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Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Nature Preserve and Beach

Honolulu

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9.0^/10

1,088

ratings

Ranked #3 for turtles in Honolulu
"A great place for snorkeling because of the reef and the calm water."(20 Tips)
"interesting video presentation on the history"(18 Tips)
"Nice corals, fishes and if you're lucky, you can see turtles"(13 Tips)
"top and enjoy the view or venture down and enjoy some crystal"(12 Tips)

185 Tips and reviews

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Adam StallmanMay 5, 2017
By far the best snorkeling on the island. You have to pay to get into the park and watch a quick orientation video about protecting the reef before you are allowed to walk down to the beach.
Michelle A.September 20, 2016
Bring some food and drinks, there are no vendors here. You have to watch a short video about reef behavior before you're allowed to enter. Great place for families and lovely place!
Upvoted Mar 10
linh leOctober 23, 2014
Great for snorkeling!!! I don't think this beach is meant for people to spend the whole day here since it is full of reefs. I think there are plenty of safer beaches on the island for the family Read more
Paige CJanuary 8, 2015
A beautiful place to snorkel - full of lively reefs and lots of wildlife! Pay admission to enter but it's very well worth it! Bring snacks and enjoy the entire park!
Cayla EcholsMay 8, 2015
It is a beautiful place. There is no smoking allowed on the beach. A great place for snorkeling because of the reef and the calm water. Remember, don't touch the reef =).
Chris O'BrienDecember 29, 2016
Amazing snorkeling. We saw turtles, octopus, and thousands of fish. Even though the entrance is a little steep ($7) it is worth it. Bring your own snorkel
Ana SilvaFebruary 16, 2018
It’s beautiful and tranquil. I got here around 0630 and there wasn’t many people at the park yet. Admission and parking was free before 0700. Bring your own snorkel or you can rent there.
Pelin Güvenç KefelSeptember 9, 2017
This place is great for snorkeling! If you have the time and energy hike around the bay for some awesome views! You can see the reefs from above
Carla AAugust 26, 2013
This was so much fun! If you have a vehicle then bring food and a cooler! There's no food/drinks down there so bring some. If you don't have snorkeling gear, rent some or get water shoes. Have fun!
Damian BayonaJuly 6, 2017
Awesome and very popular snorkeling spot. The farther end is very shallow and not great for swimming. Stick to the middle and left ends of the beach 🌊🐠🐟🐡🏊🏻
Michael TchouAugust 29, 2014
Amazing snorkeling spot with easy access to great coral and fish viewing! Bring food and water in a cooler to avoid walking back up from the beach. You can rent snorkels right on the beach.
Karina LopesSeptember 27, 2015
Just chill a little bit here, bring your snorkel or rent one at the beach. Nice corals, fishes and if you're lucky, you can see turtles
Hareesh NuthiFebruary 9, 2014
Come early in the morning, limited parking .. Get your snorkel equipment if possible otherwise you can always rent .. Couple of good spots around . It's worth a half day trip
Sahana UDecember 28, 2013
If you have your own car, skip the organized tour with transportation and rent your own snorkeling gear so you can leave whenever you want. Also the left side of the bay has the most fish!
Chris PMarch 13, 2016
Beautiful area to visit and snorkel. The 9 min video was boring but mandatory. Bring gear to snorkel or rent for $$$. Totally worth the visit.
Austin TeterOctober 10, 2014
Spend the extra money to rent the snorkels. You won't regret it, we were able to see some cool fish and a sea turtle. The views here are just as beautiful outside the water.
cristina carreteroAugust 4, 2019
BEAUTIFUL! Have 2 watch video 1st. Walk down & take pretty pics along the way. Trek back up was a pain but you can pay $1.25 to go on the trolley. Bring snorkeling gear!! & sunscreen safe for reefs!
Vishal ChoudharyMarch 3, 2014
An absolute must-do in Oahu. Reach early as parking tends to be full around 9:30 am (on weekdays, earlier on weekends). Plan to spend at least half a day here, worth every minute.
Greg TaylorMay 13, 2013
What a great spot. If you can't get there early come around 2:30 and most of the crowds will be gone. Also, after watching the orientation video sign in so you won't have to sit through it again
Melia JonesMay 23, 2014
If it's not sand, it's coral - please don't step on it, with or without fins. Snorkeling was medium - highish, not great visibility when I was there but saw several turtles. Worth the bus ride :-)
krissi xenakisJanuary 25, 2014
Get there early as the sun is rising, when it is not crowded. Staff is limited between 6-8, so you might not have to pay the entrance fee, but have a buddy if you plan to snorkel...Only one lifeguard
Joe ClederaOctober 1, 2012
