Know the Rules/Fishing Regulations/Marine Managed Areas/Hawai‘i Marine Life Conservation Districts/Honolua Mokulē‘ia
Maui - Honolua–Mokulē‘ia Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD)
Located on the northwestern coast of Maui, the Honolua–Mokulē‘ia MLCD encompasses two adjacent bays—Honolua Bay and Mokulē‘ia Bay. Mokulē‘ia Bay is directly southwest of Honolua, and is known locally as “Slaughterhouse Beach” because of the former slaughterhouse on the cliffs above that was in operation until the 1960s.
MLCD Boundaries
The MLCD extends from the highwater mark seaward to a line running:
- From ‘Alaelae Point
- To Kalaepiha Point
- Then to the northwestern corner of Honolua Bay
Both Honolua and Mokulē‘ia lie within this protected zone.
Honolua Bay
Honolua Stream delivers varying amounts of silt into the bay, often making the inshore waters near the boat ramp murky. The nearshore bottom consists of:
- Small boulders
- Silt
- A gradually sloping sand channel in the middle of the bay
As you move outward or toward the bay’s sides, visibility improves significantly.
Habitat & Depth
- The center of the bay features a broad sand channel, sloping to about 60 feet at the bay’s mouth
- On both sides of Honolua Bay lie dense coral growths in waters 10–40 feet deep
- Coral is especially abundant and diverse along the northeastern shoreline
- Small caves and archways can be found near the left point of the bay
Mokulē‘ia Bay (“Slaughterhouse Beach”)
Situated just southwest of Honolua Bay, Mokulē‘ia Beach is accessible via a stairway down the cliffs.
Underwater Features
- Bottom is mostly sand
- Large submerged boulders lie off the right point
- Lava fingers are present along the left point
- Coral grows around both points, making these the prime snorkeling areas
Depths range from 10 to 50 feet, and in calm conditions it is sometimes possible to snorkel between the two bays.
Safety Considerations
- Both bays experience large surf during winter months, often making conditions dangerous
- Entering the water is recommended only during calm seas
- No lifeguards are stationed at either bay
Facilities
- None
Regulations
Permitted Activities
- Possessing legal fishing gear, fish, or other aquatic life on a boat or watercraft, provided they were taken outside the MLCD
- Possessing in the water:
- A knife
- Shark billy
- Bang stick
- Powerhead
- CO₂ injector
- With a permit:
- Bagging and removing akule netted outside the MLCD, as long as nets are moved only over sandy bottom areas
- Engaging in activities otherwise prohibited by law for scientific, propagation, or other purposes
Prohibited Activities
- Fishing for, taking, or injuring any marine life, including eggs—except as allowed above
- Possessing any device that may be used to take marine life
- Taking or altering sand, coral, rock, or any geological feature, or possessing equipment intended for that purpose
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