Hanauma Bay Snorkeling: The Best Spot for First-Timers in Oahu

Hanauma Bay is a protected marine life conservation area and popular snorkeling destination located on the southeastern coast of Oahu, Hawaii. We visited on our recent trip to Oahu, and the myriad of brightly colored tropical fish you can see here did not disappoint! In this blog post, you will find everything you need to know to visit this incredible destination with your kids and make the most memorable trip for your own family.

Introduction

On the coast of Oahu, Hanauma Bay is not just a stunning natural reserve; it is a dormant volcano that offers one of the best snorkeling experiences in Hawaii. The Bay is protected by cliffs and reefs, which keeps the water clear, calm, and full of marine life. This environment is ideal for families seeking both adventure and tranquility and created a perfect opportunity for our older son’s first-ever snorkeling experience.

Our family outing to Hanauma Bay wasn’t just fun; it was a learning opportunity, offering us all a deeper appreciation for marine conservation. The breathtaking scenery and unique underwater activities make Hanauma Bay a must-visit destination in Oahu.

Is Hanauma Bay worth it?

YES! Despite some challenges like securing parking due to its limited availability, the Bay remains a must-see destination on Oahu Island. The chance to snorkel in a protected marine life conservation area, surrounded by coral and diverse fish species, makes this place a top attraction in Hawaii.

Preparing for Your Visit

From scoring tickets to packing smart, this guide has everything you need to make your day at the Bay totally stress-free and a whole lot of fun.

When is the best time to visit Hanauma Bay?

Timing is everything when planning your visit. To avoid the crowds, weekdays are preferable, especially early mornings right after opening. Hanauma Bay welcomes visitors starting at 6:45 am and closes at 4:00 pm daily, except for Mondays and Tuesdays when it is closed. The last educational video, required for entry, is shown at 1:40 pm, with no new entries allowed after 2:00 pm. Remaining visitors are prompted to begin to exit the beach at 3:15 pm, and the gates at the highway shut at 4:00 pm.

The park is closed on major US holidays, specifically Christmas Day (December 25th) and New Year’s Day (January 1st). This schedule is subject to change at any time. For the latest information, call the main phone number at (808)-768-6861.

How to Visit Hanauma Bay

Visiting Hanauma Bay requires a bit of advance planning due to its popularity and the measures in place to protect its delicate marine environment. Hanauma Bay tickets must be purchased online, which are made available 48 hours in advance. Each adult ticket costs $25, while children under 12 can enter for free.

Here’s a useful tip: Tickets become available 48 hours in advance of your visit, so make sure you’re logged into the ticketing site and ready to refresh your screen just before they go live at 7:00 am HST every morning. My husband and I elected to do this simultaneously from different computers to ensure we got the time we wanted. And we did, easily! Additionally, try to plan your visit on weekdays or during the off-season when demand is typically lower. This strategy can significantly increase your chances of securing a spot.

Here is the official ticket site: Hanauma Bay State Park’s ticket site.

How to Get to Hanauma Bay

We rented a car and drove to Hanauma Bay from our hotel in Waikiki Beach, but booking a tour is likely the easier option since parking can be quite challenging. This one has great reviews, and I’ve taken tours through this website before, and we’ve always enjoyed them!

You can also take an Uber or Lyft. Here is a first time user discount link:

Uber: get 50% off your first 2 rides

Lyft: Get 50% off your first 2 rides

Parking in Hanauma Bay

When planning your visit to Hanauma Bay, it’s essential to consider the parking and ticketing logistics. The parking lot at the Bay is quite small and fills up quickly: it only has 300 parking stalls, with no guaranteed parking; when we arrived, there were already over ten cars waiting for a spot, as the lot was completely full.

An alternative is to park at Koko Head District Park, which is about a 15-minute walk away. My husband opted to drop the kids and me off at the entrance and park there. He then walked to meet us at the top of the hill that goes down into the lot. It’s worth noting that this option involves several stairs down to the entrance, making it difficult if you’re bringing a stroller—I ended up carrying ours while the kids walked. Fortunately, we travel with a light double stroller, which made this possible.

Parking Fees at Hanauma Bay: $3.00 per vehicle (cash Only) Parking at Koko Head District Park is free.

Entering Procedure

Upon arrival at Hanauma Bay, we were required to watch a 9-minute educational video that covers reef safety, proper snorkeling techniques, and ways to avoid harming the coral. You go in at a designated time with your group. Don’t be late or you could be denied entry. After the video, there’s a 10-minute descent from the Visitor Center down the hill to the beach. There is a shuttle that can take you up and down. We walked down but took it back up. It is free.

What should I pack for Hanauma Bay?

