Are you thinking about snorkeling at Hanauma Bay? If you are planning a trip to Oahu in Hawaii this needs to be on your to do list!
Hanauma Bay is gorgeous and is worth putting on your Hawaii itinerary! The water is warm and the these pictures do not have any filters! It really is that blue! Snorkeling in Oahu may be the highlight of your entire trip!
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What is Hanauma Bay?
Hanauma Bay is one of the most popular tourist destinations on Ohau. It is a curved bay that was formed from a volcanic cone.
It is now a nature preserve park that has over 400 species of fish living within the coral reef just below the surface of the water. You will also see green sea turtles in this area.
Hanauma Bay has over 3000 visitors everyday which is about 1 million visitor’s every year.
Plan your Snorkeling Trip to Hanauma Bay
I know what you are thinking (if you are like me), Hanauma Bay is extremely popular and it will be crowded…..but I am here to tell you that I didn’t feel that way at all! Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay is gorgeous and worth checking out!
Directions to Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay by Car
If you are driving from Waikiki it will take between 20-40 minutes depending on traffic. It is 10.7 miles away from Waikiki.
We did not experience any problems with driving and thought it was a great option.
Hanauma Bay Shuttle
If you did not rent a car and still want to experience Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, there are many shuttle services from Waikiki. The price range for the transportation shuttle ranges from $17 -$25.
For that price you will receive round trip transportation as well as professional snorkeling gear to use. A separate $7.50 entrance fee is not included in that price.
Are Reservations for Hanauma Bay Shuttle Required?
The answer is YES! If you are planning to use this service call ahead and arrange your times. There are specific pick up times throughout the day.
What are the Shuttle Times for Hanauma Bay?
Pick up and return times are as follows:
7:15 am – 11:45 am
8:45 am -1:15 pm
10:15 am – 2:45 pm
Parking at Hanauma Bay
Parking at Hanauma Bay was pretty easy. One piece of advice we read was to get there early as the parking lot fills up fast. Taking it easy is part of why we go to Hawaii and we did not get there too early.
Finding a spot was not a problem! There were still quite a few available by the time we got there. We went at a very busy time of year and observed that even when we left there were spots available. But just be aware that there are only 300 available spots.
Parking Fee
The parking fee is $1. Parking fee is refundable if you are in the lot for less than 15 minutes. Parking spots are very close to the entrance.
Admission and Introductory Video at Hanauma Bay
Admission Price for Hanauma Bay
Admission is $7.50 per person. Children 12 years and younger, Hawaii residents, and active US military (with ID) are free. The $7.50 does not include snorkel gear.
One thing you might want to consider is the Go Oahu Card, which will get you in to Hanauma Bay and many more Hawaii attractions.
Hours for Hanauma Bay
I’m so glad I took a picture of the sign! Hours of operation are 6:00 am – 7:00 pm daily in summer months. In the winter it closes at 6:00 pm. Tuesdays they are not opened.
Can I Rent Snorkel Gear at Hanauma Bay?
Taking the shuttle and getting the equipment together is about the same price as driving and having to rent equipment. Meaning it is about $20 to rent equipment. If you are nearsighted they do offer mask with prescription lenses. That might be worth it right there!
Life vest and floaties are not available to rent onsite but you can rent them from the shuttle provider.
Are Lockers Available at Hanauma Bay?
Yes, there are two sizes of lockers available to rent. For a smaller locker the price is $10. A larger locker is priced at $12.
A smaller locker will hold a cell phone, wallet, and keys. The larger locker will hold a backpack.
Instructional Video
Once you pay your admission fee you are guided to an area to wait for a mandatory instructional video. This video tells the history of Hanauma Bay and the nature of the natural preserve.
I really enjoyed the video and learned many things. Most importantly, I learned that you can not step on the coral reef! The fish depend on the coral reef to survive and we do not want to damage it.
Hanauma Bay Educational Center
Image Hanauma Bay educational center of G70
Hanauma Bay has an educational center where you can observe what types of animal life is present in the bay.
