Formed from a series of volcanic eruptions, Hanauma Bay is now a marine life sanctuary. This historic bay was used by Hawaiian royalty for fishing and recreation. It was aptly named Hanauma, which means curved bay, in Hawaiian. In the spot was named a marine life conservation area and is currently a state park. Volunteers are on-hand to answer questions about the bay and its inhabitants which include of types of marine life.
Reservations are now required to visit Hanauma Bay. You can make reservations here up to two days in advance, starting at a. Only 1, visitors are allowed to enter the bay daily. Tickets are in extremely high demand - we recommend you try for tickets by a.
Parking remains first come, first serve, even if you have a reservation. No commercial activities are allowed to operate in or transport visitors to Hanauma Bay. Do I need to make a reservations?? What do I need to bring with me? Since the closure, larger species and an abundance of tropical fish have returned making it worth the wait to enter. More than a decade ago, new efforts got underway to restore Hanauma Bay. Due to long-term abuse and overuse, with millions of annual visitors, 30 years ago Honolulu unveiled a plan to restore the bay by implementing restrictions including visitor counts, and the creation of educational programs.
It is there that visitors watch a short video supporting efforts to restore this special place when we visit. Entrance is permitted from 8am to 2pm, and the preserve closes at 4 pm. Check online for changes or call them at Tickets must be reserved in advance for the mandatory 9-minute orientation video.
Tickets for the mandatory 9-minute orientation video can be reserved starting at am HST daily. Walk-ins without a reservation are allowed, but limited seats. Parking is first come first served — even if you have a reservation. The education center will remain closed at this time. Hanauma Bay is open Wednesday through Sunday from a. Visitors must leave by pm. All face mask mandates must be followed within Hanauma Bay. Hawaii residents are offered free admission with proper identification.
There are no commercial activities at Hanauma Bay, which means that commercial vehicles, taxis, and tour groups cannot enter. The rental concession for fins and mask has reopened. Lockers are also available. Hawaii has banned sunscreens deemed unsafe. There is a prohibition on the sale and distribution of sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. These are chemicals that are found in thousands of sunscreens. This new law became effective on January 1, Disclosure: We receive a small commission on purchases from some of the links on Beat of Hawaii.
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By commenting you agree to our Privacy Policy. But if you are an experienced snorkeler, the wind and waves are down, and the currents in the channel are not overly strong, you might attempt it yourself. We have heard that the outer coral reef is alive and interesting.
In the reef you may see some sea urchins in the holes they have made. You also have a decent chance of swimming with a turtle here. This is the place for fish up close and personal; this is what we saw:. It contains a map and many more pictures of Hanauma Bay and other Oahu locations too. Get on Ala Wai Blvd. The road will cross over water and climb a hill, and at about the top of the hill you will see signs and a turn to the right to enter the park.
Follow the road downhill to the parking lot. Facilities There are many facilities available here including ecologist education booths and signs, snorkel gear rental, lifeguards, restrooms, water, picnic tables, showers, and shade. There is also a concession stand up on the hill with grill foods. Now check out Lanikai Beach. Return to the Oahu Snorkeling main page. Affiliate Disclosure: You are supporting our snorkeling habit by buying products or clicking ads on the websites we link to on this page.
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