Operates
4 times Daily
Closed on Tuesdays
Location
Hanauma Bay, Oahu
Duration
3.5 hours
Starts
7:00 AM
8:30 AM
10:00 AM
11:50 AM
Ends
11:00 AM
12:30 PM
2:00 PM
3:20 PM
Food
There is a snackbar located at the entrance of Hanauma Bay but it's expensive, we recommend bringing your own snacks. And we've tried picking the bananas from the trees and they won't let you. Trust us.
Tips
If you've already got a car rent your snorkel gear from us ($10) or rent your gear on the beach ($20) then drive to Hanauma Bay and park for $1. We can show you where you can go after that and where to park if the parking lot is full.
Notes
Bring $7.50 for admission into the Nature Preserve.
Hanauma Bay is closed on Christmas Day and New Years Day.
Hanauma Bay is run by the City and County of Honolulu so the admission fee goes straight to the city. There is no way to bypass the line at Hanauma Bay unless you get there before the front entrance officially opens at 7am. During high season the line gets extremely long - this Christmas people waited 2 hours just to get into Hanauma Bay.
SUNBURN ALERT!
Bring waterproof sunscreen and re-apply every 2 hours if swimming to avoid being burned - even on a cloudy day the UV rays penetrate the clouds and can still burn you. You will still darken at least a shade if you wear sunscreen, but wear no sunscreen and you will surely get sun-burned. Putting on tanning-oil on a sunny day will literally cook your skin. You've been warned!
Description
The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is the most visited spot on the entire island, visited by over four million people each year.
Because of the large number of people that frequent the bay, it has become a conservation area, protected by both state and federal laws. That means that everybody has to pay to get in and watch a conservation video before entering (and sometimes wait in a line to get in and see the video).
The reason for the bay's popularity is because of the abundance of marine life found there. The fertile bay has historically produced a lot of food, and attracts countless amounts of fish and other marine animals. Much of the bay is relatively shallow, as well, making it an excellent place for beginners.
At one time the bay was reserved for Hawaiian royalty only, but it is now open for everyone to enjoy.
The tour package includes:
- Roundtrip transportation in an air-conditioned shuttle
- Professional snorkeling equipment (mask/snorkel/fins) with dry snorkel
- Special de-fogging solution
- Tips for taking great pictures with your underwater camera
- Safety tips for each skill level
- Detailed instructions on snorkeling and use of equipment
- Directions to where the best snorkeling spots are for each skill level
- Fish ID chart
Flotation devices and prescription masks available free of charge upon prior request.
Bring your voucher, bathing suit, waterproof sunscreen, a towel and comfortable footwear. Small beach lockers are available at Hanauma Bay for a rental fee.
$7.50 is charged for admission to the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (not included in price), except for children 12 years old and under.
If booking a Hanauma Bay shuttle around Christmas be prepared to wait at least an hour and maybe even 2 or more to get into the bay.
Can you catch the bus to Hanauma Bay?
Yes, you totally can. You could catch the city bus #22 to and from Hanauma Bay, $5 ($2.50 one way), and rent the gear there, $20, but the bus takes an hour to get there, usually has standing room only (if you can get on) and stops everywhere on the way. So be savvy, book the tour, and see Hanauma Bay the most convenient way.