Māhukona Harbor is a small, open bight 10 miles NW of Kawaihae and 6 miles SW of Upolu Point. There are several abandoned warehouses and oil tanks around the harbor. The shore is rocky and the slopes back of the village are partially covered with algaroba trees.
Anchorage may be selected 0.2 mile SW of Makaohule Point, in depths of 10 to 15 fathoms, sand and coral bottom. An anchorage with less wind can be found 0.3 mile NW of the point and about 400 yards off the beach.
Reports indicate that the inshore current usually sets N with considerable velocity. However, during the period of current observations the average N drift was about 0.2 knot, both N and S velocities of nearly 1 knot were measured, and the tidal current averaged less than 0.2 knot at strength.
Strong offshore winds, accompanied by violent gusts from varying directions, are frequently experienced during the normal NE trades. Because of these conditions, vessels should anchor with plenty of cable and have a second anchor ready to let go.
A public landing is at the head of the bight which has a hoist that is poor condition. The private landing on the N side is in ruins. Both landings are for small boats only.
Navigation:
Mahukona Light (20°10’49″N., 155°54’05″W.), 64 feet above the water, is shown from a 22-foot white pyramidal concrete tower on Kā’oma Point, S of the village.
Differences of as much as 3° from normal variation have been observed in the vicinity of Kauili Point about 0.7 mile N of Māhukona.
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