Hanauma Bay-Best Snorkeling

I love Hanauma Bay! If your looking for good snorkeling, Hanauma Bay is a must. I have been to Hanauma over 50 times in the last two years. My family and I like to go and snorkel on the weekend, but we also take all our out of town guest here too.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of the most spectactular site on Oahu. Even if you don't swim or lik to snorkel, it is a beautiful site to see.

In 1967 the bay was declared a protected marine life conservation area and underwater park. This is THE BEST protected cove if you are new to scuba diving or snorkeling with a diverse population of marine life and a large, rich coral reef. Advanced snorkelers and divers can also enjoy the beauty of this bay as the reef extends throughout the cove into deeper water. The bay floor is actually the crater of an ancient volcano that flooded when the exterior wall collapsed and the ocean rushed in.

There is a large sandy beach perfect for sunbathing, relaxing and picnicing. Several hiking trails extend along coastline and along the ridge overlooking the bay providing breathtaking lookouts. I love to sit here for hours a get a perfect tan.

If you don't have snorkeling gear, don't worry. The gear is available for rent at the bottom of the beach. It is also a good idea to bring and cooler and small food because you can build quite a big appetite after an hour or two of snorkeling and there are no concession stand on the beach.

Don't be surprise if you find yourself swimming next to a sea turtle!

Directions:Take Kalaniana'ole Highway east from Waikiki for approximately 10 miles. Entrance to the preserve is on the right.

Useful Information:
This is a Marine Life Conservation Area: no pets allowed; no alcoholic beverages; no fishing or feeding the fish; do not remove, harass, or harm any marine life
Call 808-396-4229 for recorded message with all current fees, times, conditions
Currently OPEN from 6am - 6pm (winter - October thru March) and 6am - 7pm (summer - April thru September)
Currently OPEN every Saturday from 6am - 10pm throughout the year
Currently CLOSED every Tuesday
$1 per car parking fee - large, paved parking lot - arrive early as the lot fills quickly and lines may be long
$5 per person admission fee for 13 year old or older; Free for children under 13 years and for Hawaii residents and military stationed in Hawaii with proper ID
Visitors are required to watch an educational film about the bay, the marine life and the preserve prior to going down to the beach.
Paved walkway from entrance down to beach
Optional shuttle bus available to bring visitors up and down the hill to the beach. - currently fee is $1 per person each way. Handicap accessible.
Lifeguards
Reef and sand beach area
Picnic facilities with tables, grassy areas and shade located near the parking lot
Concession stand located near the entrance
Restrooms located at the top and bottom area
Showers
Snorkel, mask and fin rental available on the beach
Locker rental available on the beach