Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
4.5
6:45 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
6:45 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
6:45 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
6:45 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
6:45 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
6:45 AM - 4:00 PM
About
This protected marine life conservation area, named after its unique curved bay, is a popular snorkeling spot in Hawaii. Formed within a volcanic cone on the eastern side of Oahu, this marine sanctuary is home to vibrant marine life and well-preserved corals. There is a limited number of visitors allowed in the bay daily, so make a reservation in advance to secure your spot. It's also closed on certain days so remember to check before you go. You can rent snorkeling equipment here—all you have to do is remember to pack some reef-safe sunscreen.
Some tours of the North Shore also stop by the bay for a quick photo opportunity.
– Tripadvisor
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
17,124 reviews
Excellent
10,741
Very good
4,012
Average
1,635
Poor
457
Terrible
279
dgh196
Phoenix, AZ16 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Wonderful! We had a great experience here at the Preserve, despite the $25 per person entrance fee in addition to the tour fee. We got to swim with colorful fish, and it was the experience I wanted for my 3 teens to have in Hawaii. We did not see any sea turtles. We also did snorkeling on the Circle Island Tour--this was SO much better . The water was clear and the visibility much better. The snorkel equipment was top notch. They are closed Mon and Tues (verify the days please) so you must plan ahead for this one. It is popular and can be crazy to get in--with frustrated cars in line. Here is how we had a great experience:
I highly recommend you pay for the Transportation Package ($49.95) on the preserve's website. They came right to our hotel, got us our snorkel gear (which was great quality) and we got right in before other cars. We actually made our reservations at 10 PM the night before and the only time slot available was 6 am. That turned out to be a blessing! Go first!! We were the first one's there and the water was clear. We went after the park had been closed for 2 days (time to give the coral reef a chance to be undisturbed) and so everything was super clear. I will say the water is shallow in many places... it can be hard to not accidentally kick coral which is horrible. It was helpful to pay the extra $10 to rent the life vest---I could float and enjoy the fish---float to fix my mask without fear of damaging corals. If you have little ones this place is great---calm waters and they can see the fish even while standing at the water's edge. This was the best experience of our 7 days in Oahu. Just so you know--- it is a LONG walk from the parking lot--on a shuttle--to the actual bay area. Bring what you need to have--water--hats--but not extra. It is a hike up the hill to get snacks, etc.
Take the time to walk over to the education hut---they have great posters with pictures of the fish you will see. Restrooms were fine, and there was water to wash off the sand.
It got hot by noon, so I was glad we had started with the first tour group.
I highly recommend you pay for the Transportation Package ($49.95) on the preserve's website. They came right to our hotel, got us our snorkel gear (which was great quality) and we got right in before other cars. We actually made our reservations at 10 PM the night before and the only time slot available was 6 am. That turned out to be a blessing! Go first!! We were the first one's there and the water was clear. We went after the park had been closed for 2 days (time to give the coral reef a chance to be undisturbed) and so everything was super clear. I will say the water is shallow in many places... it can be hard to not accidentally kick coral which is horrible. It was helpful to pay the extra $10 to rent the life vest---I could float and enjoy the fish---float to fix my mask without fear of damaging corals. If you have little ones this place is great---calm waters and they can see the fish even while standing at the water's edge. This was the best experience of our 7 days in Oahu. Just so you know--- it is a LONG walk from the parking lot--on a shuttle--to the actual bay area. Bring what you need to have--water--hats--but not extra. It is a hike up the hill to get snacks, etc.
Take the time to walk over to the education hut---they have great posters with pictures of the fish you will see. Restrooms were fine, and there was water to wash off the sand.
It got hot by noon, so I was glad we had started with the first tour group.
Written 2 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shilee3
Ontario, Canada734 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Nice place to visit, nice back drop, as for snorkeling, ok for people who have never snorkeled before or children.. After practicing for months to make sure I knew how to race to book a spot, I got one for my first day in Honolulu, honestly I really didn’t see what all the hype was, which was unfortunate..
