Honokeana Bay
A rocky Maui bay renowned for incredible sea turtle encounters and vibrant coral reefs, offering a unique snorkeling adventure.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best visibility for snorkeling
Honokeana Bay
Best Time
Best visibility for snorkeling
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rocky Maui bay renowned for incredible sea turtle encounters and vibrant coral reefs, offering a unique snorkeling adventure.
"Awesome location for snorkeling with turtles. Even if you don’t snorkel, you can sit on the rocks and see them everywhere."
🐢 Turtle Spotting Pro-Tip
Go in the morning for best visibility and to see turtles napping under coral edges!
🚗 Parking Patience
Park on side streets for free parking. Access is via a small path or rocky cove.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sea Turtle Encounters
Honokeana Bay
Swim alongside majestic Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) in their natural habitat. A truly unforgettable wildlife experience.
Vibrant Coral Reefs
Honokeana Bay
Explore a diverse underwater world teeming with colorful fish, eels, and sea cucumbers. A snorkeler's paradise.
Monk Seal Sightings
Honokeana Bay rocky shores
Keep an eye out for the rare Hawaiian monk seal resting on the rocks or swimming near the shore.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Morning Snorkel is Key
Parking & Access Challenges
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐢 Turtle Spotting Pro-Tip
Go in the morning for best visibility and to see turtles napping under coral edges!
🚗 Parking Patience
Park on side streets for free parking. Access is via a small path or rocky cove.
🥽 Snorkel Gear Essentials
Consider water shoes for rocky entry. Avoid open-heeled fins if you have sensitive heels.
🌊 Respect the Wildlife
Observe turtles and seals from a distance; never touch them.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐢 Turtle Spotting Pro-Tip
Go in the morning for best visibility and to see turtles napping under coral edges!
🚗 Parking Patience
Park on side streets for free parking. Access is via a small path or rocky cove.
🥽 Snorkel Gear Essentials
Consider water shoes for rocky entry. Avoid open-heeled fins if you have sensitive heels.
🌊 Respect the Wildlife
Observe turtles and seals from a distance; never touch them.
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring an underwater camera to document the incredible marine life.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Honokeana Bay is highly praised for its incredible snorkeling, especially the abundance of sea turtles. Visitors love the rich marine life and the chance to see turtles up close. However, the rocky entry and challenging parking are frequently mentioned drawbacks, requiring some effort for access.
"Awesome location for snorkeling with turtles. Even if you don’t snorkel, you can sit on the rocks and see them everywhere in the water. Parking is tricky, but park on the side streets for free parking. There is a tiny path leading to the bay. Visibility in the water can be tricky in the afternoon so I suggest going in the morning."
Georgina M
"One of the best places we snorkeled! Definitely worth checking out if your staying in the area or want to see some turtles 🐢
Pros:
- so much wildlife, fish, turtles, eels, sea cucumbers, urchins
- not very busy
Cons:
- no clear entry point, if you don’t have access via one of the apartments complex’s shore lines then I’d recommend going to the right corner of the bay where you can climb down some rock and enter through a small cove
- parking may be hard, we where staying in one of the apartments along the bay so we never struggled with this but if you are coming from somewhere else it could be hard
- no public bathrooms"
Paige Miodek (EMERGENCY Account)
"A beautiful, rocky bay with swift surges and no easy access to the water. I saw three turtles from a distance as they floated at the surface. The highlight of my walk along an unimproved public access path was a viewing of a monk seal! It swam up along the bank and paused in a shallow finger of water among the rocks. Rugged and beautiful!"
Galen Thomas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Honokeana Bay is located on Maui's west side, near Napili. Parking can be challenging, so look for spots on side streets. Access to the bay is typically via a small path or by climbing down rocks into a cove.
Public transportation options directly to Honokeana Bay are limited. It's best to drive or take a taxi/rideshare. Parking is often found on nearby side streets.
The most recommended access point is the right corner of the bay, where you can climb down some rocks into a small cove. Be cautious as there's no clear, sandy entry.
