Hanauma Bay Vacations, Hanauma Bay Vacation Reviews, Tourism Guide

Hanauma Bay Vacation Guide

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of Hawaii's most spectacular natural resources. It is the premier spot for snorkeling and observing marine life in their natural habitat. Hanauma Bay's pristine coral reef is home to a diverse assortment of Hawaiian fish--many varieties of butterflyfish, tangs, surgeonfish, and if you're lucky, the famous humuhumunukunukuapua'a. The keyhole in the coral reef is the best spot for snorkeling and fish-spotting. The bay is lined with a band of pristine white sand.

With three million visitors each year, Hanauma Bay has recently undergone significant restoration to preserve the fragile reef and natural marine environment. A Marine Education Center at street level provides exhibits and video programs. Parking is at street level, and light trolleys transport visitors downhill to the bay.

Hanauma Bay is about 10 miles east of Waikiki along Kalaniana'ole Highway, Route 72. Hanauma Bay opens daily, except Tuesdays, at 6:00 a.m. Arrive as early as possible. The parking lot fills quickly, and cars get turned away if the lot is full. Early birds also avoid long lines at the ticket booth and snorkel gear rental stand. Another benefit to arriving early is that you'll snorkel in the clearest, calmest water--after busloads of people arrive and stir up the sand on the ocean floor, the water becomes murky and the fish hide in their coral nooks.