Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
4.5
Wednesday
06:45 - 16:00
Thursday
06:45 - 16:00
Friday
06:45 - 16:00
Saturday
06:45 - 16:00
Sunday
06:45 - 16:00
About
This protected marine life conservation area, named after its unique curved bay, is a popular snorkeling spot in Hawaii. Formed within a volcanic cone on the eastern side of Oahu, this marine sanctuary is home to vibrant marine life and well-preserved corals. There is a limited number of visitors allowed in the bay daily, so make a reservation in advance to secure your spot. It's also closed on certain days so remember to check before you go. You can rent snorkeling equipment here—all you have to do is remember to pack some reef-safe sunscreen. Some tours of the North Shore also stop by the bay for a quick photo opportunity.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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- Rick s30 contributionsHanauma bay snorkelingHanauma bay snorkel: 1. Book early: booking opens 48 h ahead. Be ready to go to website and book exactly at that time. There are like 400 total spots around 30-40 every 10-15 min and they go fast. $25 2. Come early. For my 7:10 booking I was there 6:30 3. Earlier you come less the rush and more the fish 4. Parking for 300 spots opens 6:45 and line forms around 6:30 am and they go fast 5. $3 cash for parking 6. Leave extra time to adjust to their “rules” and system 7. So first you park, then you show your ID and confirmation email to check in. Then you hear verbal instructions for 10 min, then watch video 10 min then take tram down to beach. All good is upstairs. All rentals and showed are downstairs 8. Most people need 60-90 minutes then you are exhausted. You can take a break and relax on beach and go again or call it a day. 9. The water is pretty clear though not the clearest I’ve seen; I’m part it depends on the tides. It’s not perfectly calm but decent. 10. There are plenty of fish but not as great as some of the so called “best” snorkeling places. 11. You don’t really need tour companies unless you don’t want the hassle of booking yourself and driving and parking.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 8 October 2023
- LJ A3 contributionsOutdoor recreationA wonderful day of swimming, snorkeling and watching nature. Monk seal came on beach and the biologist was very good at explaining the monk seal’s place in the local ecosystem. Adults and children were enthralled by the explanations.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 14 October 2023
- ThomasChicago, Illinois21 contributionsBeautiful place, but depressing to see the destructionCame here 21 year ago and it's sad to see the difference. Still a pretty good spot to see wildlife but it's clear that tourists have been stomping all over the reef. Park should consider kicking people out if they stand on the reef or obviously don't have the swimming ability. This morning, I witnessed a woman barrel through coral, breaking chunks off while aggressively kicking it to try to stand. If you can't swim, don't. The park should also check to see if the visitors actually speak English before showing the video. Half the room didn't, wasn't paying attention, and promptly began destroying the reef within minutes of getting in the water. Unbelievable. Also they were fishing... Seriously? The welcome video should also clearly call out what a reef looks like (maybe they think it's rock?) The video is too cute, maybe show some sliced up legs and feet from standing on reef? In my opinion, the price of admission should be raised to fund more strict enforcement to protect the reef.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 21 December 2023
- TravelingSoccerLoonSaint Paul, Minnesota6,582 contributionsGreat Snorkeling Experience but Advanced Planning is RequiredI found the snorkeling at Hanauma Bay to be excellent with hundreds of fish seen. However, the coral has suffered over the years from all the visitors to the bay and needs to be better protected and it does remain worrisome whether this will remain a good snorkeling spot in the future. In an attempt to limit the number of visitors, there is a rather complicated reservation system in place. You must go to the Honolulu Parks and Recreation website and reserve an entry time between 6:45am and 1:30pm. These spots become available only 2 days in advance at 7am local time and they are usually gone within 5 minutes. I would suggest practicing on the site in advance until you are comfortable with how the process works. The Nature Preserve is also closed every Mon and Tuesday. $25 entry but you can stay as long as you want after entering until closing at 4pm. Parking ($3) can be challenging, and you are not guaranteed a spot even if you have a reservation. For this reason, reservations early in the day are best. There are lockers for rent to keep your cellphone, wallet and other valuables. You can also rent snorkeling equipment, but I like bringing my own gear including an inflatable snorkel vest being not a good swimmer. If this your first trip to Oahu, I think this is a must do experience, but it does require advanced planning.Visited March 2023Travelled soloWritten 1 January 2024
