Hanauma Bay
The basics
Visitors to Hanauma Bay, which has a number of different coral reefs and lagoons to explore, will see hundreds of species of colorful tropical fish, other types of marine life, and vibrant coral. The wide sandy beach is also ideal for sunbathing and relaxing, and the nature preserve is well equipped with restrooms, changing rooms, a snack bar, and a picnic area, with lockers and snorkel gear available to rent.
Get out on Hanauma Bay as part of a half-day or full-day snorkeling tour, or stop by on a hop-on hop-off bus tour from Waikiki. Some tours stop at the bay and take in other island highlights such as Pearl Harbor and Diamond Head. For independent travelers, Hanauma Bay offers round-trip shuttles from Waikiki hotels.
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Things to know before you go
- Hanauma Bay State Park charges fees for admission and parking.
- The park is closed on Tuesdays to allow marine life to rest undisturbed.
- First-time visitors are required to watch a 9-minute video about marine life safety and preservation.
- Trams take visitors from the parking lot down to the beach for a fee.
- Snorkel gear and lockers are available to rent.
- Beach wheelchairs are available to borrow at no cost.
How to get there
Hanauma Bay State Park is located on the Kalanianaole Highway, about 10 miles (15 kilometers) east of Waikiki. The park offers round-trip shuttles from Waikiki hotels, about a 30-minute journey. City bus 22 makes the 45-minute trip to Hanauma Bay from Waikiki. On-site parking is available for a fee.
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When to get there
Hanauma Bay State Park is open every day except Tuesday. The 300-spot parking lot often fills up by mid-morning, and then it operates on a one-in, one-out basis, so it’s best to arrive early. Oahu has a mild, tropical climate with hotter days in summer and a rainy season that typically runs from November to March.
Hanauma Bay Marine Education Center
The Marine Education Center opened in 2002 as part of an effort to focus on the conservation of the bay. With an average of 1 million visitors each year, it is crucial that everyone knows how to enjoy the park’s natural beauty responsibly. First-time visitors watch a short video in the center’s theater to learn how to interact with marine life safely. The center also has informational and historical exhibits, a gift shop, snack bar, and restrooms.