Written 1 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lee6925
Honolulu, HI26 contributions
Mar 2023
I visited in the 70s and I visited last week and a lot has changed and a lot has not a trolley which takes you down the large hill which is nice especially coming back up there is much more attention paid to conservation and preserving the marine wildlife, but there’s so many tourists that when you’re snorkeling, it’s hard not to bump into the other tourists it is undeniably the best place to see many colorful fish, it costs money to get in and you must make an appointment before hand. You cannot show up the day of you will be turned away at the gate and it is only open till 3 PM, but it is beautiful of the things that you should not miss when you’re on the island
Written 1 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nic0ledavisc0urt
8 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
As sad as this is to say, I do not recommend snorkeling here. This was supposed to be a highlight of my trip, and sadly I was extremely disappointed. First, they do not take cash for parking, it was a fiasco running inside to find an ATM before parking. Second, the snorkeling is so shallow that your body is basically rubbing against the coral reef the entire time. Third, with how heavily visited this place is from tourists, all of the reef is next to dead with everyone stepping on the reef. Sadly wildlife and fish are extremely limited. Fourth, it was extremely difficult to get an online reservation... it sells out in a few minutes at 7am on their website. It was extremely difficult for myself, let alone someone who is not technically savvy. For $25 per person, I do not recommend this experience for snorkeling. It is however a pretty beach and great park area to relax on shore. In my opinion Maui has better snorkeling.
Written 26 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shelley S
1 contribution
May 2023
The good, the bad, the rude…
The good…the bay itself is beautiful, however you can find equally as beautiful bays which are free.
The bad…$25 per adult (12+) whether you get in at 7am or 1pm. The park closes at 4, but they start clearing the beach at 3pm. Snorkeled for 10 minutes and saw 4 fish. My children and husband snorkeled longer and they were under impressed (go to sharks cove…it’s free and you see more) 10-15 minute video which tells you everything you should already know. Waste of time.
The rude…and I mean RUDE! The staff ID’s you three times before you are able to enter. Very intrusive in checking. This is not a military base. The way they take up so much time lecturing (not just reminding) you 3 different ways of how to treat the bay. The scaring of children about the reef shark and come to find out the shark doesn’t normally come out until evening. The threatening of if your car isn’t out of the parking lot by 4pm, it will be towed and you will need to get a cab. “Taxi cabs love us” haha. SCREAMING into the microphone on the beach that it was time to clear the beach and all of the ways we can screw it up for them and more lecturing. The continued annoyance that we were there.
Do I need to remind them…they have a job because we’re there?? The tone of their message is condescending and arrogant. I will not recommend this place to anyone. There are ways to communicate with the public which are much more respectful to the people who are employing you
The good…the bay itself is beautiful, however you can find equally as beautiful bays which are free.
The bad…$25 per adult (12+) whether you get in at 7am or 1pm. The park closes at 4, but they start clearing the beach at 3pm. Snorkeled for 10 minutes and saw 4 fish. My children and husband snorkeled longer and they were under impressed (go to sharks cove…it’s free and you see more) 10-15 minute video which tells you everything you should already know. Waste of time.
The rude…and I mean RUDE! The staff ID’s you three times before you are able to enter. Very intrusive in checking. This is not a military base. The way they take up so much time lecturing (not just reminding) you 3 different ways of how to treat the bay. The scaring of children about the reef shark and come to find out the shark doesn’t normally come out until evening. The threatening of if your car isn’t out of the parking lot by 4pm, it will be towed and you will need to get a cab. “Taxi cabs love us” haha. SCREAMING into the microphone on the beach that it was time to clear the beach and all of the ways we can screw it up for them and more lecturing. The continued annoyance that we were there.
Do I need to remind them…they have a job because we’re there?? The tone of their message is condescending and arrogant. I will not recommend this place to anyone. There are ways to communicate with the public which are much more respectful to the people who are employing you
Written 23 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aly T
Bradford, UK220 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
100 Elvis fans came here to see where Elvis stood - following in the footsteps of the King! Stunningly beautiful (just like him)!
Written 20 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maps625408
1 contribution
May 2023 • Couples
This area is absolutely breathtaking and a must-see if you're visiting Hawaii. Please be respectful of the wildlife and wear reef safe sunscreen when you come.
Written 17 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LMD331
Redwood City, CA192 contributions
Apr 2023 • Couples
Amazing Snorkeling,beautiful bay, bit touristy though, should go once & experience the amazing fish..I even snorkeled with a seal lion, not sure that is a normal occurrence (based on lifeguard reaction). Tourist spot for sure.