- Tween mom of twoWindermere, Florida32 contributionsHave your internet ready 2 days priorThis is an experience you won't want to miss. Yet, after a few failed attempts, I finally was able to get a reservation. The key is having the reservation site loaded ahead of time and refresh right at the time. It may take a few days to finally get one!Visited December 2023Written 9 January 2024
- tutanaTempe, Arizona298 contributionsNice bay with a beautiful viewThis is a nice place for families to go. The water is a bit murky and not a lot of fish and no good coral unless you go out beyond the buoys. I don't recommend that unless you are a great swimmer with good fins. The current coming back in was dicey. Make sure you make your reservation at 7am 2 days before you go. The slots fill up fast. We've been here at least 4 times.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 12 January 2024
- Molly W10 contributionsSpectacular snorkeling in an incredible locationWe went early in the morning with a reservation for a truly spectacular snorkeling experience. I hadn't been snorkeling at Hanauma in many years and it was as beautiful as ever, maybe more so as the early morning meant we had it mostly to ourselves. I highly, highly recommend this.Visited January 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 January 2024
- Marcy SWinnipeg, Canada64 contributionsBeautiful and lots of species of fishGreat time, lots of different species of fish. Didn’t see any turtles. Had to wait a bit in line but was able to get in earlier than our reservation because there was space available. Overall nice clean area. The water started to get a bit choppier later in the day, water is quite shallow, so nice easy snorkel.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 February 2024
- TinkTooEdmonton, Canada278 contributionsReservations hard to get but walk in tickets available!We tried for two days to get reservations right at 7:00 am when tickets dropped but could never get the website to load unfortunately. Demand is high! There are walk in tickets available for every time slot, not many though. We arrived at Hanauma Bay at 6:30 am and waited in our car, outside the park on the road, to enter at 6:45 am. You will see all the white tour vans sitting out on the road waiting as well. There is someone sitting on a bench with a blue umbrella, that person hands out walk in tickets (you still need to pay at the window when your reservation time arrives). Six of us were able to get walk in tickets for 8:00 am thankfully. Love the snorkeling and saw many different types of fish. Staff are all very helpful. The tram up and down the hill is very handy. Food is expensive, but choices are limited. Highly recommend for a great beach day!Visited February 2024Travelled with familyWritten 27 February 2024
- Colin BBrisbane, Australia7 contributionsTop of the Bucket list.Amazing. A really beautiful place to snorkel and experience marine life how it's meant to be and not in captivity. Calm, crystal clear waters, suitable for kids too. Even if you just stand in knee hight you will experience an amazing array of fish. All snorkelling equipment is available to hire, including life jackets at a reasonable price. There is car parking, but we got an Uber, so I'm unsure of the price.Visited March 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 9 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
17,229 reviews
Excellent
10,782
Very good
4,030
Average
1,651
Poor
470
Terrible
297
Patty T
2 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
The water was muggy and you couldn't really see any fishes. It gets crowded fast. If you get there before 7am (inside the park/down the ramp), you will get in for free. If you get there at 7:01am you will have to pay the entrance fee and watch their video...the older lady in charge is no joke and she will make you pay...get there before 7am!
Written 8 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
live2travelnottowork
Clifton, VA44 contributions
Jan 2021 • Solo
The snorkeling was amazing, so many fish and the coral is thriving after the park was closed for several months during 2020. Make sure you bring snacks and water with you! They have a vending machine with drinks but the snack shack is closed due to Covid and the little gift shop does not sell food. They are running the tram again so while you may have to walk up and down steps from the main gate (if you arrive before the parking lot is open), you do not have to walk up and down the path from the bay.
Hanauma Bay is operating at a limited capacity and only allowing 30 people into the park every 15-30 minutes starting at 8am. I arrived just after 6am on a Wednesday at the gate and was already 10th in line. Arrivals slowed down after I got in line until just after 7am when more and more people started arriving. It’s important to note that you cannot park at Hanauma Bay itself until AFTER 8am, if you arrive before then, there is a park across the way that lots of people would park at then walk up to the Hanauma Bay entrance from. The people who work there are very nice unless you don’t follow the rules. Don’t use the closed entrance as a drop off point and make sure your face mask is on and covering both your mouth and nose when you walk up to the line.
