Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
Plan your stay
&promo_pic=/one-page/coolest.jpg)
Posts
✅ Bucket list moment: Family snorkeling in a dormant volcano at Hanauma Bay, Hawaii! 🌋🐠 On our Hawaii trip, we snorkeled in Hanauma Bay, a submerged volcano. The calm, clear waters were perfect for our son's first snorkeling adventure! 🤿 📝 Tips: • Buy tickets 48 hrs ahead online ($25/adult, kids under 12 free) • Arrive early for parking (lot fills fast, alternative parking at Koko Head) • Watch a 9-min wildlife protection video upon entry • BYO snorkeling gear, towels, food, drinks, and reef-safe sunscreen. Small shop available but pricey • Shuttle available to/from the beach, or enjoy the walk For a full guide, check out my blog post at https://marionthemap.com/hanauma-bay-snorkeling/ 🌐 #hanaumabay #familytravel #travelwithkids #travellingwithkids #travelhacksforkids #bucketlist #momlifebelike #aloha #hawaii #snorkeling #snorkelinghawaii #travelhawaii #visithawaii #reefsafesunscreen #oahu #beaches
marionthemapmarionthemap
16614
Lost in the beauty of Hanauma Bay! 🌺 Soaking in the sunshine, and enjoying the mesmerizing view. Life’s better with salty air and sandy toes. #HanaumaMagic #IslandDreaming #Wanderlust #ParadiseFound #NatureLover 🌴
shelovesparadiseshelovesparadise
28813
Hanauma Bay in Oahu, Hawaii, is an absolute paradise that should be on everyone's must-visit list. From the moment I set foot on the sandy shores, I was captivated by the breathtaking beauty and tranquility of this marine sanctuary. It truly is a slice of heaven on earth. One of the highlights of Hanauma Bay is the pristine, crystal-clear waters that greet you as you enter. The bay is a haven for snorkelers and divers, offering a mesmerizing underwater world teeming with vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. The visibility underwater is simply astounding, allowing you to marvel at the colorful fish, graceful sea turtles, and other fascinating creatures that call this bay their home. The snorkeling experience at Hanauma Bay is unparalleled. The calm waters and gentle waves make it ideal for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. The rental equipment is readily available, and the staff is knowledgeable and helpful, ensuring that you have everything you need to explore the underwater wonders. The feeling of floating above the coral reefs and being surrounded by the beauty of nature is an experience that will stay with you forever. Apart from the incredible snorkeling opportunities, Hanauma Bay also offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding cliffs and lush greenery. The beach itself is a tranquil oasis, perfect for sunbathing, picnicking, or simply unwinding and taking in the natural beauty that surrounds you. The warm, golden sand invites you to relax and soak up the Hawaiian sun, while the gentle ocean breeze carries with it a sense of serenity and peace. The preservation efforts at Hanauma Bay are commendable. The bay is a protected marine conservation area, and visitors are encouraged to respect and care for the fragile ecosystem. Educational programs and initiatives are in place to raise awareness about the importance of preserving this natural treasure. It is heartening to see the commitment to sustainability and the continuous efforts to maintain the beauty and integrity of Hanauma Bay for generations to come. The facilities at Hanauma Bay are well-maintained and convenient. There are clean restrooms, outdoor showers for rinsing off, and ample parking available. The visitor center provides valuable information about the bay's history, marine life, and conservation efforts, enhancing the overall experience and understanding of this unique ecosystem. Visiting Hanauma Bay is an unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of the natural wonders that Hawaii has to offer. The combination of stunning underwater beauty, breathtaking scenery, and a commitment to conservation make Hanauma Bay a true gem. Whether you are a snorkeling enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, Hanauma Bay is the perfect destination. Note: Due to the current circumstances, it is advisable to check for any restrictions or guidelines before planning a visit to Hanauma Bay.
King KingKing King
00
Title: A Day at Hanauma Bay: A Beautiful Experience with Some Limitations Hanauma Bay, located on the southeast coast of Oahu, is a well-known snorkeling destination in Hawaii. With its beautiful scenery, easy access, and excellent facilities, it offers a great opportunity for tourists and locals alike to experience the marine life that Hawaii is famous for. However, when compared to the snorkeling experiences available on Maui or the Big Island, it falls somewhat short. Pros: Beautiful Scenery: Hanauma Bay is undoubtedly a stunning location. With its crystal-clear waters, white sandy beach, and surrounding green cliffs, it provides a breathtaking backdrop for a day of snorkeling or sunbathing. Easy Access: The bay is easily accessible from Honolulu, making it a convenient destination for those staying in or around the city. The parking lot is close to the beach, and there is a shuttle service available for those who prefer not to walk down the steep path to the bay. Facilities: Hanauma Bay has excellent facilities, including restrooms, showers, and a snack bar, ensuring that visitors are comfortable and well-catered for during their stay. The bay also has a visitor center that offers educational programs and information about the marine life in the area. Lifeguards: Safety is a priority at Hanauma Bay, with trained lifeguards on duty to ensure the wellbeing of all visitors. This can provide peace of mind for those who may be new to snorkeling or concerned about water safety. Cons: Snorkeling Comparison: Although Hanauma Bay offers a wonderful snorkeling experience, it simply cannot compare to the underwater worlds found on Maui or the Big Island. The marine life at Hanauma Bay is diverse, but it may feel limited when contrasted with the more expansive coral reefs and larger variety of fish species found at other locations in Hawaii. In conclusion, Hanauma Bay is a beautiful and convenient snorkeling spot that offers excellent facilities and safety measures. However, for those seeking the ultimate snorkeling experience, Maui or the Big Island may provide a more diverse and expansive underwater world. Hanauma Bay is still a worthwhile destination for those who appreciate natural beauty and want to experience Hawaii's marine life, but more seasoned snorkelers may prefer the richer offerings of other islands.
