules.  

1. Do not wear sunscreen since the chemicals damage the reefs.
2. Do not bring dogs or pets
3. Do not touch the corals
4. Area closes at 5pm.

The family hired a person to explain the rules, watch the beach, and ensure the few rules are obeyed. We would recommend making a small donation to this family since they are allowing visitors to access this breathtaking bay. 

Once you have entered the ocean, we recommend swimming close to the rocky shore on the right side of the bay until you reach the large coral heads. You will often see other snorkelers in that location, making it very easy to find.

You may encounter Butterflyfish, Chubs, Cornetfish, Filefish, Goatfish, Hawkfish, Morrish, Parrotfish, Puffer Fish, Sergeant, Snapper Fish, Surgeonfish, Tang, Toby, Triggerfish, Unicornfish, Wrasse, Sea Urchin, Sea Turtles, Zoanthid, and many types of Coral. 

This location has roadside porta-potties, parking, and a walking trail to the bay. The Honolua Bay Access Trail is located at both of the parking locations. 

Honolua Bay Parking Area 1

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Honolua Bay Parking Area 2

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Honolua Bay, Lahaina, HI