Hanauma Bay Nature Park
Honolulu, HI 96795
Phone: (808) 396-4229
- Cross Street:
- Between Nawliiwill Street and Koko Head Park Road
- Hours:
- Wed-Mon 6am-6pm
Editorial Review for Hanauma Bay Nature Park – by Suz Andreasen
Overview
Formed by a volcano that erupted and then collapsed into the sea, the bay is home to a complex crater that hosts a bonanza of marine life. Oahu's best snorkeling is as good as it gets, with hundreds of tropical fish and corals. If you're not too dazzled to come up for air, the large, sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing. For a different perspective, explore one of several nearby hiking trails that lead to breathtaking vistas.
The Experience
A designated landmark since 1967, the marine park is well-equipped with amenities, including outdoor showers, restrooms and picnic tables. Parking is $1 per vehicle and an entrance fee of $5 is charged to help support the preservation of the park. Get there early, (by 8am) because the number of visitors is limited and once the parking lot is full, you're out of luck.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
When to GoThe park is open every day but Tuesday, so plan your week accordingly.
The ExtrasCombine a morning at Hanauma Bay with an afternoon picnic lunch at Lanikai and you'll find yourself in beach bum nirvana.
Know Before You GoVisitors are required to watch an educational film about the bay, the marine life and the preserve prior to going down to the beach.
User Reviews for Hanauma Bay Nature Park
11/10/2007 Posted by dreammachi
We've been to Hanauma Bay for the last 3 times we visited Hawaii. It's one place that almost guarantee you'll see some fish if the waves' aren't too big. This time, we came late since we were busy doing other things prior and ended up getting there at 4 PM. We were still determined to pay the $5 entrance fee and see some fish. To our surprise, they stopped charging folks money to get in, so we didn't pay the $1 parking, nor the $5 entrance fee. By that time, it was a little dark and cool. The tides were getting a little big again. We still saw some fish, just would have been better if we had gotten there earlier, with big sun and little wave... $5 would have been nothing! Big fun for the family. Arrive early, bring picnic, relax. Go home happy!
Pros: Awesome Fish Viewing Point!
Cons: Can be Overfilled with Visitors!
08/02/2007 Posted by joeletx
Our kids did not have a good impression when we left the bay. We came to the park on a weekday around 2:00 pm in the afternoon; spent about two hours and left little after four. The park was overly crowded that it closed its door in the morning when we came by at 9:30 am. We spent $50 for renting four snorkling gear sets and ended up returning them 40 minutes later. It was quite a disappointment because we did not find fishes worth seeing. The bay was so crowded and was poluted with white cloud of tanning lotions in the water. Peolple in the park told us that there were fishes in early morning but they quickly disappeared around mid morning. On the possitive side, the beach scence was very nice viewing from the top. The park has clean facilities and hambuger stand that serves all kinds of burgers and hot dogs. The best hidden secret beach, to me, is the Waimanalo Park beach that is 15 minutes further north.
Pros: Beautiful view of the bay and beach, full service facilities, well kept
Cons: Overly crowded, limited parking, milky green water, and no fishes
Users Like You Also Viewed
Kalalau Trail/Na Pali Coast
Kuhio Highway
Lihue, HI 96766
Lanikai Beach
Mokulua Dr
Kailua, HI 96734
