Hanauma Bay

Oahu, Hawaii Print   Leave a comment

Description

Throngs of Japanese tour buses come to this beach which lies in an old volcanic crater. I like to come very early- you have to anyway if you want to get parking- or come late in the afternoon when the sun is casting golden light on the sand and the people have gone home. If you want to snorkel it's best to come early in the morning before sunscreens have muddied the water. You will see many, many colorful fish amongst the rocks. Hanauma Bay is famous for its great snorkeling (see photos on the government website). Night snorkeling is on the second and sometimes fourth Saturday nights of the month from 7pm-10pm. You can have the bay almost to yourself on those nights, and can rent snorkel gear and waterproof flashlights.
Upon paying and entering the park (bring your ID if you're a Hawaii resident for a cheaper rate), one must watch a 10-minute video explaining and advocating the preservation of Hanauma Bay. The walk down to Hanauma Bay is steep but short. It is a paved road, and there are great views of the bay all the way down.
The east side of the beach is my favorite side to swim because it is sheltered.
If you walk around the rocks on the least side of the beach, you will come to Toilet Bowl, a crevice in the rock where water gushes in and out and fool-hardy youth jump in for the ride.
There is a sloped grassy lawn behind the beach, a nice place to sit in the shade. The beach also has some thin shade from the scattered palms.
Lazy travelers or those with children can take the trolley back up the hill for a few dollars, while us poor saps who are too proud huff and puff to the top.

Photo Gallery

Clear water for some great snorkeling!

Directions

From Honolulu, take Kalanianaole Hwy. Pass Koko Marina- a good place to stop for food. I recommend Greek Marina for their amazing appetizers. At the top of the hill, turn right into Hanauma Bay's parking lot. Signs will tell you if there is any parking left. If the parking is full, you will have to come back another time (or continue on the Southeast Oahu Scenic Drive) because there is nowhere else to park. The beach is closed on Tuesdays.
There are restrooms, showers, lifeguards, and a snack shop.
It costs $7.50 per person to enter the beach (locals and children under 12 are free), and $1 for parking. Pets are not allowed.
There are beach wheelchairs available for free at the Beach Information Kiosk from 8am-4pm.
Call (808) 396-4229.

This is an interactive map, you can zoom and move it.

Visitor Ratings

Overall Visitor Rating:

Karen 10/06/2009 14:48

Right on! Here's to long days in Hawaii!