The main goal is to preserve the animal life and learn about all the ways to keep the environment safe.
It also has a 12 minute video that is interesting and informative.
Prepare For Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
What do I need to Bring to Hanauma Bay?
Here is your checklist!
Towel
Swimsuit
Cellphone or Camera
Reef Safe Sunscreen
Water Shoes
Money for entrance fee
Small cooler filled with snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
Snorkel Gear
Pro Tip – I purchased snorkel gear at Sam’s Club before this trip and it was worth the money. We snorkeled at many locations. It saved us so much money and gave us the freedom to explore area’s that did not rent out equipment.
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
Getting To and From the Hanauma Bay Cove
I wanted to warn you it is a steep 10 minute walk down to the bay from the visitor center.
Fortunately, we made some friends as we watched the video and didn’t mind the walk as we were chatting. On the other side walking up the hill was intense. It was a really steep climb!
Tram Service
If you prefer not to walk a tram service is available to take you down for $1 and up for $1.25. I would consider this for the hike up!
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
One thing to be aware of is that the water is very shallow. The coral extends pretty far out but the depth of the cove remains fairly shallow even as you swim farther out.
The sea life is amazing. There are so many beautiful fish to see! You will even get to see the Humuhumunukunukuapuaa, which is the state fish. Yellow fish, trumpet fish, and angel fish are also swimming throughout the cove.
Lifeguards
There are lifeguards on duty but I imagine that would be a hard job as everyone is sticking there face in the water!
How Much Time Should I Spend at Hanauma Bay?
If you are taking the shuttle they will have a specific return time about 4 hours from the time they drop you off.
What I found is that snorkeling is hard work. Ultimately, we swam and swam and explored the reef and become tired.
If you take lots of breaks and relax on the beach you could spend all day here. I would probably allow about 3-4 hours to fully enjoy the area.
Is there anywhere to eat at Hanauma Bay?
Image courtesy of Hanauma Bay State Park
Yes, a snack bar is located on the upper level across from the cashier. They have bacon cheeseburgers, hot dogs, chili with rice, pulled pork sandwiches, and french fries.
They also have some healthier options such as turkey wraps, teriyaki chicken, and garden salads. There are also lots of snack and drink options available. Meals are under $8.00.
I didn’t get a chance to try it out. So, I’m not sure what the quality of the food is! They make it sound really good!
Are You Ready to Go Snorkeling At Hanauma Bay?
Hopefully, all of your questions were answered and you feel ready to go and have some fun! Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay is really a must do in Oahu and I hope you have a great time! Be sure to check out my One Week In Oahu Hawaii Post.
Comment Below if you have any experiences snorkeling in Hawaii and what your favorite spots have been!
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Hera
December 13, 2019 12:00 amI like snorkeling but love diving. I wonder if you can dive here? I’ll have to check it out next time I’m in Oahu.
Lisa
December 13, 2019 12:04 pmYou can dive but it’s a little farther out. The water in this area is really shallow. But they do have diving tours from Hanauma Bay.
Courtney
December 13, 2019 7:46 amBeautiful pictures! It looks like a great experience!
Lisa
December 13, 2019 12:03 pmIt was so gorgeous! I want to go back!
Taci- Life Beyond Zebra
December 13, 2019 12:50 pmGreat pics it’s been a while since I have been snorkeling! I loved snuba, that’s what we did when we went to Oahu!
Lisa
December 13, 2019 2:42 pmI want to try scuba, that would be awesome!
Julie Gazdecki
December 13, 2019 1:34 pmI’ve always dreamed of going here. My parents went decades ago, and my mom bought a picture that still hangs in their house.
Lisa
December 13, 2019 2:41 pmI had never been until this last summer and it is up there with Disney World as my favorite places!
Trisha
December 14, 2019 6:10 amWe have snorkeled before on Maui but I will for sure be adding this to our Oahu visit! Thank you for sharing your experience!
Lisa
December 16, 2019 10:52 amWe snorkeled at one spot in Maui but it wasn’t great! I thought Hanauma Bay was wonderful!
kmf
December 14, 2019 5:38 pmWhat a paradise! Adding this to my list the next time I visit!
