Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve — Attraction in Honolulu

A very beautiful and scenic nature preserve. There is a shuttle that will take you down to the beach from the park above. You can also choose to walk down to the beach. The views from above are outstanding and this is a must-visit location. You can see entrance into the bay and the deeper waters along with the shallow water near the shoreline. There are many trees and greenery along the path down to the beach. Even if you aren't taking a dip in the water, be sure to stop off to take some incredible pictures of this nature preserve. Really enjoyed a morning out here. Would recommend to go early as it gets crowded. There’s an entrance fee and snorkeling gear is $20 if you don’t have your own. Lockers were available for $10. We didn’t see turtles (but saw plenty elsewhere) but saw an abundance of different fish and a seal was dozing on the beach. Beautiful picturesque beach and the snorkeling is great as the reef is shallow so the fish are right at your finger tips. However if you come here you need to respect the reef and the marine life. You will be made to watch a short video at the beginning to give basics of what to do and what not to do. Found it was mostly common sense til we went snorkeling and saw people doing the opposite of what it said - grabbing on to the reef and trying to touch fish (?!), if you’re not a good swimmer to prevent yourself from touching the reef, nor do you think you can keep your hands to yourself - this is not for you. Maybe not entirely suitable for very young children (unless they’re happy to sit in the beach). Most tourists were fine but some just lacked the basic respect. It’s a protected reserve for a reason. As it hits towards midday it gets very crowded on the water. However it is still very beautiful because of the many doing the...

Hanauma Bay is a wonderful place to visit for residents and visitors alike. If your taking the bus (#22) be aware that it goes all the way into the park. I didn't know that and walked in from the road. (not a long walk but was unnecessary)

Admission is currently $7.50 for non residents and free for those with a Hawaii License or ID. After getting admission you are given the opportunity to take part in an orientation to learn the history of the bay, and the efforts taken to protect the bay and its wildlife.

There is a snack bar and a a gift shop near admissions, but neither on the beach level. If you want food get it before going down to the beach (You may take food to the bay with you but you are not allowed to feed the fish at all.) The gift shop offers a discount on reef safe sunscreen Please please please. use only reef safe sunscreen, it is sold many places on Hawaii and it isn't expensive. it is very important to protect the reefs and the wildlife..

Making your way down to the water is easy, there is a tram that costs $1.25 per trip or you can buy and unlimited day pass for $2.50. There is a walk path down to the shore that is barely wide enough for two way foot traffic, its a short walk but a steep hill.

Once you are at the bottom there are lockers and snorkel equipment for rent but it can be a bit expensive, $20.00 for basic mask and fins and the prices go up from there.

I highly recommend snorkeling here, watching the marine life is amazing, I would spend every single day in the ocean if i could. do not let the bay pass as just another day at the beach, if you have never snorkeled, this is the place to try it. I promise you will not be...

We had high hopes, but alas, it was extremely disappointing. First off, $25/person and a hard to come by reservation to go to a beach seemed a little wild but we had heard amazing things about the bay so we went for it. We arrived to the ticket counter only to realize I needed my ID to enter the park. I had not brought my ID bc I didn’t drive and I would be snorkeling, not drinking at a bar. Would my husband’s ID who was with me suffice? No. Would a scanned copy of my DL on my phone work? No. You would think the ticket warden would be understanding but you be wrong buddy. The guy was a total jerk, belittling me for not thoroughly reading the multi paragraph email like I was reading a closing document. He repeatedly ragged on me for not having my ID like I was a child. Ironically, what finally made them let us in was me sending them email with my name on it. That’s it. After confirming my email was real and not a snorkeling scammer, they let us in. We were then told to wait another 15 min for a “information video” that basically said not to be an idiot and touch the coral or animals. After that, we were permitted to go to the beach. I wish I could say the snorkeling was worth all the hoops and crap we went through to get there but it was not. We saw some cool fish and coral but it was kind of a let down with how much the Bay is talked up as the best place to snorkel. The water was murky, but this may have been related to the wind blowing into the bay. Hopefully other people have a better experience and FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, do NOT forget your ID of the person that booked this. The staff are worse...