Honolua Bay is a popular destination for snorkeling, diving, and surfing in Maui. The bay is home to many fish, turtles, and coral, and scuba divers often see lobster, eagle rays, and Hawaiian spinner dolphins. In the winter months, travelers flock to the bay for surfing as North Pacific storms create huge waves. Many visitors enjoy watching surfers from the top of a rocky cliff that overlooks the bay. Occasionally, visitors can catch a glimpse of humpback whales as they breach. Travelers can also walk through the Honolua Valley on the shore to view some interesting plants and see Hawaii's wildlife.
Honolua Bay is recognized as an important cultural and historical area in Hawaii. In 1976, Hokulea, a voyaging canoe, departed from the bay on a journey that helped start the Hawaiian Renaissance. Today, the bay is part of a Marine Life Conservation District, so anything that can disrupt the environment is strictly prohibited, including fishing and taking any natural items like rocks or fish.