Snorkel· Oahu· Hawaii
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
21° 16.3′ N · 157° 41.7′ W
A volcanic bay with a sand beach behind 150 yards of fringing coral reef, Hawaii's first Marine Life Conservation District (1967) and the most famous snorkel spot in the state, home to turtles and some 400 fish species.
Practical
LAND ACCESS ONLY: Coast Pilot 10 says state regulations do not permit boats to enter the bay, and the waters off the entrance are very choppy in south and east winds. Open Wed-Sun; closed Mon, Tue, Christmas and New Year's Day. Entry 6:45 am-1:30 pm; beach cleared at 3:30 pm; everyone out by 4 pm; confirm at (808) 768-6861. Non-residents need a reservation (opens 2 days ahead at 7 am Hawaii time at pros.hnl.info/hanauma-bay, max 10 per booking) or a limited first-come walk-in ticket at 6:45 am; $25 per person 13 and over plus 2.35% online fee; parking $3 cash. Everyone watches the education video every visit; no fish feeding; reservations non-refundable. Oxybenzone/octinoxate sunscreens are banned statewide. From a boat, leave it at Hawaii Kai or Ala Wai and go by road.
Best for
Snorkeling with turtles in a crater reserve
Nearby
- Oahu Humpback Whale Season0.3 NM away
- Hawaii Kai Marina (Kuapa Pond)0.8 NM away
- Koko Crater Railway Trail0.9 NM away
- Hawaii Kai Provisions (Safeway, Keahole St)1.1 NM away
- Spitting Caves and China Walls (Portlock)1.1 NM away
- Maunalua Bay Anchorage (Hawaii Kai)1.2 NM away
- Maunalua Bay Launch Ramp1.5 NM away
- Turtle Canyon (Maunalua Bay)1.6 NM away
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).