Lisa
December 16, 2019 10:51 amHawaii is paradise! I want to go back!
Cynthia
December 14, 2019 6:28 pmI’ve never been to Hawaii but it is definitely on my bucket list. Was this a trip with just you or your husband or did your kids come along? I’m just wondering how kid-friendly it is. I’m assuming it is since it says 12 and under free? Thanks for such an informative post. Hope to visit someday!
Lisa
December 16, 2019 10:50 amIt was just my husband and I that went on this trip. Hanauma bay would be good for older kids. It would be hard if you are not a strong swimmer. So little kids probably couldn’t go to far out. There is a beach for them to play on so that would be good for kids. I personally think I would be worried because of the amount of people and keeping track of my little ones.
Missy
December 15, 2019 9:20 amWe love snorkeling. We would love to snorkel at Hanauma Bay! Thank you for the tip!
Lisa
December 16, 2019 10:47 amI hope you get to one day!
Leeanne
December 16, 2019 9:02 amWe love to snorkel. This looks like another great spot to add to our list of must go to places just for snorkeling.
Lisa
December 16, 2019 10:46 amTotally is, so beautiful!
jen
December 16, 2019 10:34 amsince its such a popular destination now this is great information before going.
Lisa
December 16, 2019 10:46 amThanks
Lora
December 16, 2019 2:51 pmI would love to do this one day! It looks like an amazing experience. Thank you for providing so much valuable information.
Lisa
December 17, 2019 9:24 pmI hope you get to go!
Charlene
December 16, 2019 5:11 pmThis would be a wonderful place to learn how to snorkel!
Lisa
December 17, 2019 9:23 pmI agree! The water is super shallow!
Jen
December 16, 2019 5:48 pmLooks absolutely amazing!
Lisa
December 17, 2019 9:23 pmIt really was!
Holly
December 16, 2019 7:41 pmWhat an amazing place to visit! I have snorkeled in many places around the world and this looks like a beautiful place to go!
Lisa
December 17, 2019 9:22 pmIt is a great location!
Brianna
December 16, 2019 8:13 pmThis looks like so much fun! I’d love to do this one day!
Lisa
December 17, 2019 9:22 pmI hope you get to!
Kyndall Bennett
December 16, 2019 8:26 pmThis beach is so beautiful! ? After dealing with the parking meters in Savannah, GA for a few years, I think I got a bit over-excited over that $1 parking annoucement!
Kyndall Bennett
December 16, 2019 8:27 pmThis beach is so beautiful! ? After dealing with the parking meters in Savannah, GA for a few years, I think I got a bit over-excited over that $1 parking announcement!
Lisa
December 17, 2019 9:21 pmI know! that is a great thing!
angela
December 16, 2019 10:13 pmThis is one of my happy places. Such a great place and there are so many colorful fish it is unreal!
Lisa
December 17, 2019 9:21 pmI loved all the fishes!
Tricia Snow
December 17, 2019 7:05 amWe are big snorkelers! This looks like the perfect spot!
Lisa
December 17, 2019 9:20 pmIt is gorgeous!
Suzan
December 17, 2019 8:00 amAs I sit here writing this note, the snow is piling up outside and a forecast of double digits below zero in a couple days. Thank you for taking me to a warm, inviting spot for a bit to enjoy one of my all time favorite things to do…snorkel!!
Lisa
December 17, 2019 9:20 pmExactly! It is cold here too! I had to start dreaming!
Jill DeMasi
December 17, 2019 11:28 amAnother great review! Love the pictures. It looks so amazing there. I hope to get to Hawaii one day. You would be an awesome travel guide!!
Lisa
December 17, 2019 9:18 pmThanks! I just like to learn things when I go places and share!
Shirley
December 17, 2019 1:15 pmI’ve done this and it was so fun!! Thanks for the trip down memory lane….your pics are gorgeous!
Lisa
December 17, 2019 9:17 pmThanks! It is a great tourist spot!
