Hanauma Bay is, without question, the best snorkeling spot that you can find on Oahu and the view of the beach and its surroundings is truly breathtaking! With its crystal-clear water, vibrant coral, and abundance of tropical fish and sea creatures, you need to make sure you snorkel here throughout your Oahu adventure.

Hanauma is the Hawaiian word for ‘curved’ and this beautiful bay formed within a volcanic cone tens of thousands of years ago. Today it is a nature preserve focused on protecting the marine life and their ecosystem, so it is important to be respectful and adhere to the rules. We can guarantee this is a unique experience you will not want to miss, and this article will ensure you are well prepared and make the most out of your visit.

In this guide we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting this beautiful snorkel location including:

Basics Of Hanauma Bay

How to Make a Hanauma Bay Reservation?

Hanauma Bay is open to the public from 6:45am to 4pm Wednesday through Sunday. In order to preserve the area and avoid overcrowding, visiting Hanauma Bay requires a reservation which can be done easily online at the Honolulu Parks and Recreation website.

As a non-resident of Hawaii, the cost per person over the age of 13 is $25. Children 12 and under can enter for free, but you must still make them a reservation.

Reservations open 2 days prior to the date you are trying to book. You can begin booking at 7am Hawaiian standard time. They fill up oftentimes within minutes of becoming available so you must login at 7am on the dot!

We recommend going for an earlier time slot as it is less crowded and you’ll have more time to enjoy the reef. But, these time slots typically fill up the quickest are the hardest to get. The nice thing is that once you enter, there’s no set time you need to leave, so you can stay and enjoy the bay until closing.

What to Do If Hanauma Bay Reservations Are Sold Out?

Like we mentioned before, reservations typically fill up within minutes. But, if you’re unable to get a reservtion, you’re not without hope!

If you are unable to get a reservation, you should check out this tour company. They make group bookings ahead of time and for 54 dollars a person, you can secure your spot. They also provide transportation to and from your hotel as well as provide snorkelling gear. This is actually a great option to take the hassle away from planning transportation and renting snorkel gear. But it is a pricier option than planning and booking everything yourself. To check availability, click here.

How to Get to Hanauma Bay from Waikiki

Hanauma Bay is located in East Honolulu, about a 15-minute drive from Waikiki beach. If you have a car, you can get to Hanauma Bay from the Waikiki area in about 10 minutes. Parking is available at 3 dollars per car ($1 per car for residents).

Uber and Lyft is also readily available and typically costs $20-30 to take you from Waikiki.

Alternatively, Hanauma Bay is accessible by bus from Honolulu via the no. 6, 80 or 1L bus routes and will take you a little over one hour to get there

What to Pack for Hanauma Bay

• Beach Towel/ Beach Chairs.
• Umbrella.
• Reef Safe sunscreen (check with a staff member if your bottle doesn’t specify if it’s reef safe)
• Snorkel Gear (you can rent snorkel gear on site also. You can reserve online ahead of time and pick it up on the booth located on the beach area of Hanauma Bay.)
• Water and Snacks (there is nowhere to buy food once you make your way down to the beach)
• Underwater Camera: We recently upgraded our GoPro Camera to the DJI Osmo Action 6 underwater camera and the difference is amazing. The colors of the corals and fish come out so clear and bright without any editing.
• Waterproof Phone Case: If you don’t want to splurge on an underwater camera, a waterproof phone case will do the trick at shallower depths.

The following items you can leave behind:

• Heavy bags/coolers: There is a long walk down to the beach, so pack as light is possible. There is a free shuttle bus is needed.
• Snorkel gear: if you do not have your own snorkel gear, it can be rented on site
• Chemical sunscreen: only reef-safe sunscreen should be used to protect the ecosystem.
• Valuables.

What to Expect When You Arrive at Hanauma Bay

It’s important to arrive on time for your reservation because late arrivals are typically not allowed entry.

After checking in at one of the windows, you will move through the visitor center to watch a short educational video that explains the history, conservation efforts, and important rules for protecting the reef and wildlife during your visit.

After the video, you’ll be free to head down to the bay, where you can enjoy the beach, the glorious view, and the spectacular snorkeling. There is a paved walkway to get down to the beach from the visitor center, but you can also ride the shuttle bus, which is convenient when you have a lot of stuff to carry.

The unique beauty of the bay and white sand beach is immediately striking as you make your way down the hill, and the clearness of the water is obvious, as you can see the coral from above.

The beach is long, stretching about 600 meters, so you should be able to find a spot in the sand. If not, there is grass at the back of the beach to relax. Arriving earlier will ensure you get the best spots, especially if you are looking for shade beneath a tree.

The water is incredibly clear and calm thanks to the bay’s shelter, making it perfect for swimming or snorkeling. As previously mentioned, the vast coral and wide variety of fish offer incredible sights if you’re snorkeling. Hawaiian green sea turtles often make their way into the bay, and you may even see a monk seal laying on the beach.

Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Hanauma Bay

How early should I arrive for my Hanauma Bay reservation?

It’s best to arrive a little early for your time slot. If you arrive after your scheduled reservation time, they may not let you in, so I wouldn’t cut it close. We’d recommend getting there at least 15 to 20 minutes early just to give yourself enough time for parking, checking in, and lining up.

Is Hanauma Bay worth visiting?

Yes, absolutely. In our opinion, it’s one of the best snorkeling spots on Oahu and definitely worth adding to your itinerary. The water is usually very clear, there are so many colorful fish, and it’s one of the easiest places to snorkel even if you’re newer to it.

How much does it cost to visit Hanauma Bay?

For non-residents, the entrance fee is $25 per adult. Children 12 and under are free, but they still need a reservation. Parking is also available for a small additional fee.

Are there sea turtles at Hanauma Bay?

Yes, it’s possible to see Hawaiian green sea turtles here, although it’s never guaranteed. We’ve seen them while snorkeling before, along with tons of tropical fish. Just remember to keep your distance and never touch any marine life.

Is Hanauma Bay good for kids?

Yes, Hanauma Bay is a great spot for kids, especially because you don’t have to swim out far to see colorful fish and coral. The water is usually much calmer than many other beaches on Oahu, which makes it a really nice family-friendly snorkeling spot.