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Honolulu

North America

United States

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, located at 100 Hanauma Bay Rd, Honolulu, HI 96825, is a stunning marine sanctuary renowned for its exceptional snorkeling opportunities and vibrant coral reefs. This protected park is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to explore Hawaii's rich marine life, making it one of the top tourist attractions in Oahu. Visitors can expect to encounter a diverse array of fish species, including the colorful parrot fish, and even the chance to spot sea turtles in their natural habitat.

Nestled in the southeastern coast of Oahu, Hanauma Bay is easily accessible from Honolulu, making it a convenient stop for travelers. The bay is surrounded by breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and lush greenery, providing a picturesque backdrop for a day of adventure. Nearby attractions include:

Koko Head Crater Trail - A challenging hike with panoramic views of the island.

Hanauma Bay Lookout - A scenic viewpoint perfect for photos.

Makapu'u Point Lighthouse Trail - A beautiful coastal hike with stunning ocean views.

Hanauma Bay offers various amenities to enhance your visit, including:

Snorkeling equipment rentals available on-site.

Outdoor showers and restroom facilities for visitor convenience.

Educational video presentation about reef conservation and safety before entering the bay.

To make the most of your visit to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, consider the following tips:

Book your admission tickets online at least two days in advance, as they sell out quickly.

Arrive early to enjoy clearer waters and fewer crowds.

Be prepared for rocky terrain and strong waves; life vests are recommended for less confident swimmers.

Known for it’s snorkeling, this beachfront protected park offers a coral reef & diverse marine life.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQa3JLU01REAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJa1lqg3ESAHwRNzWlgOmKw4g/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQa3JLU01REAE

What a wonderful experience! Very well run and organised,  informational and educational to help teach visitors how to respect the reef and their visit. Such an array of fish, particularly loved the parrot fish in the area. We were lucky enough to see 1 sea turtle while we were there from 7:30am - 11:30am.
Definitely a must do on your stay on Oahu!!
But make sure you buy your tickets in advance at 7am two days before online to make sure you get a spot as they sell out quick!!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQzNE9ISzhRRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJa1lqg3ESAHwRNzWlgOmKw4g/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQzNE9ISzhRRRAB

Tips:
1) Be sure to pre-book your admission ticket two days before your intended date of visit and to pay the fees (USD 25), otherwise you’re out of luck to go there. Reservations for most popular times sell out within a minute of the booking opening times so be ready if you are looking to book for a specific date and time.
2) If you can, pick an early time (before 8 am) when there are fewer people as the waters are clearer when there are less people stepping around them.
3) There are limited shady spots on the beach, so get there early to reserve your spot for later in the day.
4) Best places to view fishes are near the reefs.
5) You can rent snorkel equipment and life vests there or if you can buy some at Target or Long’s before you get there, you’ll also be able to save some money and time as line ups later in the day tend to be long.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a great place to check out if you want to snorkel and view some fishes, but it’s not the best place as waves can be rough on certain days and it can be very touristy. Visitors need to arrive 15 minutes before their intended entrance time and if you’re a first time visitor, you’ll need to watch a safely and rules video before you are allowed to go down the hill, via tram or walk, to the beach.

Once on the beach, you can pick a spot to leave your stuff and go directly to the waters. Fishes are usually near the reefs and there is a guide on what types of fishes you’ll likely encounter. There is outdoor shower facilities as well as toilets on site.

The day that we went, the water was a bit too rough which made it difficult to view the fishes. Earlier in the day, the water was calmer so we were able to view them a little better but once more people started arriving, it was almost impossible to view fishes vs viewing people’s legs.

If you’re not a confident swimmer, I recommend getting a life vest to help you worry less about swimming / floating.

There are also monk seals which are native to Hawaii lying lazily near the rocks on the side of the bay.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQbWRId3ZRRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJa1lqg3ESAHwRNzWlgOmKw4g/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNQbWRId3ZRRRAB

Absolutely breathtaking views throughout the park! Great informational video beforehand and wonderful park staff.

My mother in law took a little spill along the rocks and the lifeguards were more than amazing! Captain Jimmy was so great, Connor and Nick were super helpful getting us back up to the parking lot safely and securely!
We can’t thank the lifeguard team enough for everything they did, the nurses at the hospital were impressed with the splint Connor had made!
We will be back and stay away from the rocks 😂🤙🏼

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQzOS1YMmxnRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJa1lqg3ESAHwRNzWlgOmKw4g/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQzOS1YMmxnRRAB

Super great place to visit. If you go snorkeling, there is a lot of coral and fishes. Waves are calm and pretty big area. We couldn’t reserve tickets and got here as soon as it opened and got in at 7:30 because of walk in tickets, but that was on a Thursday,
so reserve before just to be safe.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNIck8ycl9BRRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJa1lqg3ESAHwRNzWlgOmKw4g/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNIck8ycl9BRRAB

The place is beautiful and perfect for Instagram. The reality is its over policed and over populated. The water is very rocky and the waves are funneled into the beach which makes it hard for children. It takes almost an hour to get through all of their security screenings. Absolutely necessary to buy tickets days in advance.

Amongst the least enjoyable beaches on Oahu.

It's one of those things you should do. Once.

Explore Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve in Honolulu, HI

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Snorkeling

Visitor Center

A sanctuary of marine beauty and vibrant ecosystems, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a jewel nestled along the southeastern coast of Oahu, Hawaii. This stunning, crescent-shaped bay, once an ancient volcanic caldera, lures nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike with its crystalline waters teeming with colorful coral reefs and a kaleidoscope of tropical fish. Visitors can revel in the tranquil scenery that wraps around the bay, where lush greenery meets golden sands and gentle waves lap the shore. The protected waters serve as a living classroom, perfect for snorkeling and swimming, where experienced divers and novices can converge to witness the rich marine biodiversity up close. Educational opportunities abound, with the visitor center offering engaging exhibitions on coral reef conservation. A voyage to Hanauma Bay is not merely a trip; it’s a transformative experience where nature reveals its artistry, making it an essential destination on your Hawaiian journey.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Dive into paradise at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve! Discover vibrant marine life, pristine beaches, and breathtaking views. Book your adventure now!

Explore Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve in Honolulu, HI

Location & Nearby Attractions

Amenities & Activities

Tips for Visiting