Hanauma Bay is a protected reef inside an old volcanic crater, about half an hour from Waikiki. A reservation system keeps it healthy, so a little planning is essential.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve on Oahu's southeast shore is one of the best-known snorkeling spots in Hawaii. Its curved bay sits inside a breached volcanic crater, and the shallow reef shelters hundreds of species of fish. Decades of heavy use damaged the reef, so the City and County of Honolulu now limits visitor numbers.
How visiting works
- Reservations – non-residents must book an entry time online in advance; slots are released a couple of days ahead and go quickly.
- Closed days – the preserve closes two days a week (in recent years Mondays and Tuesdays) to let the reef rest. Check the current schedule.
- Education video – every visitor watches a short film about reef protection before walking down to the beach.
- Fees – entry and parking fees apply for visitors; Hawaii residents are generally exempt from the entry fee.
Reef etiquette
Never stand on or touch the coral, keep a respectful distance from green sea turtles and monk seals, and use mineral sunscreen – Hawaii has banned the sale of sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate because of their effect on reefs. Feeding fish is prohibited.
When to go
Early entry times bring calmer water and better visibility before the crowds stir up sand. The inner reef is shallow and good for beginners; stronger swimmers should only go beyond it when conditions are calm and lifeguards approve.
Combine your visit with the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail or the viewpoints along the Kalanianaole Highway for a half-day loop from Waikiki.
Top photo: Hanauma Bay, a curved reef bay inside a volcanic crater on Oahu. Photo: Akos Kokai, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
