October 22, 2025
Hawaiʻi’s coral reefs are some of the most fragile and valuable ecosystems in the world. Every year, thousands of boats explore the islands’ crystal-clear waters—but dropping an anchor directly onto the reef can cause serious, lasting damage.
To help protect these underwater treasures, the Day-Use Mooring Buoy (DMB) Program was established by the Division of Boating and Ocean Recreation (DLNR-DOBOR) in partnership with the Mālama Kai Foundation. This statewide program provides a network of mooring buoys for short-term use, allowing boaters to secure their vessels safely without dropping anchor.
👉 Official Program Website: Mālama Kai Foundation – Day-Use Moorings
👉 DLNR GPS Coordinates & Locations: DLNR Day-Use Mooring Locations
👉 Support the Program: Donate to Mālama Kai Foundation or Aloha i ke Kai Ocean Stewardship Donations
What Is the Day-Use Mooring Program?
The Day-Use Mooring Buoy program was created to prevent anchor damage to Hawaiʻi’s coral reefs by offering designated, managed mooring sites throughout the islands. Each buoy is designed for short daytime use (up to 2.5 hours) and is prohibited for overnight mooring except under special circumstances, such as emergencies.
DLNR maintains more than 175 installed and 50+ proposed mooring sites across the state. Each location is carefully selected to provide safe vessel access while minimizing environmental impact.
You can view and download the full list of mooring sites and GPS coordinates directly from the DLNR website:
🔗 DLNR Day-Use Mooring Locations
How the Moorings Work
Each mooring consists of either:
- A stainless steel pin set into solid lava substrate, or
- A manta anchor system used in sandy areas
A heavy-duty chain connects the anchor point to a subsurface float about ten feet below the surface, which prevents ropes from scraping across the reef. Vessels tie off to this float using a line of appropriate size and strength.
This simple system drastically reduces coral damage and provides a secure way for recreational boaters, charter operators, and dive companies to enjoy Hawaiʻi’s waters responsibly.
How You Can Help
The program relies on partnerships between DLNR, the Mālama Kai Foundation, volunteers, and private donors. Every contribution helps fund the installation and maintenance of these critical moorings.
If you enjoy Hawaiʻi’s reefs—whether as a diver, boater, or ocean enthusiast—consider giving back:
💙 Donate to Mālama Kai Foundation
💙 Support Ocean Stewardship via Aloha i ke Kai
Pacific Boats & Yachts: Promoting Responsible Boating in Hawaiʻi ⚓
At Pacific Boats & Yachts, we’re more than just Hawaiʻi’s trusted boat dealership—we’re passionate stewards of the ocean. Every boat we sell comes with a commitment to education, safety, and environmental responsibility.
When you purchase a vessel from us, our team will:
✅ Teach you how to properly use Hawaiʻi’s day-use moorings — We’ll walk you through how to approach, tie off, and safely release from a mooring buoy.
✅ Set you up with the correct mooring line — We’ll help you select and rig the proper rope setup to protect both your vessel and the buoy hardware.
✅ Share DLNR guidelines and best practices — You’ll be directed to online reference material and local insight so you can explore Hawaiʻi’s waters safely and in full compliance with state rules.
✅ Connect you with local boating resources — From mooring maps to reef-friendly cleaning products, our team will make sure you’re fully prepared for life on the water.
Whether you’re a new boat owner or a seasoned captain, Pacific Boats & Yachts provides the knowledge and support you need to enjoy Hawaiʻi’s oceans responsibly while helping to protect them for future generations.
Explore Responsibly, Anchor Less, and Give Back
Hawaiʻi’s day-use mooring program is a perfect example of how community, government, and private enterprise can work together to protect what we love most—the ocean.
By choosing to use moorings, following DLNR’s guidelines, and supporting maintenance through donations, every boater can play a part in preserving Hawaiʻi’s coral reefs.
And when you’re ready to purchase your next vessel, let Pacific Boats & Yachts help you start that journey—responsibly, locally, and with aloha.
👉 Learn more at PacificBoatsSales.com
👉 Mālama Kai Foundation – Day-Use Moorings
👉 DLNR Day-Use Mooring Coordinates
👉 Donate to Support the Program
Whether you’re a new boat owner or a seasoned captain, Pacific Boats & Yachts provides the knowledge and support you need to enjoy Hawaiʻi’s oceans responsibly while helping to protect them for future generations.
