Exploring Oahu Hanauma Bay: Nature's Aquatic Wonderland
Tour Schedule
Entry: Printed or Mobile Voucher
Tour Duration: 5 Hours
Operation: Wednesdays through Sundays
Free Cancellation: 72 Hours Notice
Entry Fee: $25/ person (Aged 13 and above)
Aloha to all the travelers! We are here to make your Oahu vacation even more memorable with elements filled with wonders. When you’re in Oahu, please do not miss out on visiting Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. This nature preserve was very popular with the Hawaiian royalty and was one of the most loved fishing grounds of King Kamehameha V. The bay is filled with vibrant marine life that’s sure to amaze you. It’s a pristine marine ecosystem where you can see unique marine animals and coral reefs. Come here with your family or friends to explore nature in a completely different way. Let’s see what more this place has in store for you!
Hanauma Bay Snorkeling
- Entry Using: Printed or Mobile Voucher
- Duration: 5 Hours
- Free Cancellation: 72 Hrs Notice
What To Expect?
Hanauma Bay is a protected Marine Life Conservation Area and the first Marine Life Conservation District in Hawaii. It is guarded by vertical crater walls and a peripheral reef that makes its water calm. The area features an underwater park and an amazing snorkeling experience for visitors to Oahu.
Here, you’ll be mesmerized by the beauty all around you. From vibrant tropical schools of fish to colorful coral reefs, you can experience the wonders of underwater life. You’ll find over 450 species of fish that are native to Hawaii. Whether you are a beginner in snorkeling or are an experienced one, the calm and clear waters here make it the perfect spot for snorkeling.
Make sure to book the tour for the earliest time of the day, which is 6 AM. If you miss booking the earliest slot, you can follow this link to the official website of the City and County of Honolulu to book your slot for the later hours between 8:30 AM and 9:30 AM. Not able to book a slot through the online system? The park has walk-in tickets, which you can buy as you arrive. These tickets are given on a first-come, first-served basis, so do wait for your turn patiently to enter the park.
*Please note—The park is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and other state holidays, so plan your trip to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve accordingly. The bay has a $25 admission fee, but children under 13 get free admission. Military members and local residents do not have to pay admission fees but do have to show a valid ID.
What's So Special About This Tour?
This tour has lots and lots to offer you to make your trip even more memorable. What are those? Let’s see it:
You will witness ample marine life here, such as parrotfish, butterfly fish, surgeon fish, and more, along with a shallow fringing reef located just offshore.
You will see marine life conservation-related evening presentations that will allow you to delve deeper into the aquatic world.
As you reach the bay, visitors are required to watch a brief Nature Conservancy and an instructional video of fewer than 10 minutes at the Marine Education Center, so you know more about the bay and the life inside.
Get a shuttle service from Waikiki to Hanauma Bay with departures at 6 AM and 7:30 AM and return trips at 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM (one of the best ways to travel as the parking lot fills up quickly)
Hanauma Bay does not operate on Mondays, Tuesdays, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and other state holidays. The bay especially gets busy on Wednesdays, so plan accordingly.
Inside the preserve, you can find a snack bar and gift shop to buy souvenirs and food.
Things To Bring With You?
Remember to carry some cash with you for the entrance fee.
Carry a valid photo identification in case you are asked to show it inside the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve.
Get your sunglasses, a towel, sunscreen, a hat and a swimsuit.
Bring your credit card for any card payment.
Please don’t bring any food or drinks on your shuttle to consume inside the reserve.
Restrictions
Do not walk on the delicate coral reefs.
Avoid mistreating marine animals.
Do not bring outside food or drinks inside the bay.
Remember not to plan your trip on a Monday or a Tuesday, as the bay is closed.
Transportation To And From Hanauma Bay
The Hanauma Bay parking lot typically fills up around 8:30 AM, depending on the season and weather. So, it’s a good idea to take a shuttle instead of driving!
We offer round-trip transportation (shuttle) from select Waikiki hotels only. Your pick-up spot and time will be included in your confirmation and voucher. Here’s a look at some of the shuttle times:
Leaving Waikiki: 6 AM | Back to Waikiki: 12:30 PM.
Leaving Waikiki: 7:30 AM | Back to Waikiki: 1:30 PM.
More Details
You can grab drinks and snacks at the park if you want.
If you need extra snorkel gear, you can buy underwater cameras, dry snorkels, prescription masks, and float vests for an additional fee.
Our snorkeling tour is operated regularly, but we might have to cancel if the weather gets too rough.
If any of the snorkel gear is lost or damaged, you will have to pay extra.
Tour Package Options To Book
Tour Name | Tour Details | Price |
| Hanauma Bay Snorkeling | Adults (Aged 12+)
| $55.99 |
Children (Aged 3-11)
*This isn’t a guided tour, and the $25.00 entrance fee for Hanauma Bay isn’t included. *Kids under 13, active duty military (with ID), and Hawaii residents (with proof) can get in for free! | $50.99 |
Cancellation Policy
Conclusion
A visit to Hanauma Bay is an unforgettable experience that offers breathtaking marine life, crystal-clear waters, and a peaceful snorkeling environment. It is also an opportunity to learn about marine conservation and an adventure ideal for nature lovers. Plan your visit accordingly, avoid closed days, and come prepared for a day filled with natural wonders and memories that will last a lifetime. Contact us to book a tour and have the most fun!