Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Honolulu HI

You can go snorkelling and diving around the reef, and you don't even need your own gear! Great service and staff to.

Book through the official site, not tour guides.
Park rangers will tell you everything you need to know about not harming the reefs. Bring snorkling gear and have a blast!
Best experience will be when the ocean is calm, rather than choppy (both for water clarity and avoiding the 'seasick' rolling of the water). Great beach for kids to play!
Be prepared for the long walk down and back up the hill to the entrance.

Stunning in every way, an absolute must-see!
Bring your own snorkeling gear if you can.

It's pretty good, 8 out of 10. Would recommend not to set your expectations high to enjoy it.

I recommend going early in the morning and getting a seat. Adult admission is $25 and parking is $5. Admission is free for residents and parking is $1. Before entering, there is a brief explanation of Hanauma Bay and a video viewing. When you're done, you can walk to the beach or take a shuttle. There are many fish even if you just walk in the sea. If you go around the coral reef, there are a lot of fish, but the sea level is low, so be careful because you might hit them.

Looking for a place to snorkel then you have to visit Hanauma Bay. It’s one of the best tourist attractions on the island. Buy your tickets in advance to avoid the long lines. This place is beautiful, but down side is all the tourism.

Used to be so much better before so many people ruined it. It's still fun but has no shade and no place to rent umbrellas etc. Equipment to rent is a little pricey, especially for old worn life jackets. The water is Murkey and I saw so so many people stepping all over the reefs. Sad how much this place has gone down in the past 20 years.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a true Hawaiian treasure, a pristine haven that embodies the natural beauty and marine wonders of the islands. Nestled within the remnants of an ancient volcanic crater, this protected marine sanctuary offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the rich underwater world of Hawaii.

The moment you arrive at Hanauma Bay, you'll be struck by the sheer natural beauty that surrounds you. The crescent-shaped bay is bordered by lush green cliffs and sparkling azure waters, creating a picturesque setting that's straight out of a postcard.

Hanauma Bay is not just a stunning location; it's a thriving marine ecosystem that beckons snorkelers and nature enthusiasts from around the world. As you descend into the bay, you'll discover a mesmerizing world beneath the surface, teeming with vibrant coral reefs and an array of marine life.

One of the highlights of Hanauma Bay is its snorkeling opportunities. Whether you're a seasoned snorkeler or a beginner, the calm and clear waters make it an ideal place to explore. You'll encounter a kaleidoscope of tropical fish, graceful sea turtles, and even the occasional monk seal or dolphin if you're lucky.

To enhance your experience, the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve provides educational resources and snorkeling gear rentals. There's also an informative visitor center where you can learn about the bay's history, geology, and the importance of preserving this delicate ecosystem.

The preservation efforts at Hanauma Bay are evident in the rules and regulations put in place to protect the environment. Visitors are encouraged to tread lightly, avoid touching or damaging the coral, and dispose of trash responsibly. It's a collective effort to ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy this natural wonder.

In conclusion, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a deeper connection with Hawaii's natural beauty. It's a place where you can immerse yourself in the wonders of the ocean, surrounded by the stunning backdrop of the island's landscape. Whether you're snorkeling among colorful fish or simply basking in the serenity of the bay, Hanauma Bay offers an unforgettable experience that will leave you with a profound appreciation for Hawaii's natural treasures.

Very nice location with a lot of coral and fish to see. Nice beach to relax on with a view worthy of a calendar. Restrooms close to the beach. Snorkeling gear rental, gift shop, and food stand on site

I loved the variety of fish you see plus the amount of dedication the Hawaii employees take to preserve the reef is just amazing. There are various levels you need to go through just before you get to the reef. I respect this process. It's a little long but I can understand why.

This used to be one of my favorite places on Oahu but this last visit was just awful. The place is so authoritarian it feels dystopian. You must get a reservation, line up early, watch a video (no drinks allowed!), set up your beach towel within the designated area, swim within the designated area, etc…

If you’re bringing your family with kids, this may be worth all the rules and nonsense because of the security and facilities offered.