Beach towel, swimsuit, sun shirts, life vests, water shoes, cell phone or camera with a waterproof case, and reef-safe sunscreen.

Here you can find my Hawaii Beach Essentials list.

Make sure to pack water and snacks for your visit, and you can bring a cooler, but remember that glass and alcohol are not allowed. There’s a snack bar at the top of the hill, but it’s quite expensive. If you decide to head up to the snack bar and plan to return to the beach, get your hand stamped to avoid having to watch the entry video again.

Additionally, I recommend bringing your own snorkeling gear to Hanauma Bay. While you can rent equipment there, it costs $20 for a standard set, and the rental booth, which opens at 7:00 am, offers only snorkel sets and life vests. Here’s the snorkel that my sons use, and the ones my husband and I prefer.

Are there facilities and amenities?

Hanauma Bay has several amenities to make your visit more comfortable. Lockers are available at the beach level for securing your belongings. The park is wheelchair accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience. There is a snack bar on the upper level. Additionally, there are showers for rinsing off sand and convenient restrooms.

Safety Tips

Safety is important, especially when snorkeling with children. Some essential safety tips include:

• Snorkel as a group and keep children within sight at all times
• Familiarize your children with their gear in shallow water before exploring deeper areas
• Stay hydrated and reapply sunscreen regularly
• Be aware of ocean conditions

Hanauma Bay Snorkeling

Snorkeling in the calm, clear waters of Hanauma Bay is a wonderful experience. We enjoyed exploring the underwater world together, encountering schools of tropical fish and stunning coral reefs. The Bay’s geography naturally shields it from strong currents, creating an ideal environment for children and new snorkelers. Safety of both swimmers and marine line is paramount, so the Bay is monitored by lifeguards, and designated snorkeling areas are marked for extra protection.

Animals You Can See

The marine life in Hanauma Bay is diverse and abundant. Visitors often spot the humuhumunukunukuapua’a (Hawaii’s state fish), brightly colored parrotfish, and even the elusive moray eels. Snorkeling here also offers opportunities to see several species of sea turtles, which are considered sacred in Hawaiian culture.

How to Protect the Coral

When snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, remember you’re interacting with a living reef. Even with many visitors each day, we can minimize our impact with a few simple steps:

• Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Ensure your sunscreen is free from harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. Check the label carefully. Here are our favorite reef safe sunscreen lotion and spray
• Avoid Stepping on Coral: Be mindful of where you stand. Always rest on sand or bare rock, not on the coral.
• Do Not Feed the Fish: Feeding fish disrupts the ecosystem and is prohibited.

Other Things to Do in Hanauma Bay

Enjoying the Beach and Shallow Waters

If snorkeling isn’t your thing, Hanauma Bay’s stunning white sand beach is worth the visit on its own. The shallow waters and soft sand make it a perfect spot for relaxing. Keep in mind that shady spots are limited, so pack extra sun protection like hats, sunglasses, and umbrellas if you plan to spend a lot of time on the beach.

Take a Snorkeling Guided Tour

For families looking to deepen their understanding of Hanauma Bay, guided tours are a great option. These tours are led by knowledgeable guides who provide detailed commentary on the Bay’s geological history, marine ecology, and conservation efforts. They also typically include a ride to and from the Bay and handle securing tickets on your behalf.

Take a Hike

If you’re not into snorkeling but still want to explore the area, hiking is a fantastic option. There are plenty of trails to choose from, offering stunning views and a chance to experience the natural beauty of the Bay.

While we didn’t hike here, we did do other hikes in Hawaii, including Diamond Head. It’s a family-friendly trail, and we did it with our kids.

Tips from a Parent

Preparing Kids for New Experiences

Introducing kids to new environments like Hanauma Bay requires a gentle approach. For general tips on preparing kids for new experiences, check out my recommendations here. Specifically for snorkeling, start with water play sessions in a pool or even your bathtub to get them comfortable with water on their face and using snorkel gear. This gradual introduction helps build their confidence and makes the snorkeling experience more enjoyable for them.

Beach Essentials for Toddlers

If you’re wondering what to bring for a beach trip with toddlers, check out my article on beach essentials for toddlers. It covers everything you’ll need to ensure a fun and stress-free day at the beach with your little ones.

Final Thoughts

A Hanauma Bay snorkeling trip is an opportunity to engage with nature, learn about environmental conservation, and spend quality time with family. The Bay’s stunning natural beauty makes it a standout destination for families looking to explore the natural wonders of Hawaii.

I encourage you to take the next steps and plan your family’s dream Hawaii vacation! Book your tickets, pack your bags, and set off on an unforgettable adventure. Don’t forget to take amazing photos and share your experiences with me on Instagram. I look forward to hearing about your adventures in Hanauma Bay!