Exploring Honolua Bay in Maui: The Ultimate Guide
One of my favorite places in Maui to explore was Honolua Bay with its lush greenery contrasting with the clear, blue water. This picturesque bay is such a great place for nature lovers, water enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a tranquil escape from the busy areas of the island.
Since this bay in Maui is protected under the Marine Life Conservation District, it is illegal to fish or engage in any other activities that doesn’t allow marine life to flourish.
Most visitors that go to Honolua Bay usually go diving or snorkeling. But there are things to keep in mind when snorkeling at this beautiful bay, especially when it rains.
You may also even spot experienced surfers through surfing competitions as the waves tend to swell, providing the perfect size waves.
In this guide, I will dive into everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Honolua Bay.
Is Honolua Bay Safe to Snorkel?
When the waves start to swell, it is not recommended to snorkel or go diving as the waters can be dangerous. But if you know how to surf, this area is a great place to show off your skills. As you go further away from the beach, there is more opportunities to snorkel and come across unique plants and animals.
When driving up the mountain to see the scenic overlook of the bay, there is a spot that people are likely to stop at for a day of snorkeling. This spot is hidden and requires you to walk through the rainforest to the rocky shoreline.
Along the way, you will come across tall trees with moss and vines and signs that remind you to wear reef-friendly sunscreen.
Before you pack up your gear and head out to this area, make sure to check if it has rained recently in Maui as this generally means that there is a higher bacteria content in the water.
The pathway to the shoreline may also be muddy with a few wild chickens. Watch out for falling coconuts!
How to Get to Honolua Bay in Maui
While you can spend all day driving to Honolua Bay in a rental car from the other side of Maui, I would recommend staying in Ka’anapali, which is only 15 minutes away by car.
Driving by car is the cheapest option but if you are relying on public transportation, look out for Line 28 bus at Whalers Village (total cost is around $20). There is also an option to take a taxi is that is what you prefer.
Is There Parking at Honolua Bay Maui?
There is very limited parking at Honolua Bay as Maui wants to keep this snorkeling spot from becoming too crowded. However, this doesn’t mean that you should leave your valuables in the car as this destination is still prone to car break-ins.
When driving on the narrow road up the mountain, there are some spots where you can pull off the road to go snorkeling or to admire the cliffside views. There is an official pull-off point with a sign that provides a decent amount of parking for visitors.
However, you may have to climb over a guardrail to see the turquoise water and the beach. Depending on the season and the crowd level, it can become more difficult to find parking and room to pull over to capture the stunning views.
If you want to learn more about the history of Honolua Bay, I recommend downloading the self-guided app that is used for the Road to Hana and all of Maui.
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Places to Stay Near Honolua Bay
There are so many resorts that are within a reasonable driving distance to Honolua Bay, but the resorts can be super expensive, especially during the summer.
- Aston Maui Kaanapali Villas
- The Mauian Hotel
- Napili Sunset Beach Front Resort
- Montage Kapalua Bay
- The Ritz-Carlton Maui Kapalua
- The Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, Ka’anapali
Things to do Near Honolua Bay
One of the most popular activities to do in Honolua Bay if you want a bit more structure to your snorkeling adventure is to book a snorkeling and sailing adventure on the water.
Sail on a small boat in the crystal clear water in Honolua Bay and discover tropical fish and sea turtles. Then, take part in the buffet lunch and the open bar. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some humpback whales.
You can also take a private jeep tour that stops at several spots in northwest Maui, including Honolua Bay where they allow you time to capture the Banyan Tree Forest. After stopping at this ancient forest, the tour has a few other stops such as the Nakalele Blowhole, Kapalua pine trees, and panoramic views of other islands like Lanai and Molokai.
If you have time, spend a day at Slaughterhouse Beach, soaking in the sunshine, or go shopping at Whalers Village.
Final Thoughts
Honolua Bay is just one of many gems in Maui worth exploring, and I was honestly a little overwhelmed by the number of things to do on this Hawaiian island. From snorkeling and seeing whales to climbing a volcano, Maui is a lush paradise, and I hope it stays that way.
When visiting Honolua Bay and other areas in Maui, make sure to leave no traces behind.
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