Honolua Bay
Honolua Bay
4.5
About
At Honolua Bay, you can snorkel among coral reefs, sea turtles, and puffer fish in the summer and surf in the winter. You can also tour the rocky coast on a boat year-round. Park off the highway and head to the shore through a short trail along the forest. From the beach, you’ll spot the islands of Molokai and Lanai. If you choose to take a dip in the water, watch out for the slippery rocks below the surface. A few wild chickens roaming around complement the natural scenery.
Try to get to the bay early to find a parking spot. – Tripadvisor
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
943 reviews
Excellent
622
Very good
235
Average
58
Poor
16
Terrible
12
Jeff D
Murrieta, CA328 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
We parked on the road and walked in. About a 10 min walk to the beach. The walk alone is amazing under some huge old trees and feels like a real jungle. Once at the beach, there is only rocks. You must know you will not flop down a chair and chill out all day It's hard to walk in and out of the water. However, once in the water the snorkeling is great. This is a spot many tour boats go to snorkel as well so don't be alarmed when there are 2-3 boats anchored up in the water. TO see the good stuff you need to get out there. If you stay just 100 feet out you missed the views. Get out as far are you feel comfortable and enjoy. We saw so many different fish and turtles. In the water its amazing. The parking along the road is a mess. Need to arrive early to find a spot. You really only need to be here just enough time to snorkle but I don't see spending a day here. Too hard to walk around to do that. Just snorkel and move along.
Written 30 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
looproad
219 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
Didn’t snorkel or swim here- just admired the beauty. This place is amazing. Worth the drive just to look at for a bit. If you’re lucky enough to be here, you should check it out. Just amazing.
Written 6 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ani N
3 contributions
Jun 2023 • Family
My family went snorkeling here. There is a beautiful walk through the jungle from the parking spots near the road down to the beach. We spotted lots of fish, including the trumpet fish and green sea turtles. One turtle swam with us over half an hour. 💜
Written 1 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CR
1 contribution
Apr 2023 • Family
Old hawaiian guy claims to own this government park while smoking next to a no smoking sign. Likes to yell at little kids and police others on the beach. Massive areas of the park have been kinda roped off? He says there are so.e old graves. There are some very small parcels of private land but not where he was yelling at us from.
Written 13 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
beth ann k
Halstead, KS1,792 contributions
Feb 2023
It's a bit of a walk down to see it, and it's a rock beach. It's still cool, and I'm glad we walked down.
Written 28 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rachellll432
Seattle, WA16 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
This is a fantastic snorkel spot! But it’s a ROCKY beach. No sand so wear good shoes. And flippers walking out to the water. We saw 3 turtles! We felt the far left side was the best snorkeling or of your a strong swimmer wayyy out to the right. The jungle you walk through to get to the beach is AMAZING!! Video/photograph that whole walk. The sounds are amazing.
Written 4 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Renata
Walterboro, SC12 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
I am just frightened to see these many rocks. These rocks are dangerous as you could slip and fall leading to serious injuries. This place is just too crowded.
Written 25 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mandy
Granbury, TX56 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
My favorite place to snorkel in Maui. The short walk to the bay is beautiful through the lush forest and a few wild chickens running around add to the experience. When you swim out to the reef the underwater life is fantastic. Eels, sharks, bait balls, puffer fish, just an array of everything.
Written 11 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chowso
Gloucester, UK1,195 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
The bay is absolutely stunning. We saw it from the road above and decided to snorkel there having seen the extent of the reefs. The water is so clear and blue, just beautiful.
It’s not very easy to park, we were lucky to find a space near the portaloos at the start of the walk. It’s not far - less than half a kilometre - and it’s through luscious green forest. Just be respectful of the area.
The beach is rocky - it’s not easy to find a space or to clamber over the rocks, it’s also tricky getting into the water with the slippery rocks (I’d recommend wearing beach shoes) but the snorkelling is well worth it. Head out to the east of the bay and stay near the shore and you’ll see fish right away. We went about 100m out and saw some amazing sights. Be really careful with the rocks in the water - I cut my foot while trying to balance when I was cleaning my mask (I am not a strong enough swimmer to do it without support).
It’s not very easy to park, we were lucky to find a space near the portaloos at the start of the walk. It’s not far - less than half a kilometre - and it’s through luscious green forest. Just be respectful of the area.
The beach is rocky - it’s not easy to find a space or to clamber over the rocks, it’s also tricky getting into the water with the slippery rocks (I’d recommend wearing beach shoes) but the snorkelling is well worth it. Head out to the east of the bay and stay near the shore and you’ll see fish right away. We went about 100m out and saw some amazing sights. Be really careful with the rocks in the water - I cut my foot while trying to balance when I was cleaning my mask (I am not a strong enough swimmer to do it without support).
