Hidden away off the southeastern shore of O’ahu is one of Hawaii’s most astounding underwater treasures – Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Hanauma Bay is an old volcanic crater that has been transformed into a thriving ocean haven for thousands of tropical fish, sea turtles and other marine creatures; all of whom live safely amongst blossoming coral reefs in the sheltered waters of the bay.
Hanauma Bay Conservation Park, in the Kai neighborhood of East Honolulu, is surrounded by a white sandy beach which is perfect for sunbathing, picnics, or splashing in the warm tropical waters. The ideal retreat for families, honeymooning couples, and solo travelers looking for some of the finest coral reefs in the world, Hanauma Bay is certainly one of Hawaii’s top attractions.
As a result of its unique marine habitat, Hanauma Bay suffered from major overtourism during the 1970s and 80s, but it’s now a protected state park, managed and run by local state authorities. Thanks to its protected status, marine life in the bay has bounced back and today more than 400 species of fish thrive in the Marine Conservation park. Visitors to the park are encouraged to learn about marine conservation and respect the inhabitants of the ecosystem while they share in nature’s magical abundance.
Beyond the spectacular underwater wonderland, the bay is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and lush vegetation, crisscrossed with hiking trails, lookout points and picnic spots. Furthermore, the bay is just a stone’s throw from Honolulu’s excellent selection of restaurants, shops, and hotels for every budget. And so for anyone craving a tranquil piece of tropical paradise, Hanauma Bay really stands out as a place like no other.
How Do You Get To Hanauma Bay, Hawaii?
Traveling to the pristine tropical bay of Hanauma Bay is much easier than you might expect. For international travelers, you’ll need to fly into Honolulu International Airport (HNL), with direct flights arriving each day from the US mainland, Europe, and Asia. Flights from Los Angeles take around 6 hours, while a flight from London, with connections, will take about 16 to 17 hours, and from Sydney will see you touch down in Honolulu in just under 10 hours.
Once you’ve arrived in the land of ‘Aloha’, you can jump in a taxi, or rent a car to travel onwards to your hotel in Honolulu. Most visitors chose to stay in Waikiki – one of the best neighborhoods for tourists in the city; and from Waikiki you can drive, take a taxi, a shuttle bus, or even catch a rideshare straight to Hanauma Bay.
Hanauma Bay does charge a $25 fee to enter the conservation park, as well as $3 per day parking lot fee if you have a car. These funds are used to maintain the park and its facilities, as well as to continue the conservation efforts that have helped the fragile marine ecosystem to thrive once more. The park is open from Wednesday to Sunday, between 6.45 am and 4 pm. You can find out more at the office Bay State Park website, here.
There’s lots to see and do in Waikiki, but in the lovely tropical sunshine you might not want to walk! But to help you travel about the area in style, you can get a Waikiki Trolley Hop-On, Hop-Off ticket that lasts either 1, 4, or 7 days. So if you don’t want to worry about navigating your way around the area, find out more and book your tickets for the hop-on, hop-off trolley service, here.
What’s The Best Time To Visit Hanauma Bay, Hawaii?
Hawaii enjoys a fantastic tropical climate, with daytime temperatures ranging from about 25 to 30 Degrees Celsius all through the year, making Hanauma Bay a year-round holiday destination. And because Hanauma Bay is sheltered in a natural crescent-shaped cove the water always remains calm, even if the ocean is choppy – making it ideal for snorkeling and relaxing on the beach.
Even so, despite the idyllic climatic conditions, the winter months between November and March are the high season for tourists. This is because many tourists are escaping from colder winter weather in other parts of the world and, inevitably, this leads to more crowds and higher prices for hotels and other activities. Meanwhile, the summer months, between June and August, see a lot more families with children visiting during the long school holidays. So if you’re looking for fewer crowds and the lowest prices, the best time to visit is either between April and May or September and October.
What Is There To Do When You Visit Hanauma Bay, Hawaii?