Hanauma Bay is operating at a limited capacity and only allowing 30 people into the park every 15-30 minutes starting at 8am. I arrived just after 6am on a Wednesday at the gate and was already 10th in line. Arrivals slowed down after I got in line until just after 7am when more and more people started arriving. It’s important to note that you cannot park at Hanauma Bay itself until AFTER 8am, if you arrive before then, there is a park across the way that lots of people would park at then walk up to the Hanauma Bay entrance from. The people who work there are very nice unless you don’t follow the rules. Don’t use the closed entrance as a drop off point and make sure your face mask is on and covering both your mouth and nose when you walk up to the line.
Written 18 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Terry W
North Richland Hills, TX177 contributions
Mar 2020
We read other reviews about getting there early due to parking. We were in line before they opened the gates at 6 AM on a Saturday. Little did we know, we didn't have to pay for parking or entry fee or watch the informative video since we were there before they opened at 7 AM. Another benefit of arriving early is the crowd hasn't arrived yet. We left around 9:30 AM and it was just starting to fill up. We saw several species of fish, including a black starfish. Snorkeling gear is available for rent there for no more than you would pay in town, but they don't open until 7 AM. They do not have flotation devices. The park is beautiful, including the landscaping and the welcome area before you head down the mountain to the beach. There is a shuttle that will take you up and down if you choose, for $1.25 each way. A truly amazing place. Be sure to have your reef safe sunscreen to protect the reef.
Written 15 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Murugs Lingaswamy
149 contributions
Dec 2019
Great Snorkeling. Water is shallow in most parts and deeper in some areas. So it is fun for entire family. We were able to see lots of Variety of fish. Stunning colors. Only catch is the beach closes at 5pm. So be there around noon atleast so that you can spend some time. You park and attend a brief video of what to do and what not to do, then you can take a trolley service down (if you want for $.150 each way) or walk down the .25 mile paved road.
Snorkeling rentals available down there. If you plan to snorkel few times in Hawaii, buy it for $30 or so rather than renting it for $15 everytime.
Excellent experience overall for all family members. Entrance fee is $7.50/person and totally worth it. As long as they are not scared of water/waves, this might be a nice place to do snorkeling.
Snorkeling rentals available down there. If you plan to snorkel few times in Hawaii, buy it for $30 or so rather than renting it for $15 everytime.
Excellent experience overall for all family members. Entrance fee is $7.50/person and totally worth it. As long as they are not scared of water/waves, this might be a nice place to do snorkeling.
Written 1 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kyma38
San Jose, CA18 contributions
Jan 2021 • Solo
So many colorful fish! Great snorkeling, from what I can tell. I think there's a lot of variety and colorful fish, I even saw a turtle! It's also a great beach area for the folks that prefer to stay on land. Do check the Hanauma Bay website for latest entrance processes, as things can change quickly due to covid. When I went, you get a time slot for entrance and can leave and come back at your allotted time. I recommend getting there right when they open the parking lot (7:45am for me) to ensure you can maximize your day at Hanauma Bay!
They no longer sell food or drinks (covid) but have a gift shop, restrooms, shower, water fountain, and info booth.
They no longer sell food or drinks (covid) but have a gift shop, restrooms, shower, water fountain, and info booth.
Written 31 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
poha
Oahu, HI27 contributions
Dec 2020 • Couples
A visit to Hanaumu Bay is currently a long and frustrating experience. We arrived at 7:10 AM and were about the 20th car in line for the 8 AM opening. We have been told that they let in 60 cars when in fact they let in about 10 and then put up the closed sign. We thought they would open it again but instead the cars in line - including us were waived on and forced to drive away ! There were also long lines of people waiting who walked up the hill. I have heard that some walkers wait 2 to 3 hours to get in. All of this causes traffic nightmares in this area and until a reservation system is implemented you are likely to waste a beautiful day in Hawaii.
Written 26 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jill H
Auburn, MI147 contributions
Jun 2021
The key to getting tickets is have several people on computers together and just be ready to click reserve exactly at 7am HST (or whatever that is in your time zone). We had 4 of us trying to get tickets and succeeded. I wondered if it was worth the hassle, but it truly is! The beauty is stunning and swimming with turtles, fish and other sea life is priceless. One thing to note is that there is no bus running here right now, so you need to drive yourself or taxi. Just make sure you have a return ride figured out before you are ready to leave as there are no taxis/ubers allowed into the park without a specific request. So we lined up our return with our driver prior to getting out at the bay. Saved us a lot of hassle!
Written 27 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Erica B
Asheville, NC2 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
It was beautiful! We got there at 1130a, walked right into the orientation and in the water by noon. I've snorkeled a lot and saw fish here I've never seen before. I could have spent all day searching the reef.
