Maui Beach Guide

Honokohau Bay

Honokohau Bay is a rugged northwest Maui bay with steep cliffs, boulders, powerful surf, dramatic wave sound and a remote coastal setting.

Plan Your Visit
Honokohau Bay

Honokohau Bay, Maui

Honokohau Bay is a remote boulder beach in West Maui. It is popular among experienced surfers in the winter months. When the surf is up it can get crowded here, and there is only a small parking area. The ocean bottom in the bay is rocky, and rip currents are common, so the bay is not suitable for swimming or snorkeling.

On the southern end of the bay, Honokohau Stream flows into the ocean. During and after heavy rainfall, the area is prone to flooding. The bay is backed by sea cliffs.

Key Features

Rugged northwest Maui bay with steep cliffs, boulders and a dramatic rocky shoreline
Known for powerful wave sound as surf echoes against the narrow bay walls
Not a sandy swimming beach; the bottom is rocky and footing can be uneven
No lifeguards or regular beach-park facilities, so visitors need to be self-prepared
Strong current, rough surf and boulders make the water risky on many days
Often visited for photos, wave watching, cliff views and a quieter coastal scene
Sturdy footwear is helpful around the rocks and uneven access areas
Access and parking are limited compared with developed Maui beach parks
Different from Honolua Bay, which is more known for snorkeling and winter surf
Stay well back from rocks and water when waves are active

Daily Activity Picks

Featured Maui Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does Honokohau Bay sound so powerful?

The bay is narrow and bordered by steep rock walls, so incoming waves can echo and rumble through the cove. The sound is one of the main things people notice when surf is active.

Is Honokohau Bay a sandy beach?

No. Honokohau Bay is more of a rocky and boulder-lined bay than a sandy beach. The uneven footing and rocky bottom make it very different from Maui's resort beaches.

Is Honokohau Bay good for swimming?

No. Strong current, rough surf, boulders and a rocky bottom make the water risky. Most visitors should enjoy the bay from land and stay out of the water.

How is Honokohau Bay different from Honolua Bay?

Honolua Bay is known for snorkeling in calm summer conditions and surfing in winter. Honokohau Bay is rougher, rockier and more about dramatic cliffs, wave sound and coastal scenery.

What should visitors bring to Honokohau Bay?

Wear sturdy shoes, bring water and keep camera gear secure around the rocks. There are no regular beach facilities, so treat it as a rugged coastal stop rather than a beach-day park.