HANAUMA BAY NATURE PRESERVE 🐠

Hanauma Bay is one of Oʻahu’s best places for snorkeling, marine life and beautiful coastal scenery.

The bay sits inside an ancient volcanic crater and is now a protected marine conservation area. Calm, clear water and a shallow reef make it especially popular for seeing tropical fish close to shore.

🐠 EXPLORER TIP
Book in advance and go early.

Morning usually gives you cooler weather, better visibility and more time before the beach gets busy.

⏱️ GOOD TO KNOW
• Time needed: 3–5 hours
• Best for: Snorkeling, swimming & scenery
• Difficulty: Easy
• Best time: Morning
• Usually open: Wednesday–Sunday
• Opening hours: 6:45 AM–4:00 PM
• Last entry: 1:30 PM
• Closed: Monday & Tuesday
• Reservations are strongly recommended
• Bring reef-safe sun protection, water and snorkeling gear

Current opening arrangements can change, so visitors should check the official City of Honolulu information before going.

💡 WHY VISIT
• One of Oʻahu’s most famous snorkeling spots
• Tropical fish close to shore
• Beautiful volcanic bay
• Protected marine ecosystem
• Great for families
• Excellent underwater photos and video

💡 FUN FACTS
• Hanauma Bay formed inside an ancient volcanic crater
• It is a protected marine conservation area
• The bay became extremely popular, once receiving millions of visitors annually
• Visitor limits and reservations are now used to reduce pressure on the ecosystem 
• Visitors are asked to respect the reef and marine life

📍 LOCATION
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Honolulu, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi