Hanauma Bay State Park is a protected marine-life-preservation area with clear water ideal for snorkeling and a vast array of tropical fish and coral reefs surrounded by volcanic rock. Once used by the Hawaiian royal family for fishing, it is now one of Oahu’s top tourist destinations with about 1 million visitors each year.
Hanauma Bay State Park is open from early morning to mid-afternoon from Wednesday through Sunday year-round—last entry is at 1:30pm and the beach closes an hour before the park does. The best times to visit are either early, before peak crowds arrive, or after lunch, when the sun illuminates the reefs, ideal for snorkeling.
...MoreYes, Hanauma Bay is worth visiting, especially if you like snorkeling and wildlife. The protected reserve boasts a pristine bay with white sands and crystal shallows famous for coral reefs, Hawaiian green sea turtles, parrotfish, and other marine life. There’s also a Marine Education Center, which spotlights the bay and its ecosystems.
...MoreYes, you need a reservation for snorkeling—unless you’re a Hawaiian resident and arrive before 9am. You can prebook timed entry up to two days in advance on the Honolulu Parks and Recreation website, but you need to be super-quick. Limited walk-ins are available on-site from opening time, but they also go fast.
...MoreYes, because the parking lot fills up quickly. If you’ve reserved early bay entry, you’ll likely bag a space—but otherwise, be ready to park far away. Skip the hassle of parking by booking Hanauma Bay tours that include transport, taking the trolley or buses from Waikiki, or using cabs or rideshare apps.
...MoreMost people find that two hours is enough time to snorkel the reefs of Hanauma Bay. However, aim for around four hours at the bay itself—most tours stay for this long—so you’ve got time to watch the 10-minute marine preservation video on entry and make the round-trip tram ride or walk to the beach.
...MoreYes, you can bring your own snorkeling gear to Hanauma Bay. You can hire equipment on the beach, but it’s quite pricey at around US$20 for a standard set—taking your own snorkel gear will save you money and time. Plus, it’s likely to fit you better.
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