Hanauma Bay History
Hanauma Bay was declared a protected marine life conservation area and underwater park in 1967
Formed within a volcanic cone, today Hanauma Bay offers a pristine marine ecosystem after the City and County of Honolulu laid out a plan in 1990 to restore the “curved bay,” after years of use from the millions of visitors who visit and love to snorkel Hanauma Bay. Voted the Best Beach in the United States for 2016 our volunteers have a booth located on the beach level to help visitors learn about conservation of the reef and the types of fish that live there.
About Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
"Hana" is the Hawaiian word for "Bay" and "uma" refers to the curves of the indigenous canoes.
For many years Hawaiian Royalty used Hanauma bay for fishing and recreation
Hanauma Bay is a must do for your Oahu island itinerary. It is one of the premier destinations on Oahu if you want to get acquainted with hundreds of tropical fish and marine life. It offers an overall great experience whether your a beginner or an avid snorkeler and it's for people of all ages.
Hanauma Bay Pricing
$12.00 entry fee to enter the park
We are open from 8am to 4pm
Hanauma Bay State Park is
CLOSED Monday's & Tuesday's
Snorkel Tour to Hanauma Bay
Includes:
Roundtrip Waikiki Transport
Mask, Fins and Snorkel
& instructions on proper use
Narrated Tour to Hanauma Bay
Snorkeling safety tips
Air Conditioned Vans
4½ hours total time
More Snorkel & Beach Time
Paused at this time
Shuttles depart Waikiki at:
7:15 • 8:45 • 10:15
$12.00 park fee NOT included
North Shore &
Hanauma Bay
5 Star Rated
• Round Trip Transportation
• Waikiki Hotel Pickup
• Experienced Tour Guides
• Banzai Pipeline Beach
• Famous Waimea Bay
• Stand up paddle or kayak
• Lunch at Turtle Town
• Dole Pineapple Plantation
• 2½ Hrs at Hanauma Bay
• Includes Snorkel Gear
Paused at this time
Waikiki Pickups start at 7:30
Returns to Waikiki 5:00 – 5:30 pm
Park Entry Fee - $12
Locals with State ID - FREE
Active Military - FREE
12 yrs and under - FREE
Parking lot fee - $3.00
Tram ride (down) - $1.00
Tram ride (up) - $1.25
Snack Bar & Gift Shop
closed at this time
Snorkeling & Family Fun
Great Fun for All Ages and Skill Levels
Voted #1 Beach - 2016
by Dr. Beaches
"This is the BEST Snorkeling location in Hawaii."
Sally Borgan
"This is the BEST Snorkeling location in Hawaii."
Sally Borgan
Frequently Asked Questions
Getting out to Hanauma Bay
You can drive out on your own & it’s only $3.00 to park / $1 for locals • There are only 300 parking stalls
The parking lot fills up early and is guarded by security for your protection.
A taxi will run about $40 to $50 one way • The #22 Bus cost $2.75 one way and takes about 45 minutes.
Do I need to make a reservations??
Reservations are NOT required under the new Pilot Program, you can simply drive out on your own.
When is Hanauma Bay Closed and what time does it open?
Hanauma Bay is closed every Monday & Tuesday so that the fish and bay have 2 days of undisturbed rest
Hanauma Bay entrance opens at 8am and Closes at 4pm daily / No entry after 2pm
The park is also closed on Christmas Day (25th) and New Years Day (1st)
Hanauma Bay is NOT open for any night snorkeling – this was discontinued years ago
What are the fees and cost at Hanauma Bay?
Everyone pays $12.00 per person to enter the Hanauma Bay. (Kids 12 & under are FREE)
Active Oahu military and local residents with proper state ID are also FREE
Life jackets, Vests or Floaties are NOT available, please bring you own
The snack bar located at the upper level area of the park is closed at this time.
Tram service between the upper level and the lower level ($1.00 down / $1.25 up)
Beach wheel chairs are available for free, see the volunteers on the beach at Hanauma Bay.
What do I need to bring with me?
Each person should bring a towel, swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen, and the park entrance fee of $12.00
You may bring a small personal cooler with snacks or non alcoholic beverages – NO large coolers
Hanauma Bay
7455 Kalanianaole Hwy
Honolulu, Hawaii
When driving out from Waikiki take H1 Freeway until it becomes Kalanianaole Highway then continue for approximately 10 miles.
The entrance to Hanauma Bay is located on the right at the top of the hill just past the city of Hawaii Kai.