Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Hanauma Bay

A horseshoe-shaped bay formed when the sea broke into a volcanic crater. Its coral reef shallows host more than 400 species of tropical fish and sea turtles, making it Oahu's best snorkelling spot for beginners.

Hanauma Bay lies at the southeastern tip of Oʻahu, about 20 km from Waikīkī. The horseshoe-shaped bay was formed about 32,000 years ago when the sea broke through one side of a volcanic crater. Its coral reef and shallows are home to more than 400 fish species, including parrotfish, butterflyfish and the state fish humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa, as well as green sea turtles. In 1967 it became Hawaii's first marine life conservation district. Overcrowding once threatened it, and it now operates under strict limits of 1,400 visitors a day. Non-residents must reserve at pros8.hnl.info, with bookings opening at 7:00 a.m. Hawaii time two days in advance. Spots typically sell out within minutes. Admission is $25 per person (free for under-12s), and parking costs $3. Before going down to the beach, you must watch a nine-minute conservation video at the visitor centre, then walk down or take the little tram ($1–2) to the sand. The inner reef, 1–3 m deep, is ideal for beginners, with fish concentrated around the rocks. Witches Brew and Toilet Bowl, outside the reef, have strong currents and are for experienced swimmers only. Gear can be rented on the beach (mask, snorkel and fins about $20 a set, including a locker), or you can rent better equipment in Waikīkī beforehand. Do not touch the coral or sea turtles (fines apply), don't stand on the reef, and use only mineral sunscreen without oxybenzone. Getting there: TheBus Route 23 from Waikīkī takes about an hour (you'll need to carry your gear), Uber takes about 25 minutes, or you can join a snorkel tour with transfers and gear (about $40–60). The self-park lot is often full after 8 a.m. Nearby, you can combine a visit with the Koko Head Crater trail (1,048 railway-sleeper steps, about 45 minutes to the top), the Halona Blowhole and Sandy Beach, and the Makapuʻu Lighthouse trail (good for whale watching in winter), making a half-day southeast coast route. The bay is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, as Tuesday is reef-cleaning day. Visibility in the shallows drops after 10 a.m. as visitors stir up the sand. The bay closes at 4 p.m., so get out of the water beforehand.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

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