But for years, developers have been trying to build houses high above the bay. Its sheer beauty and views of Moloka’i are a home builder’s dream. But for now, the local West Maui community has been able to block future development.

Actually, Honolua Bay is a part of the Honolua-Mokule'ia Marine Life Conservation District. It’s protected by the state of Hawai’i and there are several groups dedicated to protecting and conserving the area around the bay from development.

Honolua Bay is between mile markers 31 and 32 on Hwy. 30. You’ll pass the Kapalua area and some incredible golf courses on both sides of the highway. In fact, you can see where each year the PGA starts the season with its Mercedes Open golf tournament.

As you approach Honolua Bay, look for a large lookout to your left. You can’t miss it. Pull over and take in the incredible views of the bay, along with stunning scenes of the island of Moloka'i.

High above the bay, you’ll quickly see that Honolua Bay has no real beach. No wide sandy beach that you’ve seen elsewhere on Maui. It’s mostly a gray rocky beach, with big boulders and only a small area to stretch out and take in the bright sunshine.

Parking is haphazard with several places to park along the highway. Look for dirt parking areas and other cars. Make sure you’re safely inside the white line and off the roadway. Of course, ensure your car is locked with nothing inside. This area is prone to break-ins.

After parking, head toward the ocean via numerous paths. You’ll go through a stunningly green rainforest. Stop and get some pictures. In fact, take a few minutes and wander through the rainforest and marvel at the sheer beauty of the trees. Occasionally, you’ll hear (or see) a wild chicken or two.

You’ll pass over a rock-filled stream. Most of the year, the stream is dry or has a small trickle of water. But during the rainy months on Maui, water is often flowing from the north to the south. Make sure you have good footing as you cross the stream and watch for strong currents.

At the edge of the water, stop and take a minute to view the whole bay – incredible view isn’t it?

Most of the year, you’ll see smooth, calm, crystal clear blue water with an excellent view of the most ‘Hawaiian’ island – Moloka’i. Notice how snorkelers tend to go either to the far right or to the far left of the bay. This is where the snorkeling is at its best.

Entering the water can be tricky. I suggest you first watch a few others enter the water, and look for the entry point that makes you the most comfortable. Stay close to the ground, and make sure you have good footing.

I also recommend you start by heading to your right. You’ll quickly see a wide variety of small, colorful fish. About 100 yards into the bay, you’ll see coral formations and something called a ‘brain coral’. It’s named for the human brain and looks like you would imagine.

Along the right side, don’t be surprised to see an eel. Don’t get too close, but just float above them and observe their quick and quirky movements. Further out, you’ll likely encounter a green sea turtle. It’s common to see turtles at Honolua Bay about 250 yards out from the shoreline and about 25 feet from the cliffs. Most of the time, they are on the right side of the bay.

Also, snorkel along the sea cliffs on the left-hand side of Honolua Bay. It’s a different look-and-feel from the other side, with deeper water and better visibility. At the far end of the sea cliffs is a natural tide pool. Be careful with changing tides.

You will often see snorkel tour boats and catamarans anchored at Honolua Bay. This is a testament to its simple and pure beauty and attraction for snorkelers. Since the bay has no sandy beach, Honolua Bay is mostly for snorkeling and scuba diving and tour companies use it often. They know Honolua Bay offers a good experience!

In the summer months, Honolua Bay is spectacular. But in the winter months, you’ll see high waves and some of the best surfing on the island. On the north side of the bay toward the point (Lipoa Point), you’ll often see 20plus foot waves. December is one of the best months for surfing at this location, with several competitions being held each year.

Honolua Bay – quite simply offers it all – a spectacular view rich in colors -- and one of the best locations on Maui to snorkel, if not the VERY best!

SUGGESTIONS

* Spend a few minutes in the rainforest before you head to the water. You’re more likely to enjoy it while you’re dry than when you’re wet and anxious to get to your vehicle.

* Drive around the bay to another lookout on the north side of the bay. It offers sweeping views of Honolua Bay and the lookout point called Lipoa Point.

* Make sure you secure your vehicle and there are no personal possessions inside. Break-ins are frequent at this location.

* Use caution getting into and out of the water. It looks rougher than it really is. Go slow and take your time. You’re on Maui – no hurry!

* The easiest way to enter the water is to put your mask on and gently enter the water. Float out a little bit and then put on your fins. Don’t try and put your fins on and walk to the water’s edge. You’ll look funny and you’ll probably trip along the rocky shoreline.

* Make sure you have a minimal amount of personal possessions on shore. You’ll be out several hundred yards and won’t always be able to see them from the water.

* Watch for murky waters. Run-off down the hillside will often make the water muddy close to shore. Paddle out a couple hundred feet and the water clears up considerably.

* The boulders and rocks are often slippery. Watch your footing.

BONUS

* Honolua Bay is not for lounging and sunbathing. Its rocky, boulder-filled shoreline is difficult to even traverse. Get to Honolua Bay early in the morning, snorkel for a couple of hours, and then head south on the highway to D.T. Fleming Beach Park. There you’ll find a wide sandy beach and trees for shade. It’s only a mile or two down the road toward Kapalua.
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