Written 7 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
clementine05
Dallas, TX310 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Gorgeous from above. And we were told it had the best snorkeling on Maui. It’s just kind of a pain. Hard to park. Have to walk down a rocky path to get there (with your stuff). The entire beach is rocks. No good place to sit. Hard to get in the water w your snorkel equipment bc of the rocks, etc. We would have been better off taking a snorkel cruise there. It just wasn’t enjoyable unfortunately. Oh, and we didn’t swim out enough to see any fish so….
Written 4 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kfpanda1
San Jose, CA419 contributions
Planning to go tomorrow (Tuesday). What time does the parking fill up by on weekdays? Also, are there restroom facilities here?
El_Toro05
Toronto, Canada
Hi, I'm staying in Kihei and looking to decide on which snorkeling tour to go on - Molokini or Honolua Bay. I am aware I'm closer to Ma'aalea but my biggest concern is which snorkeling trip will yield most sighting of sea creatures. I'm looking to go the third week of July. I've read mixed reviews that Molokini is overcrowded and not a lot of fish to see but thought to ask here to see if any of you had been to both. Many thanks!
Aaronwoo
Salt lake city339 contributions
We saw turtles at Honolua - none at Molokini. The water will depend on when you go - sometimes it is rougher due to weather etc. there fish at both places, but more variety at Molokini.
Is it a hike to get to the bay? We have our son with us and wondering if it’ll be too difficult with him in a carry pack
McD
Hemet, CA36 contributions
It is a easy 5 minute walk downhill from roadside parking. You may have to walk across a small stream, but it is shallow. Should not be a problem, and it is an amazing walk through the tree canopy!
audio12362
Tokyo, Japan2 contributions
Hi,
Are there hotels nearby?
HockinsonSoccergirl
Washington80 contributions
no
The325
14 contributions
How steep is the water? I can swim but I'm not a strong swimmer. I didn't have a life jacket. Should I be concerned?
585RalphK
Boyle, Canada17 contributions
Well it's deeper than a person can stand so,,it could be a problem,but usually when you snorkel you aren't actually swimming as such you kind of float face down,a life jacket is designed to keep your head out of the water,and most rolling you onto your back...a better option is a flotation device like a swim noodle or a paddle board,you can rest on it or go a little deeper at times for closer looks,best if it was tethered to you somehow so you can't get separated ,a wet suit may be the answer too as they increase your flotation and keep you warm,it can get pretty cold after being out in the water for awile
cccruiser
Gulfport, MS114 contributions
Hi! Is there snorkeling equipment to rent at Honolua Bay ?
585RalphK
Boyle, Canada17 contributions
No......go to a reputable shop such as snorkel bobs on your first day or so and rent for the day or the week,if you wear glasses they can set you up with different lense on for each side if that's what you need,but remember you will be happier with better quality gear stay away from cheap,toy, type stuff
LibbyAH
Sherman Oaks, CA82 contributions
For early May, if you were to do one snorkeling boat trip, would you go to Honolua Bay or to Molekini?
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Claim your listingHONOLUA BAY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Honolua Bay
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Honolua Bay:
- West Maui Snorkeling Experience by Boat from Ka'anapali (From S$255.16)
- Oahu Small Group Shore Excursion: WWII The Full History (From S$215.25)
- Afternoon Adventure Snorkel from Ka'anapali (From S$224.97)
- Private Tour of Maui, the Valley Isle (From S$600.39)
- Maui Scuba Diving Introductory Lesson from Lahaina (From S$303.53)
- Hotels near Honolua Bay:
- (0.65 km) A205, Studio, Ocean Front beautiful view
- (3.03 km) Montage Kapalua Bay
- (3.70 km) Napili Surf Beach Resort
- (2.14 km) The Ritz-Carlton Maui Kapalua
- (3.37 km) Napili Kai Beach Resort
- Restaurants near Honolua Bay:
- (0.47 km) Honolua Farms Kitchen
- (0.72 km) The Plantation House
- (1.74 km) Burger Shack
- (2.34 km) Honolua Store
- (2.36 km) Sansei Seafood Restaurant & Sushi Bar
- Attractions near Honolua Bay:
- (0.50 km) Slaughterhouse Beach
- (1.18 km) Kapalua Plantation Course
- (0.74 km) Kapalua Golf
- (2.31 km) Kapalua Ziplines
- (1.67 km) D.T. Fleming Beach Park