Come to ride some of Maui’s huge barrel waves in winter or just watch the professionals from the bluff. In summer, go for a snorkel session or nature hike.

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.

Plan a trip to see Honolua Bay

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Ilikai by Luana Hawaii Vacation Rentals

Waikiki

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Apr 2 - Apr 5

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Nagoya (NGO) to Honolulu (HNL)

8.6/10 Excellent! (51 reviews)

Great space had everything we needed and close to the beach!

Reviewed on Dec 30, 2025

Ala Moana Hotelcondo by Luana Vacation Rental

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Tokyo (HND) to Honolulu (HNL)

7.4/10 Good! (256 reviews)

I had corner unit so I overlooked at Bay great firework show on Friday night from Balcony loud cruisers in evening with blaring music heard all the way up to 16th floor not in properties control, Shopping Ala Moana mall almost attached convenient bridge to walk across with out have to cross streets

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Kona Reef, A Raintree Vacation Club Resort

Historic Kailua Village

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Tokyo (HND) to Kailua-Kona (KOA)

8.6/10 Excellent! (458 reviews)

Overall, our accommodation was quite good! The room facilities were a bit outdated, and the bathroom sink was a little small for a family of three. Room B23 had a great view, overlooking the ocean, trees, and beach. The kitchen stove was convenient for preparing simple meals. The washing machine and dryer came with laundry detergent, which was very convenient for doing laundry – a real necessity in Hawaii! The beds were comfortable, and the sofa bed was also quite comfortable. The downsides: the housekeeper only cleaned the room once, and for the rest of the time, we had to request towels and other necessities from the office. There were some small cockroaches in the room, but I think this is unavoidable due to the climate of Hawaii.

Reviewed on Dec 29, 2025

Browse tours and tickets to explore Honolua Bay

Tours & day trips

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Waterfall & Rainforest Hiking Adventure

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Water activities

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Premium Sunset Sail with Dinner from Ka'anapali Beach

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History & culture

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Myths of Maui Luau at the Royal Lahaina Resort

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Classes & workshops

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Group Surf Lessons from Kaanapali Beach

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Private & custom tours

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Private Charter Sanity Vessel Tour Off Kaanapali Beach to Lanai

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Reviews of Honolua Bay

4.5

Top Destination

5 - Excellent

214

4 - Good

141

3 - Okay

21

2 - Disappointing

5

1 - Terrible

0

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

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

Verified traveler

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

Verified traveler

Incredible snorkeling! Brave the rocks!

5/5 - Excellent

J

Beautiful area for snorkeling with a wide array or fish, sea turtles, and coral. Be sure to wear water/reef shoes!

2/5 - Disappointing

Verified traveler

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

Verified traveler

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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