J CJ C
20
The Hawaiian Islands are a group of volcanoes that have risen up over a hot spot, which is a section of the Earth's surface that has exhibited volcanism for an extended period of time. Volcanic chains such as the Hawaiian Islands form as a result of the movement of a tectonic plate across fixed hot spot beneath the surface. In the case of the Hawaiian Islands, the Pacific plate has moved slowly northwestward over such a hotspot. Approximately 3.9 million years ago, the Waiʻanae volcano created the island of Oʻahu. About 2.5 million years ago, the Koʻolau volcano breached the ocean's surface and continued to grow in elevation until about 1.7 million years ago, when it went dormant. Most of the eastern or windward portion of Oʻahu are remnants of this volcano. Most of the familiar geographic landmarks of eastern Oʻahu were created by eruptions from Koʻolau from about 500,000 to 10,000 years ago. The eastern flank of the Koʻolau volcano including the caldera slid into the sea, leaving the Koʻolau mountain range that can be seen today on the windward side of the island. The Hanauma Crater was created about 32,000 years ago during the Honolulu volcanic series, the latest (and perhaps final) round of volcanic activity to occur on Oʻahu. Tens of thousands of years ago, a series of volcanic vents opened along the southeast shoreline of Oʻahu. Unlike the gentle lava flows currently building the island of Hawaiʻi, the late-stage eruptions on Oʻahu were most often short-lived violent explosions. The volcanic vents that formed Hanauma Crater opened on the sea floor. Upwelling magma vaporized the ocean water and steam explosions blew the magma into fine ash. The explosions built cones or rings of ash, which solidified into tuff. The eruptions shattered the sea floor—coral reef and basalt—and scattered pieces that are now embedded in the tuff. Wave erosion eventually cut through the low, southeast wall of the crater, forming the current bay.
Vỹ NguyễnVỹ Nguyễn
60
I was in Hawaii in March of 2018. Initially I wanted to go deep sea snorkeling but I was told by my travel agent that the waters may be too cool to do that and be comfortable.....so I ended up booking a few hours to snorkel at Hanuama Bay because the water was shallow and I assumed it would be warmer. When we arrived at the visitors center we had to buy tickets and view and educational video before we were allowed to go down to the beach. The video was very educational. It's kind of a long trek down from the visitors center to the beach so we ended up paying a few dollars to take a trolley down. When we got down there I was able to reserve a locker to put my bookbag in. The beach was full of people, but not as full as you would think for being a major tourist attraction. It was lightly sprinkling the whole time we were there which made me kind of miserable, but it quit bothering me after we got in the water. The water was beautiful and chilly at first but I got used to it quickly. There were a ton of fish in the water, got a lot of great pictures and videos. The coral is also all around you and the fish preferred to be near the coral. It was such a cool experience. I was kind of worried that someone would disturb our belongings on the beach while we were in the water but no one did. Everyone was really cordial and friendly on the beach. We only stayed for a few hours, I wish we would have stayed a little longer. Even though it was overcast the whole time I still got a sunburn. I don't think there was an option to rent any umbrellas and there were no bungalows. The space on the beach is very limited so I guess no rentals for that kind of stuff is for the best. It just would have been nicer with some shade options on the beach.
Dudley KentDudley Kent
30
Nearby Attractions Of Hanauma Bay
Koko Head District Park
Koko Head District Park
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Koko Head
Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail
Hawai'i Kai Lookout
Koko Head Shooting Complex
Hanauma Bay Admission and Orientation Center
Koko Head District Park
4.7
(3.3K)Click for details
Koko Head District Park
4.7
(3K)Click for details
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
4.6
(2.8K)Click for details
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
4.7
(2.9K)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of Hanauma Bay
Bay Rock Cafe
Bay Rock Cafe
2.5
(18)Click for details
Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
Honolulu, HI 96825
Map
Reviews
Overview
4.4
(1.2K reviews)
Ratings & Description
outdoor
adventure
family friendly
Description
Hanauma is a marine embayment formed within a tuff ring and located along the southeast coast of the Island of Oʻahu in the Hawaii Kai neighborhood of East Honolulu, in the Hawaiian Islands. Hanauma is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Island and has suffered somewhat from overtourism.
attractions: Koko Head District Park, Koko Head District Park, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Koko Head, Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail, Hawai'i Kai Lookout, Koko Head Shooting Complex, Hanauma Bay Admission and Orientation Center, restaurants: Bay Rock Cafe
