Kawaihae Deep-Draft Harbor

The harbor is a working commercial port — the breakwater is closed to public access, and the loading docks are not for sightseeing. Watch for trucks. The recreational small-boat launch is separate and accessible. Do not enter water in the harbor area; it is industrial and the bottom is contaminated with old harbor fill. The harbor's history of reef destruction is locally serious — there is an active reef restoration program in the surrounding waters; do not anchor or trample if you boat out from here.