However, if you have even the slightest experience snorkeling/swimming, you should go anywhere else on Oahu. Skip this tourist trap. There is much better snorkeling - for free - in every direction.

I went on a Thursday in October.
The parking lot was pretty full at around 10: 10am, and there were almost no vacancies. At 9: 30am, there was quite a lot of space.

I recommend bringing a waterproof smartphone case, a towel that you don't mind getting stolen, a beach mat, and a sunshade. Also floats and beach shoes. Float rings are so important!
Although it is optional, I think it will be more enjoyable if you have a full-face snorkel.

Don't worry, even beginners will enjoy diving once they see a fish!
Fish are found where there are coral reefs. Also, people gather in places where fish gather, so I think it would be a good idea to go to a place where there are many people.

Last but not least, as of October 2023, Hanauma Bay is open to reservations only. Book your tickets by waking up at 7am two days in advance. It will sell out in an instant. It is sometimes difficult to connect to the site, but it is much easier to connect than the usual ticket wars.
Everyone recommends going around 7: 00 when the water is clear, but since I can't get up that early, I made a reservation for 11: 00 and I didn't see any fish.
By the way, even if you make a reservation for 11: 00, you can enter from around 10: 20. I think it's okay to arrive a little early and start lining up.

If you want to snorkel, I still recommend Shark Bay, where there are fewer fish. It’s not worth buying tickets.

HANAUMA BAY was a pleasant experience, it is a nature reserve that can only be accessed after purchasing tickets on their government website, maximum two days before, from 7 am local time. I'm just saying that the slots disappear in ten minutes so access is really complicated. However you get there and after the little briefing with the local ranger you can get off. The beach closes at 3.30pm, I recommend the morning because there weren't many fish in the afternoon.

This is a place for those who cannot swim. Very shallow no depth, 4-6ft. If it is very far from the beach, then 8-9ft, it becomes dangerous due to waves and currents.

When it comes to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, it’s all about planning for a perfect day of beach bliss. Here are some insights to make the most of your visit:

First and foremost, securing your tickets in advance is an absolute must. Hanauma Bay is a gem of Oahu, and tickets tend to vanish quickly. Please be mindful that the beach access is only allowed until 3 PM, so planning your time wisely is key.

When preparing for your day at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, it’s important to note that the entrance fee is $25. This fee grants you access to this remarkable natural haven and supports the conservation efforts to protect this fragile marine environment. It’s a small price to pay for the incredible experience you’ll have.

If you’re not equipped with snorkel gear, fret not. They offer rentals on-site. Safety is paramount, and the presence of lifeguards ensures you’re in good hands in case of any unforeseen events.

Before setting foot on the beach, there’s a presentation that imparts valuable knowledge about reef preservation and respecting the environment. It’s not just informative but an important part of your experience.

As for beach gear, it’s advisable to bring your own, as rentals aren’t available on the premises. If you decide to bring an umbrella, make sure it’s sturdy enough to handle any sudden gusts of wind that might come your way.

Speaking of the water, it might take a moment to acclimate to its coolness, but the refreshing feeling is well worth it. Plus, the warm sun quickly negates any initial chill.

For dining options, there’s a restaurant located at the top of the preserve. You can either bring your own packed meal to enjoy on the beach or dine at the restaurant. The beauty is you’re welcome to bring your purchased food down to the beach for a seaside feast.

Hanauma Bay offers not only a chance to bask in nature’s beauty but also an opportunity to learn, relax, and savor the exquisite surroundings. Enjoy your visit!

Beautiful beach to snorkel among the coral reefs. Very busy with car traffic but definitely worth the trip.

Best snorkeling! There’s a mandatory info class for those entering and rental gear beach side. Beach felt safe, however you must by a ticket in advance for a time-slot entry. These times book up fast. Totally worth it! Bit of a line for the shuttle back up, but worth the wait since it’s a steep walk

What an awesome bay. I’m sure it would’ve been 5 stars had the weather been ok. The sea was a bit murky on our visit.