The park needs to implement a fine for touching the reef and have staff to inforce it. The video everyone must watch goes over why not to touch but not enough. In 10 minutes I saw/told 8 people to not touch. Two guys where crawling around on all 4s grabbing and jumping off the reef... It made me very sad.
My boyfriend visited this bay as a kid 20 years ago, says he had never seen soo much color and life.... now it's all grey rock..
Please visit this bay. It's great. Do NOT touch the reef. It's very important.
The park needs to implement a fine for touching the reef and have staff to inforce it. The video everyone must watch goes over why not to touch but not enough. In 10 minutes I saw/told 8 people to not touch. Two guys where crawling around on all 4s grabbing and jumping off the reef... It made me very sad.
My boyfriend visited this bay as a kid 20 years ago, says he had never seen soo much color and life.... now it's all grey rock..
Please visit this bay. It's great. Do NOT touch the reef. It's very important.
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kanicon
Los Angeles, CA799 contributions
Jan 2022 • Friends
Requires reservations to enter and the earliest time we could get in there was 10 am. Orderly lines, Quick video and then entry into the bay. Enjoyed sunbathing, snorkeling there and we even got to catch a monk seal taking a quick nap on the sand
Written 23 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ann R
38 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
Hanauma Bay is a unique and beautiful snorkeling spot and state park. It is under conservation, so the state lets in 1000 or so people per day. Currently, tickets become available at 7 am two days before a visit. They sell out in 2 minutes. I tried for 3 days in a row unsuccessfully. So I brought my son and arrived at 6:15 am to line up for admission. It was worth the effort! The snorkeling is not the best I’ve ever done in terms of numbers of fish. However, the unique environment, the fish with apparently no fear for close up pictures, and the overall gorgeous landscape is a “must see” on Oahu.
Written 24 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, Can you get to Hanauma Bay on public transport from central Waikiki?
Many Thanks
Written 20 May 2024
Which bus should we take from Waikiki Beach Marriot Resort to get to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve?
Written 15 June 2023
I used the transportation service provided via the Hanuma Bay itself and was very happy. It was worth it. Just call the park--or book online-- and set up your reservations directly with them, and add on the transportation package. Remember the 6 am time gives you the best water visibility so its worth the early morning start :)
Written 16 June 2023
I see people saying an online reservation is absolutely required and sells out in 10 minutes and I see people saying they bought their ticket at the gate. I'm planning a trip for May 2023. What's the current best way to get a ticket?
Written 11 March 2023
It was quite difficult to get a ticket, if I remember correctly they release the tickets @ 7AM, two days in advance? That is what we did, I have no idea about purchasing at the gate? good luck!
Written 12 March 2023
What is included in the standard snorkel rental and what is in the premium rental?
Written 19 May 2022
Hi ! I’m actually not 100% sure what the difference is, most people recommend to bring your own snorkeling gear. The rentals at Hanauma Bay are very expensive so i would recommend to either buy your own gear at a store (ABC stores), or you can rent snorkel gear at another location.
Written 20 May 2022
I tried for 50 mins starting at 7 am but the website said always DISMISS, limit the 6 members even though I checked for 2 people, or all tickets sold out at the last stage. It is so annoying actually. Any problem with the website or any cautions I should know?
Written 31 March 2022
Be sure to login a few minutes before it opens at 7 am and be quick to complete your transaction. Last time it only took 10 minutes to sold out.
Written 1 April 2022
With the reservation system and parking, is there a best time to try to go? Early morning or more like noon ?
Written 19 January 2022
All Slots will be filled up quickly within 10 minutes so you must be quick to complete the registration. General speaking early is better just so you can find parking at their parking lot and spend more time there.
Written 21 January 2022
Hi! I’m going to Hanuama bay this month (June 2021).
Do you know how easy it is to get Uber from Diamond Head /KCC farmer market to Hanuama Bay on a Saturday afternoon?
And back from Hanuama bay to Waikiki hotel?
Thanks so much!
Written 31 May 2021
Cameron
Oahu, Hawaii
Can 1 person buy everyone tickets in the group when they ope and come back later at 1:00 with the entire group. Or does everyone need to buy there own tickets
Written 12 May 2021
Ty2501
Osprey, Florida
I would love to know the name of trees in main parking lot. A veragated green and white kind of heart shaped leaf. So beautiful but know one seems to know the name.
Written 8 February 2021
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
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