Written 10 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KiwiBirdDownUnder
Auckland, New Zealand13 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
We planned on visiting the next day and when I checked online all tickets were sold out. As we had rented a car to travel around the island we popped in the next morning to get photos at least and to see if there was any availability for walk ins. We arrived around 9.10 am, (there was still plenty of parking) and we got a walk-in ticket for 10.20 am. We waited in line as they called each time slot and as lots of people were obviously not there yet, we managed to get in at 9.20 am. ($25.00 each). After waiting in lines for another 20-30 minutes and watching the intro video we were shuttled down to the beach. I was surprised to see how full of people the beach was at that time. As we are good swimmers and snorklers we decided to snorkel to the left side of the beach (looking out to sea) where there seemed to be less people. The water was clear, but no colourfull coral (only bleached) and very limited fish. We did manage to see a couple of really big impressive fish, and quite a few varieties of other fish here and there as we drifted around the reef. Not as many fish as what I was expecting so don’t expect huge schools of fish and you won’t be disappointed. We snorkeled for about an hour and although I was disappointed with limited fish sightings I’m still glad we went and experienced it. The beach and bay is beautiful.
Written 8 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Crjohns
Portland, OR65 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Complete tourist trap! Nightmare to get in. Save your time and money. If you have to see it expect the following:
1. Sit at your computer two days before at 7am sharp to reserve a spot. Most reservations are sold out within 5 minutes. We paid over $50 for two people.
2. Our reservation was at 7am and we arrived at 6:30 to wait in line for parking. Make sure to have an additional THREE DOLLARS CASH ONLY. For parking. If you can’t park here you have to park at Koko trail head which is quite a walk.
3. Once you are out of your car make sure you are in line 15 minutes before your reservation time. Have your reservation and ID on hand and be prepared to get screamed at by the people running the place to repeatedly show your ID and reservation. If you don’t have it on hand we witnessed a nasty woman who works here yell at people for being too slow.
4. You must wait in several in groups of about 30 people in several locations before the video. Be prepared to be screamed at to “SCOOT IN” repeatedly in each location by someone who hates their job.
5. Watch a video about how not to ruin the reefs even though as soon as you get there tourists are walking all over them.
6. Finally get to the beach, head out to snorkel and realize you can’t even swim there are so many people. There are a couple of fish, but the flailing tourists who can’t swim scare them all away. Nothing special here. You just wasted your money and had a very stressful morning.
If you’ve ever been diving or snorkeling anywhere in your life you aren’t missing anything. If you want good snorkeling head to two step or kealakekua on the big island. This is a joke.
1. Sit at your computer two days before at 7am sharp to reserve a spot. Most reservations are sold out within 5 minutes. We paid over $50 for two people.
2. Our reservation was at 7am and we arrived at 6:30 to wait in line for parking. Make sure to have an additional THREE DOLLARS CASH ONLY. For parking. If you can’t park here you have to park at Koko trail head which is quite a walk.
3. Once you are out of your car make sure you are in line 15 minutes before your reservation time. Have your reservation and ID on hand and be prepared to get screamed at by the people running the place to repeatedly show your ID and reservation. If you don’t have it on hand we witnessed a nasty woman who works here yell at people for being too slow.
4. You must wait in several in groups of about 30 people in several locations before the video. Be prepared to be screamed at to “SCOOT IN” repeatedly in each location by someone who hates their job.
5. Watch a video about how not to ruin the reefs even though as soon as you get there tourists are walking all over them.
6. Finally get to the beach, head out to snorkel and realize you can’t even swim there are so many people. There are a couple of fish, but the flailing tourists who can’t swim scare them all away. Nothing special here. You just wasted your money and had a very stressful morning.
If you’ve ever been diving or snorkeling anywhere in your life you aren’t missing anything. If you want good snorkeling head to two step or kealakekua on the big island. This is a joke.
Written 6 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessie N
2 contributions
I see people saying an online reservation is absolutely required and sells out in 10 minutes and I see people saying they bought their ticket at the gate. I'm planning a trip for May 2023. What's the current best way to get a ticket?
Janet B
1 contribution
It was quite difficult to get a ticket, if I remember correctly they release the tickets @ 7AM, two days in advance? That is what we did, I have no idea about purchasing at the gate? good luck!
