Hanauma Bay
STORY BY: Veronica Hill PHOTOS BY: Veronica Hill
Summary: Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of Hawaii's best places to go snorkeling.
Location: Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is located at 7455 Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu, Hawaii 96825. Call (808) 396-4229 for recorded daily information or visit www.friendsofhanaumabay.org
Price Range: $
Located on the southeastern shore of Oahu, about 10 miles from Waikiki, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is an ocean-filled crater formed more than 30,000 years ago.
Be sure to arrive around 6 a.m., as the parking lot fills up quickly. Hanauma Bay hours run through 7 p.m. in the summer, and 6 p.m. in the winter. It is closed on Tuesdays. Hanauma Bay night snorkeling is available until 10 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month.
After viewing the mandatory 15-minute orientation film about Hanauma Bay marine preserve, check out the interpretive center, which highlights the daily tides and Hanauma Bay history. There's also a gift shop on site.
Admission is $7.50 adults, and kids under 13 are admitted free. Hanauma Bay parking is $1.
Down at the Hanauma Bay beach park, you can rent masks, fins, snorkels and lockers between 6 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Then, all you need is a towel and sunscreen, and you're ready to begin your Hanauma Bay snorkel tour.
Hanauma Bay fish include more than 400 species — some only found here. Pick up a Hawaiian fish ID card, which you can take along with you in the water.
During your day of Hanauma Bay snorkeling, you might spot Hawaiian green sea turtles, Moray eels, spotted pufferfish and Moorish Idols. It's like swimming in the world's most amazing aquarium. Just be sure not to step on the reef, or feed the fish. You are also required to use the bathrooms before entering the ocean.
When you're ready to head back to the car, hitch a ride on the Hanauma Bay Shuttle, which runs between 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. It's $1 per ride, or $2.50 for the entire day.
From Waikiki Beach and most Waikiki hotels, Hanauma Bay Bus Service is available on Kuhio Avenue via the No. 22 bus. For updated Hanauma Bay bus schedules, call (808) 848-5555.
For Hanauma Bay dive tours and Hanauma Bay snorkeling tours, check out the following outfitters:
- Hanauma Bay Dive Tours: Call (808) 256-8956 or visit www.hanaumabay-hawaii.com
- Snorkeling Hanauma Bay Hawaii: Call (808) 373-5060 or visit tommyshbtours.com
- Hanauma Bay Tours: Call (808) 927-7424 or visit www.hanaumabaytours.com
- Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Excursions: Call (808) 373-5060
The Hanauma Bay address is 7455 Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu, Hawaii 96825. It is located just off Route 72, about 10 miles east of Waikiki. For more information about Hanauma Bay snorkel rentals, Hanauma Bay tours, or Scuba diving and snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, call (808) 396-4229 for recorded daily information. Visit Hanauma Bay Nature Park online at www.friendsofhanaumabay.org
