Honolua Bay’s position on the northwest coast of Maui makes it an ideal spot for surfers. Winter is the best time for this, because that’s when the swells are biggest. The huge barrel waves here are renowned for their incredibly long riding time, so if you are experienced, join the fun! If you want to brush up your skills first, sign up for a surf lesson there are good surf schools around. In the summer, Honolua Bay is great for snorkeling.
The beach here is small, so if you want to watch the surfing, it’s best to go to the bluffs above the bay for a better vantage point. In December, Honolua Bay hosts the Billabong Pro Maui women’s surf competition. This showcases some of the best female surfing talent in the world. If you’re looking for other surf hotspots, travel to Ho‘okipa Beach Park further north. It also hosts competitions, but the beach there is more comfortable.
While Honolua Beach itself is not great for a walk or relaxing, due to its rocky terrain, a walk through the vegetation over the top of the cliffs is idyllic. Take your camera, because the view over the bay is beautiful, especially at sunset.
Waters are calmer during the summer months, and you can get up-close to fish, turtles and coral if you go for a snorkel. The surrounding area is part of the Mokuleia Marine Life Conservation District, which ensures that the wildlife is protected. Swim a bit further out for clearer waters the sand near the beach is often stirred up by the waves.
Give snorkeling a miss if it’s been raining, when visibility will be restricted due to run-off waters from the island. Also remember that Honolua Bay is not suitable for inexperienced swimmers or boarders, so don’t attempt to dive into the waves if you’re unsure of their power.
Honolua Bay in West Maui is reached by following the Honoapiilani Highway. Free parking is available near the beach, but it’s limited, so come early in the day. A special access trail leads to the beach.
Honolua Bay Tours
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Hono Koa Vacation Club
Reviewed on Mar 26, 2025
Ilikai by Luana Hawaii Vacation Rentals
Reviewed on Jan 21, 2025
Browse tours and tickets to explore Honolua Bay
Tours & day trips
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Waterfall & Rainforest Hiking Adventure
Water activities
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Luxury Molokini & Turtle Snorkel Sail with Breakfast, Lunch & Open Bar
History & culture
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Myths of Maui Luau at the Royal Lahaina Resort
Classes & workshops
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Group Surf Lessons from Kaanapali Beach
Private & custom tours
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Private Road to Hana, Waterfalls & Lunch
Reviews of Honolua Bay
5/5 - Excellent
Great place for snorkeling. It's not a place for a family as there is no beach. Just rocks. It could be dangerous for smaller children. After parking the car, there is a very nice walk to the beach. You feel like you are in a big tropical forest.
5/5 - Excellent
Very good snorkeling. Great variety and volume of fish, see turtles etc. Look, you can do this on your own, but don't be silly. Take a snorkeling tour out of Lahaina - that was my entry to Honolua Bay. I don;t swim. I'm not a big fan of boat rides. I am a big fan of well run tours and great value in anything. Did the snorkel tour with Trilogy. It friggin kicked ass. Its a snorkeling tour and worth the price without the damn snorkeling! I did end up in the water snorkeling... and I do not swim at all, don;t float, don;t tread, don;t like taking chances in the water. Dude on board helped me, they made it work and convinced me of my safety. Captain mike kicked asss. Great guy, great freekin tour. You are fed well, the boat is great, the sailing (no motors) return was awesome. Dolphins, turtles and a manta couple "courting" on the way in the ocean. KICK... ASS... TOUR. Great value. They were great with kids, they cook the lunch while you snorkel, they really take care of you with the food and drinks. Safe snorkeling, 2 stops with different fish etc to see. Photographer on board. GREAT music mix from captain Mike's spotify play list. Crew was very professional, very fun, very accommodating and they worked hard. This says it all: I thought it was worth the money, even BEFORE i went in the water for the final 15 minutes of snorkeling. Its a snorkeling tour and worth the price without the damn snorkeling!
5/5 - Excellent
Incredible snorkeling! Brave the rocks!
5/5 - Excellent
Beautiful area for snorkeling with a wide array or fish, sea turtles, and coral. Be sure to wear water/reef shoes!
2/5 - Disappointing
Make sure no recent rain because it runs into here & visibility gets bad. The swells were high and water rough when we went.
4/5 - Good
We walked to the Bay, it was busy but we didn't have snorkel equipment or our swimsuits. If you are going to go, bring those things.
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