Round-Trip Snorkeling Package to Hanauma Bay – including Hotel Pickup and Drop-off
This 6 hour round-trip snorkeling trip to Hanauma Bay is run by the Bay State Park, and the proceeds go towards maintaining the pristine marine ecosystem for future generations. On this hassle-free day trip, you’ll be picked up at your hotel in Waikiki and driven to and from Hanauma Bay.
All snorkeling equipment is provided, and if you’ve never snorkeled before don’t worry because there are experts on hand who can show you everything you need to know. You’ll also be told about the park’s guidelines so you can be an environmentally friendly snorkeler.
The perfect way to enjoy a day of snorkeling without any hassles, this round-trip is great for families with children, couples, small groups, and solo travelers. You can book your spot, or find out more, on this round-trip snorkeling package on the official Hanauma Bay State Park, here.
The Ultimate One-Day Oahu Tour – Includes Snorkeling with Wild Sea Turtle
This action-packed one day tour is a fantastic way to see all the island’s top attractions. You’ll start the day with a pickup from your hotel, before heading onwards to visit the Byodo-In Temple, ride the train at the Dole Plantation, drop by a few secret beaches, swim with ocean turtles, marvel at the views from the Pali viewpoint, and much more besides!
You’ll be driven in an air-conditioned bus, with refreshments provided, while your local guide points out all the interesting things you pass along the way. This tour is definitely the easiest way to get your bearings on the island while also learning about Hawaii’s heritage and culture.
You can find out more, or book your seats for this whirlwind tour of Oahu, here.
Explore The Island On A Hawaii-style Moped
If you’d like to let your hair down and follow your instincts, then you can rent a moped for the day to explore the island on your own. Easy to park, and super easy to drive, there’s no better way to explore the island than by moped.
You can stop off at a few quiet beaches, snap some super cool selfies along the coast, swing by a local restaurant for lunch, and in the afternoon, you can follow the coastal roads around the island to see all the top landmarks, including Diamond Head, Hanauma Bay, Sandy Beach, Kailua, and much more besides.
You can pick up your moped from the Waikiki rental center, at 2556 Lemon Road, between 8.30 and 10 am, and use the moped until 5 pm, when it needs to be returned. You can find out more, and book your moped in advance, here.
Take A Helicopter Ride Around The Island
If you want a truly unique way to see the sites, then this 45 minutes helicopter ride is just what you’ve been looking for! Your expert pilot will take you out above the ocean and fly over famous landmarks including the Sacred Falls, Diamond Head, Maunalua Bay, the Ka’a’awa Valley, the Ko’oloau Mountains, Pearl Harbor, and lots more.
Before take off you’ll have a choice to have a ‘doors off’ or ‘doors on’ flight. So if you want to fly with the wind, quite literally, in your hair, then opt for the ‘doors off’ flight and you’ll really have an exciting ride. The tour operators also provide you with a phone strap, so you can snap photos and selfies without having to worry about dropping your phone overboard!
The flights take off and land at Rainbow Helicopters site, at 155 Kapalulu Pl, in Honolulu. Try to arrive at least 20 to 30 minutes before your flight leaving time so the pilot can run through the basic safety rules with you.
You can book your 45 minute helicopter flight, or find out more, here.
Stay at the Prince Waikiki Hotel, Hawaii
Situated along Honolulu’s beautiful Al Wa harbor, the Prince Waikiki hotel and resort boasts an excellent range of amenities including a dramatic infinity pool with sweeping ocean views, private cabanas, a 24/7 fitness center, and full-time concierge services. Furthermore, guests can peruse the hotel’s own art collection, drop by the spa to relax, or play at the hotel’s affiliated golf club. Each room in the Prince Waikiki has air conditioning, a flat screen TV, coffee and tea making facilities, refrigerator, desk, safe, and round-the-clock room service.
And with the hotel’s prime location – just a short walk from the Ala Moana
Shopping Center and Honolulu’s main bar and restaurant district – you’re never far from the action. Meanwhile, if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle, you can walk down to the marina, or head up shore to relax on the private beach.
You can reserve your room, or find out more about the highly recommended Prince Waikiki hotel and resort at the official website, here.
