Kawaihae Bay

Source: Naval Air Pilot, 1936.

DESCRIPTION

Location: Anchorage and mooring area located about 1/4 mile west of the Kawaihae Light. (Lat 20*02′ N., 155*50′ W.).

Dephts: 6 to 30 feet.

Tidal range: 2.1 feet.

Character of bottom: Coral.

Currents: Weak.

Shelter: Small lee; suitable anchorage for about 12 planes.

LANDING AND TAKE-OFF AREA

Location: Kawaihae Bay.

Area: Unlimited. Landing and take-offs can be made in any direction.

Shelter: Small lee.

Obstructions: Extensive reef 1/2 mile wide and 1.5 miles long, bare is spots, and the sea generally does not break over it during offshore winds.

FACILITIES

Provisions and water can be obtained in limited quantities.

Beach: White sand beaches scattered along shore.

Communications: Local steamers several times monthly.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Aspects: The shore Kawaihae Bay is rocky with stretches of sand beach and has thick growth of algaroba trees.

Landmarks: Honokoa Gulch, the deep, heavily wooded mouth of which is about 1/2 miles north of village. White pyramidal light tower. Galvanized iron roof of the landing shed. Two silver-colored oil tanks 200 yards northward of the landing. Radio tower.

Tender anchorage: Good anchorage, except during southwesterly weather, can be had between the light and Honokoa Gulch, about 3/8 miles offshore and in 8 to 15 fathoms. Local streamers anchor about 200 yards westward landing and run stern lines inshore to mooring buoys.

Boat landing: Small boats seeking anchorage behind reef, head for the landing, and when close, pass through the narrow channel to southward. In southwesterly weather there are breakers across the channel leading to the landing.

Importance: Forced Landings, when quick repairs can be made, could be made here in moderate weather.