Travread
Baltimore, MD154 contributions
What is included in the standard snorkel rental and what is in the premium rental?
Carolina B
9 contributions
Hi ! I’m actually not 100% sure what the difference is, most people recommend to bring your own snorkeling gear. The rentals at Hanauma Bay are very expensive so i would recommend to either buy your own gear at a store (ABC stores), or you can rent snorkel gear at another location.
I tried for 50 mins starting at 7 am but the website said always DISMISS, limit the 6 members even though I checked for 2 people, or all tickets sold out at the last stage. It is so annoying actually. Any problem with the website or any cautions I should know?
66881cf
Clarksburg, MD6 contributions
Be sure to login a few minutes before it opens at 7 am and be quick to complete your transaction. Last time it only took 10 minutes to sold out.
jennifer o
Tinley Park, IL26 contributions
With the reservation system and parking, is there a best time to try to go? Early morning or more like noon ?
66881cf
Clarksburg, MD6 contributions
All Slots will be filled up quickly within 10 minutes so you must be quick to complete the registration. General speaking early is better just so you can find parking at their parking lot and spend more time there.
Hi! I’m going to Hanuama bay this month (June 2021).
Do you know how easy it is to get Uber from Diamond Head /KCC farmer market to Hanuama Bay on a Saturday afternoon?
And back from Hanuama bay to Waikiki hotel?
Thanks so much!
Cameron
Oahu, HI
Can 1 person buy everyone tickets in the group when they ope and come back later at 1:00 with the entire group. Or does everyone need to buy there own tickets
Ty2501
Osprey, FL
I would love to know the name of trees in main parking lot. A veragated green and white kind of heart shaped leaf. So beautiful but know one seems to know the name.
How much does it cost to uber from Waikiki to Haunama Bay?
Studyhardallday
Waianae, HI95 contributions
You just type in the location you are at like Aston Waikiki Sand Villa and to where in Uber you would like to go like saying Hanauma bay in the where to and an ap will come up with how much it will cost to where you are from like Aston Waikiki Sand Villa hotel to Hanauma bay within the Uber app. Hanauma bay also has a shuttle to and from Hanauma Bay which has a reservation on their website. Hanauma bay has a website with all FAQ's frequently asked questions section and verbatim on the Hanauma bay website.
Can you use Mastercard for entry to the park? And for the food vendor? Or is it cash only?
Studyhardallday
Waianae, HI95 contributions
Yes the entrance takes both Master card and Visa. The snack bar also takes Master card and Visa. If you Google Hanauma bay a website that says Hanauma bay state park has a section with frequently asked questions. On the FAQ section they have a shuttle reservation for 25$ American dollars per person. I would suggest the shuttle as parking can be trouble. The price for Hanauma bay entry is 7.50$ American dollars.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (Honolulu) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
- Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is open:
- Wed - Sun 6:45 AM - 4:00 PM
- We recommend booking Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 60 Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve:
- Tour of North Shore & Sightseeing (From ₹ 11,493.30)
- Waikiki Trolley Hop-On Hop-Off Tour of Honolulu (From ₹ 2,480.57)
- Oahu's Half-Day Tour Package (From ₹ 3,471.97)
- Oahu 10 Stop Circle Island Tour + Byodo-Inn+ Free Dole Pineapple (From ₹ 11,079.05)
- Water Lovers Package (From ₹ 5,621.80)
- Hotels near Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve:
- (0.92 km) Hale Ohana, Private, Oceanview home w/pool
- (8.36 km) The Kahala Hotel & Resort
- (13.24 km) Lotus Honolulu at Diamond Head
- (13.28 km) Kaimana Beach Hotel
- (1.10 km) AlohaPalace com 3-story OceanView w/Cottage,Pool & Elevator. 30 Day Minimum Stay
- Restaurants near Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve:
- (0.46 km) Bay Rock Cafe
- (1.46 km) Kona Brewing Company Hawaii Kai Pub
- (1.39 km) Moena Cafe
- (2.53 km) Roy's Hawaii Kai
- (1.42 km) Teddy's Bigger Burger
- Attractions near Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve:
- (0.34 km) Snorkelfest Snorkel Hanauma Bay
- (0.40 km) Hanauma Bay Tours
- (0.23 km) Hanauma Bay State Park
- (0.34 km) Hanauma Bay Trail
- (0.32 km) Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve