Hanauma Bay  | Hawaii |  | Honolulu County | | Honolulu |  |
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Address 7455 Kalanianole Hwy Honolulu, HI 96825 (808) 396-4229 |
Hours Wed-Sat 6:00am - 6:00pm Mon 6:00am - 6:00pm Sun 6:00am - 6:00pm |
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From Honolulu, take H-1 East until it turns into Kalanianole highway. Hanauma Bay is located shortly after the Koko Marina shopping center. If you pass the Halona Blowhole, then you have gone too far.
Description:
When visitors to the islands come to Oahu and want to know where the best place to snorkel is, people are told only two words: Hanauma Bay. Conveniently located just east of Honolulu, Hanauma Bay is the premiere spot on the island for snorkeling and also for diving. Hanauma, which means "curved bay" is actually formed from a volcanic crater, the remains of which make for a perfect backdrop to a very beautiful long strip of golden sand and protected bay. Hanauma Bay is actually a nature preserve, which means that there is a great deal of focus on educating the public. In addition to an educational video which is required viewing for all new visitors to the park, they have booths dotted around the bay, with volunteers ready to give information and help identify the numerous fish seen there.
For those that don't have their own snorkel gear, gear can be rented right there at Hanauma Bay. The coral at Hanauma Bay is coralline algae, which though its stony appearance makes it seem as though it is dead it is actually very much alive. Along with plentiful fish to see, including the humuhumunukunukuapuaa, Hawaii’s unofficial state fish, you can also spot turtles. If snorkeling or diving is too tame for you, consider trying it at night time. During the summer time, Hanauma Bay is open on Saturdays until 10pm. Bring or rent snorkel gear and a flashlight in order to see interesting looking fish that are not often seen during the day.
If you travel by car, you pay a one dollar parking fee. There is also a nominal entrance fee; however for kama'aina (locals) entrance is free. The walk from the entrance down to the beach is about 150 feet, but if you don’t feel like walking, there is a tram that can transport you. If all the snorkeling and sun makes you hungry, there is a cafeteria near the entrance, as well as a small gift store. One more word about parking; sometimes parking can fill up, (early morning or mid afternoons are some of the quieter times to visit), and when that happens, they post signs to let you know that the parking lot is full. Luckily, there’s a lot to do nearby, with the beautiful Makpuu lighthouse trail and the Halona blowhole to visit so it’s fairly easy to swing back in an hour or so. With lots of tropical wildlife to see, picturesque volcano craters, and a beautiful cove of sand to sunbathe on, Hanauma Bay is definitely a must-do!
Written By: Shiromi Arserio
Features
Bathrooms
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Lifeguard
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Sandy Beach
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Shady Areas
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Snorkeling
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Swimming Areas
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