West Maui - Honolua Bay

Honolua Bay

Honolua Bay is located north of the big resorts in West Maui. This is a protected and secluded bay with a rocky shoreline (no sand or shade). While this wouldn’t be your first choice if sun bathing was on the top of your to do list, it is great for hiking, swimming and snorkeling (most of the time - see below).

To reach the rocky bay you need to hike through a beautiful dense tropical forest. While it may look confusing, all trails lead to the bay so no worries about getting lost. you will see beautiful natural trees and a wide variety of native Hawaiian plants, including banyan trees and taro, plus a few wild chickens.  

The bay is usually great for snorkeling. You will find most varieties of tropical fish and plenty of turtles.  After heavy rains the creek running into the bay can muddy the water and make snorkeling impossible. Just hiking to the water is worth the trip. The best areas to snorkel are further from the beach which may be murky from the stream runoff. West (to the left) is the best for snorkeling, follow the rocky shoreline all the way out. We have found turtles and fish just about everywhere in the bay.

To get there just follow the HI-30 E/Honoapiilani Hwy north past Honokohau Bay. You will come to a lookout which will give you a nice view (and photo op) of Honolua Bay. Once you have traveled down the road you will see cars parked along the highway. You can park and follow a trail to the bay. Further down is a parking lot with a rest room on the left. This is a popular place and it will fill up quickly. Try to get here in the morning by 10 am.

• Directions
  Take highway 30 ( turns into 340) about 9/10 of a mile past DT Fleming Beach.
• Parking
  park along the road or at the dirt parking lot and the north end of the forest..
• Restrooms
  Porta-Potties at dirt parking lot.
• Best For
  hiking, snorkeling when water is clear

•  Click Here for Honolua Bay Snorkel Information