Today we decided to spend the morning snorkling at Hanauma Bay. We have famliy visiting for a week and thought this would be a great activity for everyone. Indeed it was. Before going down to into the bay, you have to watch a nine minute movie concerning the conservation efforts at the reef. Everything there is protected and they make great efforts to restore the damaged reef.
Standing at the top looking down was an amazing sight. The cresent shape of the bay opened up to the power of the Pacific. Today was a rough day for the sea creating semi-large waves just oustide of the reef. This caused a zone 2 effect so we could only stay to the inside of the reef. This was a shame because I would have loved to look all around the reef.
Once we made it down the steep hill, we got our gear on and headed in. The bottom was covered in rocks and proved to be difficult walking on in fins. At knee depth, we dove in and entered a whole new world. The reef was like a maze that you have to manouver your way through to find the biggest and brightest fish. There were so many different kinds of tropical fish that we snorkled for hours and never got bored or tired. This was truely an amazing place to visit. I can't wait to go again and take an underwater camera to photograph the fish.
A lot of people already know about the famous Hanauma Bay. What they don't know is to enter the bay is $5(US) and it is closed every Tuesday to visitors all day long, so plan accordingly. I found out the hard way. It is one of the best places to snorkle, so bring your gear. If you don't have some, there is a place to rent at the Bay. The gear costs around $8.00 I believe. You can also rent life jackets and that sort of thing.
If you are not interested in snorkling, there are some places in the Bay you can simply walk out and see the fish without having to stick your face in the water. The beach is also great to just lay and sunbath on.
