Hanauma Bay Snorkeling — Attraction in Honolulu

A great place for our first time snorkeling! Using their website you can buy tickets two days ahead or book a tour. We got a tour that included transportation from our hotel and the snorkel gear, but we still needed to pay the $25 cash entry fee. It was a little crowded and crazy with everyone getting there right when they opened, but we got to watch the safety video and get down to the water by 8am. It was a little frustrating to be waiting in line for so many things, but it was well worth it. They have a tram that runs constantly between the top snack bar / shop and the beach. We saw a lot of different fish and really liked being there early with less people in the water. We left around 11:30, which was actually low tide so it was harder to move around with avoiding touching the reef. We’d definitely come back to...

One of a kind experience. Hanauma Bay was the first place I have ever snorkeled. Tickets quite literally sell out in minutes (or a minute and thirty seconds like our 10am entry did). If you happen to not get tickets, you are able to get walk-in tickets right away in the morning, and these can sell out as well. You will need your full party there to purchase the walk-in tickets.

Be sure to interact with and ask questions to the staff as they are quite knowledgable. Inquire about their expertise. For example, we met the photographer who took the newest photos of the fish displayed at the information center. And please, do not stand...

This is a wonderful beach and I think there is a lot of value in just spending time on the beach sunbathing, reading, etc. The snorkeling was average in my opinion (though i know this can vary based on time of day or season). We saw small groups of big fish though not the numerous schools or bright colored coral that other reefs are known for. I didn't go to any other reefs on Oahu so can't compare to other local snorkeling though. Overall we enjoyed...