Definitions of Maui ORMAs
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§13-256-106 Definition. "West Maui Ocean Recreation Management Area" means all ocean waters and navigable streams from the northeast boundary of Honolua Bay to McGregor Point, Maui, Hawaii, extending three thousand feet seaward of the territorial sea baseline as shown on Exhibit "OO", dated August 15, 1988.
NOTE: There is no designated thrill craft riding area in this ORMA.
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§13-256-116 Definition. The South Maui Ocean Recreation Management Area means all ocean waters and navigable streams from the eastern boundary of La Perouse Bay to McGregor Point, Maui, Hawaii, extending three thousand feet seaward of the territorial sea base line.
NOTE: There is no designated thrill craft riding area in this ORMA.
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§13-256-126 Definition. The "North Shore Maui Ocean Recreation Management Area" means all ocean waters and navigable streams from the eastern boundary of Maliko Bay to Waihee Point, Maui, Hawaii, extending three thousand feet seaward of the territorial sea baseline.
NOTE: There is no designated thrill craft riding area in this ORMA.
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How do I access the ocean with my thrill craft on Maui?
In an ORMA without a riding area, you can still legally transit through the ORMA to a point 3,000 feet from nearest land to fish, water ski, water tube, dive, etc. If you are launching into a non-designated ORMA, you may transit to a point beyond 500 feet from shore or beyond the fringing reef. Remember that you cannot tow-in surf or practice tow-in surfing without meeting specific requirements.
These are your points of entry:
- Hana Wharf and Ramp
- Kahului Ramp
- Keanae Ramp
- Kihei Ramp
- Maalaea Harbor
- Mala Wharf and Ramp
- Maliko Ramp
In addition, you may gain access to the ocean waters from a county ramp, from a private beachfront property, from a private yacht harbor or marina, or from a private loading dock.
From the entry point, you may launch and proceed at slow no wake speed while within 300 feet of nearest land. You must take the most direct route seaward with safety considerations toward the open ocean. You may accelerate once beyond 300 feet and deviate SLIGHTLY from your route to avoid other vessels, diver-down flags, swimmers, etc. Remember that you must reduce your rate of travel to slow-no-wake within 200 feet of those ocean users. Once beyond 300 feet from shore, you may operate freely except for tow-in surfing or practice tow-in surfing.
Cautionary Note: Be on the lookout for whales during whale season.