Show up early! We arrived here at 7AM and found parking right next to the entrance. We didn't have to wait in any of the lines and were able to enjoy the entire reef before the crowed of tourists.
Faisal BorhamaAugust 15, 2014
Parking is such a pain, its almost always full so i recommend parking down and there are small private vans that take you up, but the place is SO WORTH IT!!
AndyDecember 23, 2020
New opening hours during COVID (8am-4pm). Parking only available for 30 ppl so easier to park on Nawiliwili St and walk up to join the line which starts around 7-7:15am.
Paul KlinkNovember 13, 2012
Be sure to sign the sheet so you don't have to watch the video a second time within one year
Jason H.December 24, 2015
Have to go at least once. Where the beautiful fish come to you. During peak season arrive close to the 6:00AM opening or you will wait. By 9:00 you may not get parking.
Ju LeDecember 14, 2018
Everyone said it’s perfect.It might be on a calm day.We went there with a toddler & it was super windy.Boards and other stuff flew around. Snorkeling is nice but I wouldn’t recommend it for families.
Ailie ChangNovember 25, 2017
Get there at least by 8:30am on the weekend to get a parking spot. After a long day of snorkeling, for the $1.25 for the shuttle ride back up so you don’t have to walk it.
Heather RodriguezJune 18, 2021
You have to come here. Come super early to pick up a ticket for a later time. You can request a specific time if available.
Antonio SilveiraAugust 25, 2014
What an amazing place, super well organized and with great infrastructure. Snorkeling is surreal here.
Kat 🐱July 9, 2018
Parking wasn't bad at all around noon on a Friday. Beautiful area but very crowded. Be careful when swimming in shallow reef areas.
Ola JaroszNovember 1, 2017
Bay itself is beautiful, but those who actually have some snorkeling/diving experience will be disappointed with their views. Coral is 95% dead (thus less varied marine life) and visibility is low.
Matthew StaehleAugust 3, 2011
If you are coming from the US I suggest using your clock being off the next day to your advantage and getting here before 7am. Great snorkelling, and scenery. It fills up very quickly after that.
Jesennia KingJune 29, 2017
Bring food and umbrellas for shade as it can get hot . Check tide conditions as it can be shallow .
Jay TeeFebruary 11, 2013
killer site to see fish up close, while snorkeling... got some turtles, a ton of fish and eels on my GoPro Hero3... best place for snorkeling that I've ever been to!!
Alejandro Echevarria GilOctober 6, 2022
Great place to snorkel and spend day at beach. Bring your own umbrella, there’s NO SHADE.
Richard BowersSeptember 12, 2014
Great snorkeling near Waikiki. The snack bar is at the top of the hill, bring what you need with you before you go down.
Rafael GarciaNovember 1, 2015
Spend the day there for snorkel and picnic. Many cool fishes to see. Saw a lazy sea lion sleeping at the cliff area :-)
Staci StevensSeptember 6, 2016
Snorkeling is the big deal here! One of those rare places that you can't believe it's real because it's so beautiful.
Dane GJune 1, 2013
Been here 5+ times
Everyone says "go early", but I've found it best to go later in the day, after 2 or 3pm. Most of the tourists leave to get ready for dinner around that time.
Rita PassiSeptember 28, 2013
Great, inexpensive way to explore nature! Got swim with 2 sea turtles and TONS of fish at my last visit !
Jose Vonderric BlasAugust 27, 2011
$1 parking lot fee and if your military it's free. Bring your own lunch snorkel gear and towel n ur set for the day! Be sure to come early parking fills up fast
John (aka “PHATFoodFan”)December 5, 2017
Walk down to the beach instead of hitching a ride, there are spectacular views that you won’t want to miss.
Jessica HalloranMarch 10, 2016
Great spot for snorkeling. If you're a strong swimmer go out to the deeper water to see bigger fish.
Doug MSeptember 8, 2019
Bring the best and personal flotation #floatnthang for helping you float and snorkel over the rocks
Mrs. O OJanuary 18, 2016
Beautiful place to snorkel & see ocean wildlife. Just bring sneakers for the hike back up the hill.
Catherine MaisonneuveMarch 23, 2011
Rent your stuff @ Bob's Snorkle in Honolulu for half the price and spend the day snorkling ... amazing ! Sing the video's song while walking out the "theater"... PLEASE DON'T TOUCH ME, DON'T FEED ME..
Kanji IshiwaraNovember 16, 2019
Scenery is beautiful. But this last time, I found the snorkeling subpar. Bus#22 from Waikiki; $7.50 entrance fee; $9 fins rental; $12 large locker rental = expensive for meh experience.
EceJune 19, 2016
This place is absolutely my fav spot in Oahu. Amazing nature and lovely colorful fish all around🐠🏊🏻
Charlie PenaflorDecember 9, 2011
Don't forget to bring your underwater camera. This place makes a killing selling them. After basic training and experience, head over to Sharks Cove where you can venture safely on your own.

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