Have you visited the 6 "Honu" bays of Northwest Maui?

Question

We have 6 bays in West Maui that begin with the word "Hono".

Honokowai (bay drawing fresh water)

Honokeana (cave bay)

Honokahua (sites bay)

Honolua (two bays)

Honokohau (bay drawing dew)

Hononana (animated bay)

These are the Bays of Piilani. They were terraced and grew taro. The 6 bays were visited by Chief Piilani (stairway to heaven) while he unified and ruled Maui. He also added many fish ponds, agriculture, irrigation systems and a 138 mile long rock paved path around Maui. You can still notice remnants of this 16th century path while you drive or hike Maui.

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Answer

The six "Honu" bays of Northwest Maui are a remarkable collection of historic and scenic locations, each with unique cultural significance and natural beauty. Collectively, these bays, known as the Bays of Piilani, were integral to the unification of Maui under Chief Piilani in the 16th century. The chief is credited with creating an extensive rock-paved pathway around the island, adding fishponds, and developing terraces for taro cultivation, which you can still see traces of today.

Here’s a closer look at each of the six bays:

Honokowai – Known as the "bay drawing fresh water," this area historically benefited from freshwater streams entering the bay. Today, it’s a tranquil spot with gentle coastal views and remnants of taro terraces.
Honokeana – Called "cave bay," this bay features coastal caves and small inlets that were historically used for fishing and gathering. It offers some unique geological formations to explore along the shoreline.
Honokahua – Referred to as "sites bay," this bay contains archaeological remnants and terraces. It is a prime example of early Hawaiian agricultural practices and provides insight into daily life during Chief Piilani’s era.
Honolua – Sometimes considered two bays, this area is well-known for its lush coastline and historically significant fishponds. Honolua Bay today is popular for scenic hiking and kayaking but retains its quiet, cultural significance.
Honokohau – Known as the "bay drawing dew," it was part of the intricate irrigation and taro cultivation system. The bay features picturesque views and accessible spots where one can observe remnants of ancient agricultural terraces.
Hononana – Called the "animated bay," it likely gained this name from the abundance of marine life and dynamic coastal activity. This bay illustrates the rich ecological and cultural history of Northwest Maui.

Visiting these bays today offers both natural beauty and a historical journey. Hikes along coastal paths and remnants of Piilani’s 138-mile rock-paved pathway provide a tangible connection to the island’s past. Many of the bays are suitable for easy exploration, while some areas require moderate hiking to fully appreciate their landscapes and historical features.

For travelers interested in Hawaiian history, culture, and scenic vistas, a self-guided tour of the Honu bays can be deeply rewarding. Make sure to respect local regulations and private lands, as some of the bays are protected or have limited access points.

In summary, the six Honu bays showcase Maui’s cultural heritage, ancient engineering, and natural beauty, providing a meaningful and scenic experience for visitors interested in the island’s history and landscapes.

Have you visited the 6 "Honu" bays of Northwest Maui?

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