Christina Furnival
December 17, 2019 1:46 pmGreat post to make sure anyone that goes is completely ready!
Lisa
December 17, 2019 9:16 pmFor sure! my favorite kind of post to write!
Lisa
December 17, 2019 5:17 pmThanks for sharing! We love snorkeling here!
Lisa
December 17, 2019 9:15 pmIt is so beautiful and lots of fish
Maria Gustafsson
December 17, 2019 7:09 pmIt was on my list when I was on Oahu, unfortunately it was really storm that whole week, zero visibility and choppy waters. So for obvious reasons I did not end up going…if I ever get back there (too many other places to visit), I’ll attempt to go again!
Lisa
December 17, 2019 9:15 pmI hear you! so many places so little time!
Connie Carmichael
December 17, 2019 8:52 pmOh my goodness! My husband and I went snorkeling here 30 years ago. It is unbelievably beautiful and has great snorkeling. I’d love to return and see it again. These are great tips.
Lisa
December 17, 2019 9:14 pmThanks! It is as beautiful as ever!
Amanda
December 17, 2019 9:56 pmBeautiful photos! It’s on my wish list. One day 🙂
Lisa
December 18, 2019 2:03 pmIt has been on mine for a long time and I was finally able to go this year and now I want to go back!
Malia
December 18, 2019 8:30 amI grew up just about 5 minutes away from Hanauma Bay and have watched as its popularity has increased. I am so glad they have started doing those informational videos! It breaks my heart when I see people standing on the reef (at Hanauma and other places without information videos). I always wish they’d show it in the videos on the airplane for everyone coming in to Hawaii to see! Thanks for your great write up!
Lisa
December 18, 2019 2:00 pmI am glad I watched the video, I would have had no idea not to stand on it!
Tracy
December 18, 2019 12:12 pmThis looks like so much fun! Next time we are in Hawaii, this will have to be on our snorkeling list!
Lisa
December 18, 2019 2:00 pmFor sure! It is a great spot!
Katherine Wolfe
December 18, 2019 4:55 pmGreat tips! It’s been so long since I have been there…if I ever make it back, this sure seems helpful!
Lisa
December 20, 2019 10:40 pmThanks! I hope you can make it back someday!
Lina
December 18, 2019 5:44 pmWow! It just looks amazing! Definitely on my list now. Thanks for sharing.
Lisa
December 20, 2019 10:40 pmHawaii really does not disappoint!
Carrie Beaton
December 19, 2019 7:46 pmSuch an amazing place to snorkel! We love it there too!
Lisa
December 20, 2019 10:38 pmIt really is so gorgeous!
Susan
December 23, 2019 2:21 pmI’ve been there and even did the snorkeling so your post brought back some wonderful memories. It’s a beautiful and amazing place so I’m glad you got to do it…everyone should try it there at least once.
Lisa
December 27, 2019 9:16 pmI agree!
Cindy
December 25, 2019 8:07 pmSnorkeling is so fun! I’d love to explore the waters around Hawaii.
Lisa
December 27, 2019 9:12 pmI just went and I am so ready to go back!
Tara
December 26, 2019 11:27 amWe just returned home from Hawaii and I have to agree, the snorkeling there is AMAZING! Great information in your post!!
Lisa
December 27, 2019 9:11 pmThanks! I loved snorkeling in Oahu!
Jennifer |Me and My Traveling Hat
January 11, 2020 12:53 pmAlthough we have traveled to 45 states, Hawaii is one we haven’t traveled to yet. The water is always so amazing to me, love your photos. We will have to visit Ohau when we finally do travel there.
Lisa
January 13, 2020 1:47 pmI always thought Hawaii is a dream, I will get there one day. I spontaneously booked it and I regret not doing it sooner!
T.M. Brown
January 13, 2020 7:43 amI may not be ready to go snorkeling there, but I certainly am ready to visit! Hawaii has been on my bucket list for YEARS!! The boys would love snorkeling, though!
Lisa
January 13, 2020 1:41 pmHawaii is so amazing! I can’t wait to go back!