Yes, Honokeana Bay is close to Napili Beach and Kapalua Bay, both offering beautiful beaches and snorkeling opportunities. The Kapalua Coastal Trail is also nearby.
The bay is rocky and rugged, with unimproved public access paths. While beautiful, it's not ideal for a leisurely stroll on a sandy beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Honokeana Bay is a natural public access point and does not require tickets for entry.
As a natural bay, Honokeana Bay does not have set operating hours. However, for the best snorkeling conditions and visibility, visiting in the morning is highly recommended.
There is no entrance fee to access Honokeana Bay. Parking on side streets is typically free.
The main considerations are the rocky entry and potential for surges. Always respect marine life and avoid touching or disturbing the turtles and seals.
Some apartment complexes along the bay may offer private access. If you are not staying there, you'll need to use the public access points.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Honokeana Bay is renowned for its abundance of Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu). You can also spot various fish, eels, sea cucumbers, and occasionally Hawaiian monk seals. +1
Yes, Honokeana Bay is considered one of the best snorkeling spots in the area, especially for seeing sea turtles. The coral reefs are also vibrant.
Water clarity is best in the morning. Afternoon conditions can be affected by surges, making entry and exit more challenging.
No, there are no public restrooms available at Honokeana Bay. It's advisable to use facilities before you arrive.
Compared to some other popular spots, Honokeana Bay is often described as not very busy, especially if you visit on a weekday morning.
📸 📸 Photography
The primary photo opportunities involve capturing the sea turtles underwater while snorkeling. The rugged coastline and potential monk seal sightings also offer unique shots.
While you can see turtles from the shore, getting clear, close-up shots is best achieved while snorkeling. You might spot monk seals near the rocks.
An underwater camera or a waterproof phone case is highly recommended to capture the marine life effectively.
The rocky edges of the bay offer scenic views of the water and coastline. The best 'viewpoint' for wildlife is in the water itself.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's always best to check current local rules and regulations regarding drone operation in protected marine areas before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For younger children or those less comfortable with rugged access, nearby Napili Bay or Kapalua Bay offer gentler, sandy beach entries and calmer waters, while still providing opportunities for snorkeling and wildlife viewing. If you do visit Honokeana Bay with kids, prioritize morning visits for better visibility and aim to park close to the access points to minimize walking with gear.
🐠 Snorkel Enthusiasts
To enhance your experience, consider bringing a good quality underwater camera to capture the incredible sights. Researching tide charts can also help you find calmer conditions. While the bay itself is excellent, remember that nearby spots like Kapalua Bay and Honolua Bay also offer superb snorkeling, providing options for a full day of underwater exploration.
📸 Nature Photographers
Beyond the underwater realm, the dramatic rocky coastline offers opportunities for landscape shots, especially during sunrise or sunset (though access might be more difficult then). Keep an eye out for the rare Hawaiian monk seal, which can provide a unique and compelling photographic subject if you're lucky enough to spot one.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Snorkeling with Honu (Sea Turtles)
When snorkeling, look for turtles wedging themselves under coral edges for naps – a behavior many visitors find fascinating. The bay's rocky bottom and coral structures provide ample hiding spots and feeding grounds for these magnificent creatures. Remember to use reef-safe sunscreen to protect both yourself and the delicate marine ecosystem. The sheer abundance of turtles here is a testament to the health of the bay's ecosystem, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in marine conservation and wildlife viewing.
Navigating Access and Parking
Parking is another common concern. While there are no dedicated parking lots, visitors often find free parking on the side streets surrounding the bay. Arriving early in the morning can significantly increase your chances of securing a spot. Some of the apartment complexes along the bay may offer private access, but for general visitors, utilizing the public access points and street parking is the way to go. Be prepared for a short walk from your parking spot to the bay's edge.
Marine Biodiversity Beyond Turtles
Occasionally, visitors are also fortunate enough to spot Hawaiian monk seals, a critically endangered species, resting on the rocky shores or swimming in the shallows. These sightings are rare and special, offering a glimpse into the diverse ecosystem of Maui's coast. The presence of such a variety of marine creatures underscores the ecological importance of Honokeana Bay and the need for its preservation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit