Turquoise waters of Honolua Bay framed by dramatic volcanic rock formations on Maui's west coast

Mālama Honua: Protecting Paradise

How to visit Honolua Bay with care, responsibility, and respect for this sacred marine sanctuary

Jade Kawanui, local conservation advocate

Written by a Local Expert

Visiting Honolua comes with serious responsibility. The ancient Hawaiian value of kuleana teaches reciprocal relationship with land. If we care for it, it cares for us. Modern conservation rules protecting this bay express this timeless principle. As a visitor, you're invited to become a kiaʻi (guardian) of this special place.

The Sanctuary Rules

Regulations for the Honolua-Mokulēʻia Marine Life Conservation District come from Hawaii's Department of Land and Natural Resources. They're simple and absolute.

Absolutely No Taking of Marine Life

It's illegal to fish for, catch, take, injure, kill, or possess any marine life. This includes all fish, crustaceans, mollusks (shells and ʻopihi), live coral, algae (limu), and even eggs.

Leave Everything in Place

It's illegal to take, alter, deface, or remove any sand, coral, rock, or other geological feature. Shore rocks and underwater coral are part of the ecosystem. Leave them exactly as you found them.

The Sunscreen Crisis

One of the greatest threats to coral reefs worldwide is chemical sunscreen. Common ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate cause coral bleaching, damage coral DNA, and disrupt marine ecosystems, even in tiny concentrations. Protecting Honolua's reef isn't optional. It's critical preservation.

Reef-Safe Sunscreen Recommendations

Only use mineral-based, reef-safe sunscreens. Here are some highly recommended brands, focusing on local Hawaiian companies that are part of the solution.

Little Hands Hawaii

Offers plastic-free packaging and formulas gentle enough for infants. They use non-nano zinc oxide and support a local, family-owned Hawaiian business committed to sustainability.

Raw Love Sunscreen

Founded on Maui by a marine biology enthusiast. Their 22.5% non-nano zinc oxide formula is a true Maui-born product created specifically with ocean health in mind.

Mama Kuleana

Features 100% biodegradable and compostable "Bio Jars" that are microplastic-free. They show the most advanced eco-friendly packaging, demonstrating deep commitment to leaving no trace.

Thinksport

Highly rated for rubbing in clear with no white cast. It's non-nano mineral-based and widely available for visitors who need to purchase before arriving.

Leave No Trace at Honolua

The seven Leave No Trace principles provide a framework for responsible outdoor enjoyment. Here's how they apply to Honolua Bay.

1️⃣ Plan Ahead and Prepare

Know conditions before you go. Check swell and weather reports. Understand there are no facilities and parking is extremely challenging. Pack everything you need for the day.

2️⃣ Travel on Durable Surfaces

Stay on the marked jungle trail. Don't create shortcuts or wander onto private property. In the water, never stand on, touch, or kick coral reef. It's a living animal, and contact can kill it.

3️⃣ Dispose of Waste Properly

Pack it in, pack it out. There are no trash cans at the bay. You're responsible for carrying out every single thing you bring, including food wrappers and bottles.

4️⃣ Leave What You Find

Follow MLCD rules. Leave all rocks, shells, and coral exactly as you found them for the next person and ecosystem health.

5️⃣ Minimize Physical Impact

Don't touch coral. Don't chase or harass marine life. Enter and exit water carefully to avoid disturbing the environment.

6️⃣ Respect Wildlife

Observe all marine life from respectful distance. This is especially true for honu (turtles). It's illegal and harmful to touch, chase, or ride sea turtles. Give them space to move, feed, and surface for air.

7️⃣ Be Considerate of Other Visitors

Honolua is a place of peace and natural beauty. Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud noises and music to preserve the serene atmosphere for everyone.