Honolua Bay Tours

Photo by Lisa A Schmidt
Photo by Herschel Johnson
Photo by Terry Porter
Photo by Kelda Anderson
Photo by Alex's Outdoor Escapes


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.

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Ilikai by Luana Hawaii Vacation Rentals
Ala Moana Hotelcondo by Luana Vacation Rental
Paradise Bay Resort

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Reviews of Honolua Bay

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
214
5 - Excellent 56%
4 - Good
141
4 - Good 37%
3 - Okay
21
3 - Okay 6%
2 - Disappointing
5
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
0
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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Best Lodging Options Near Honolua Bay

The Ritz-Carlton Maui, Kapalua

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Napili Kai Beach Resort

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3.5 out of 5
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Kapalua Villas Maui

Kapalua Villas Maui

4 out of 5
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Montage Kapalua Bay

Montage Kapalua Bay

5 out of 5
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4.5 out of 5
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Kapalua Golf Villas by KBM Resorts

Kapalua Golf Villas by KBM Resorts

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Kapalua Golf Villas by KBM Resorts
Kapalua Golf Villas Collection by KBM - 2 Units in same building (20t2/20t8)

Kapalua Golf Villas Collection by KBM - 2 Units in same building (20t2/20t8)

4.5 out of 5
500 Kapalua Dr, Kapalua, HI
Kapalua Golf Villas Collection by KBM - 2 Units in same building (20t2/20t8)
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Honolua Bay

At Honolua Bay, visitors can enjoy stunning ocean views and picturesque sunsets, making it a perfect spot for relaxation. The bay offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities to explore its vibrant reef area. For those looking for more activities, there are nearby golf courses and options for memorable day trips to experience the natural beauty of Hawaii. Overall, Honolua Bay is a fantastic destination for adventure and leisure alike.

Shopping

For shopping near Honolua Bay, check out Whalers Village, just 7 miles away, offering a lively mix of entertainment and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, consider visiting One Love Farmers Market at 19 miles and Kihei Kalama Village at 23 miles for a unique shopping experience.

Recreation

Experience the stunning Kapalua Golf Club Plantation Course, located 0.5 miles from Honolua Bay, where you can enjoy a round of golf amidst breathtaking views. For more sports vibes, visit the Maui War Memorial Center, 13 miles away, or play a round at Kaanapali Kai Course, 7 miles away.

Adventure

The Kapalua Coastal Trail, located 2 miles from Honolua Bay, offers stunning scenery and adventurous hiking. For underwater excitement, visit Jean Michele Cousteau's Ambassadors of the Environment, 1 mile away, where you can engage in thrilling underwater sports. For a unique experience, try the Skyline Eco Adventure zipline course, 7 miles from the bay.

Nightlife

For a taste of culture, visit the Iao Theater, just 12 miles away, for captivating performances. For a cinematic experience, head to Regal Maui Mall or Regency Kihei Cinemas, both offering entertainment and romance vibes, located 14 and 23 miles away, respectively.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Honolua Bay

Honolua Bay, Hawaii, offers a stunning blend of beach, bay, and urban park experiences for travelers seeking outdoor adventures and beautiful scenery. Popular attractions include the picturesque Honolua Bay itself and nearby Kaanapali Beach. For a memorable visit, consider exploring reviews about Honolua Bay to enhance your trip. Whether you're relaxing on the beach or enjoying the natural beauty, there's something for everyone in this tropical paradise.

  • Kaanapali Beach: Experience the quintessential Hawaiian beach vibe at Kaanapali Beach, located 8 miles from Honolua Bay. This beautiful stretch of sand is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying vibrant sunsets.
  • Napili Bay: Just 2 miles away, Napili Bay offers a stunning blend of beach, outdoor activities, and breathtaking scenery. Enjoy swimming in the calm waters or explore the lush surroundings for a relaxing day in paradise.
  • Kapalua Golf Resort Bay Course: Located 2 miles from Honolua Bay, this golf course resort features tropical landscapes and romantic settings. Perfect for golf enthusiasts, it offers excursions that will enhance your Hawaiian experience.

Best time to go to Honolua Bay

The best time to visit Honolua Bay can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Honolua Bay falls in September, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Honolua Bay falls in February and March. March has average visitor numbers and mostly sunny weather.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January73.2°F (22.9°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
February72.7°F (22.6°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly High
March72.7°F (22.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April73.8°F (23.2°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May75.0°F (23.9°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June76.3°F (24.6°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
July77.2°F (25.1°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August77.9°F (25.5°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
September78.1°F (25.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
October77.7°F (25.4°C)No RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
November76.3°F (24.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
December74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Honolua Bay

To save money on your trip to Honolua Bay, consider visiting between September and November for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance, or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Saturdays offer the cheapest rates, while Wednesdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia’s search tool to filter by budget and look for eco-certified hotels for sustainable options. Combining your hotel, flights, and activities in a package can yield further savings. Additionally, join Expedia's One Key membership for exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Honolua Bay are September to November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February, July and December, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Honolua Bay is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Honolua Bay is Saturday. The most expensive day to stay around Honolua Bay is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your options based on your budget, desired location, and hotel type. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay in Honolua Bay with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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