Honolua Bay
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Advanced
- Skill Level
- Ocean
- Spot Type
- Busy
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Honolua Bay is a world-class right-hand reef point break on Maui’s northwest coast, built around multiple named sections (including the legendary 'Cave'). When the northwest swell arrives, the wave is described as long, hollow, and highly consistent across sections, with barrels that can become extremely heavy on larger days. Access and safety require extra attention. Multiple sources emphasize hazards including sea urchins, rip currents/strong currents, and a difficult, slippery entry over large rocks and reef. The descent/walk is described as steep and the water entry can be risky, so careful footwork and solid setup are essential. Conditions are most favorable around the winter season, with January highlighted as a best month by one provider. Wind-wise, southeast winds are described as best for offshore grooming, with E to ESE also lining up well; some sources note that trade winds may be blocked at times while creating texture on outer sections. Expect crowding during the peak winter swell period, and follow strict lineup etiquette. Marine Life Conservation District rules also apply at this location, with no fishing or taking of marine life permitted.
- Right-hand reef point break with multiple distinct sections
- Long hollow rides and frequent barrels (especially the Cave section)
- Best around mid tide, with strong winter NW swell reliability
- Offshore southeast winds can improve wave face grooming
- Legendary right-hand point break with multiple sections and very long, hollow rides
- World-class wave quality during the winter swell season
- Offshore southeast winds can groom the face
- Advanced/expert level break with difficult entry conditions
- Sea urchins and rip/strong currents are recurring hazards
- Often crowded during peak winter swell periods
- Steep, slippery rocky/boulder access raises fall and injury risk
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- ESE, SE, SSE, E, ENE
- Offshore directions
- SE
- Wind Range
- 5–15 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Northeast trade-wind pattern in the region, with local wind shifts that can make southeast winds favorable at this reef point.
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts — Provider notes indicate moderate gustiness at times.
- Best Months
- January, February, November, December, March
- Shadow Zones
- High cliffs and the bay's orientation can create a significant wind shadow, sometimes keeping the water glassy even when surrounding trades are stronger.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean
- Beach
- Reef — Reef/rock bottom environment.
- Beach Size
- Small
- Waves
- Big — One provider lists medium to huge/very large surf; other fields describe it as capable of very large and huge waves depending on swell.
- Launch
- Big — Steep, slippery trail descent from bluff parking; alternatively described as a rocky entry from shoreline with paths through vegetation.
- Launch Difficulty
- Difficult — Steep/rocky entry with slippery boulders; described as moderate by one provider and difficult by another.
Through the year
Often crowded during winter peak (January) and when the swell is running; lower in off-season.
December to March can bring more passing showers/runoff that affects clarity.
By sport
What to expect for each.
Right-hand reef point break with multiple named sections (commonly Coconuts, the Point, the Cave, and Keiki Bowl). The 'Cave' is described as heavy and extremely hollow, with the wave holding long and wrapping energy when conditions shadow other areas.
- Wave Direction
- Right
- Optimal Swell
- NNW, NNE, NW
- Swell Height
- 0.9–3.7 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — One source specifies best around mid tide; another provider lists optimal tide as high. Mid tide is the only fully consistent tide call between sources.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Described as quite exposed; however, provider notes also describe significant wind shadowing effects from cliffs/bay orientation.
- Wind Effect
- Offshore from southeast is best; E to ESE lines up especially well. Offshore/grooming from S–SE helps the wave face, while ENE/trade winds are described as sometimes producing better texture on outer sections.
- Bigger Swell
- Outer sections begin breaking and can stay consistent through very large swells; the Cave becomes extremely heavy and cylindrical, and the wave holds massive NW swell even when shadowed by Molokai.
- Wave Quality
- World class — Described as one of the finest right-hand point breaks on the planet.
- Wave Power
- Powerful — Sources describe the spot as among the most intense and high-performance right-hand point breaks.
- Wave Shape
- Hollow — Multiple sources describe long, hollow sections and barrels (especially the legendary 'Cave' section).
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Another provider also characterizes faster peeling on some sections; overall sources describe a hollow, high-performance point with speed through sections.
- Ride Length
- Long — Long rides are repeatedly described across multiple sections.
- Typical Ride Length
- 150–400 m
- Ride Length Details
- Rides are described in the range of roughly 200–400 meters on connected days, with long runs through multiple sections (e.g., Coconuts, the Cave, Keiki Bowl).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Honolua Bay in the full forecast view.
Honolua Bay wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 5–12 ktsGusts 22 kts
- Direction
- NE50°
- Strongest day
- Fri, Oct 2312 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 1.4–2.2 m9s period
- Temperature
- 23–28 °C
Over the next 7 days, Honolua Bay is forecast for daytime winds of 5–12 kts, peaking around 12 kts on Friday, October 23 with gusts to 22 kts. The prevailing direction is NE. Waves run 1.4–2.2 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Urchins (sea urchins)
- Rip currents
- Strong currents
- Slippery, steep/rocky entry and slippery boulders
- Sharp coral reef and submerged rocks
- Heavy crowds
- Large slippery rocks/boulders (risk of losing footing)
- Sharks
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- None — Provider notes indicate no lifeguards at the spot; however, the wider region has lifeguard coverage at a nearby park beach area.
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — Provider notes state rescue availability is no for this location.
- Emergency Info
- Nearest medical facilities are in Lahaina (about 15–20 minutes away by car). In emergencies, call 911.
- Localism / Vibe
- Heavy — Local community etiquette is described as strictly enforced.
Rules of the spot
Marine Life Conservation District regulations apply; no fishing or taking of any marine resources is permitted. Standard surfing etiquette is strictly enforced by the local community.
- No fishing
- No taking of marine resources
- No motorized personal watercraft
- Marine Life Conservation District regulations
- Watch out for urchins and rips; conditions are best around mid tide.
- The descent/entry is steep and can be extremely slippery—be prepared to lose footing or be washed against rocks.
- Respect the local lineup and wait your turn.
- Use designated paths (access is described as involving private property and/or designated routes).
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Kapalua
- Nearest Town
- Kapalua, Lahaina-Kapalua
- Parking
- Roadside and car park parking along the bluff north of Kapalua. One provider also describes extremely limited shoulder parking along the nearby highway.
- Access
- Park along the bluff off the highway north of Kapalua and walk the trail down to the water; the descent is steep and can be slippery.
- Local Language
- English
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Luxury resorts and vacation rentals are available in the nearby Kapalua and Napili areas.
- Food & Drink
- A few cafes and high-end restaurants are located in Kapalua (short drive).
- Equipment Rental:
- Surf shops in Lahaina and Napili offer rentals.
- Gear Storage
- None available at the spot.
- Gear Repair
- Repair shops are located in Lahaina.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
A natural geyser formed by ocean waves surging into an underwater cave.
A protected marine sanctuary significant to Hawaiian culture and ecology.
A scenic hiking path winding through lava fields and coastal dunes.
A classic sandy beach with picnic facilities and lifeguards.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Honolua Bay?
The best overall months at Honolua Bay are November, December, January, February, March. The best wind months are January, February, November, December, March.
Which wind directions work at Honolua Bay?
Honolua Bay works with ESE, SE, SSE, E, ENE winds. Offshore directions are SE.
What skill level is Honolua Bay suitable for?
Honolua Bay suits these riding levels: Surfing: Advanced to Expert.