Hanauma Bay Blog
Experience The Beauty of Hanauma Bay
Did you know that Hanauma Bay was formed over 30,000 years ago? Thats right! Through a violent series of underwater explosions, a volcanic vent opened up under water and shot out magma, ash and coral, which eventually formed the bay. Learn more about Hanauma Bay as well as all things Hawaii here on our blog.
Hanauma Bay has long been one of the island of Oahu’s jewels. Native Hawaiians have been enjoying life on the bay for thousands of years. To the Hawaiians, Hanauma Bay has long been part of their history. In fact, there are many legends about how the curved bay got its name. The bay was historically an excellent area for fishing. Records show that the Hawaiian royalty in the 1800s often utilized the bay for entertainment and fishing.
Development of the Hanauma Bay area began at the turn of the century, with a few dirt roads. Paved roads arrived in 1931 along with modest bathroom facilities and a guide rail for the steep passageway down to the base of the crater wall. After World War II, construction of the area increased with new restrooms and showers. Hanauma Bay quickly became a hot tourist spot and suffered from overuse throughout the next few decades. Hanauma Bay was declared a protected marine life conservation area and underwater park in 1967. In the 1990s, measures were taken to start preserving the area and reducing the impact of visitors.
Hanauma Bay Parking – The 4 Best parking alternatives to consider when the bay parking lot is full
Hanauma Bay Parking Where do you park when Hanauma Bay is full? Hanauma Bay is one of Oahu’s best tourist attractions. The beauty of the bay in addition to the world class snorkeling and year-round warm weather is what draws in thousands of visitors each year. The Bay...
Hanauma Bay Today
In 2002 a marine education center was opened for visitors and part of the conservation plan requires first-time visitors to watch a 9 minute video before entering the park so they can learn about the marine life, preservation and safety rules for the park. All visitors are required by law to refrain from mistreating the marine animals and from touching or walking on the coral. In the early 2000’s the natural spa called “Toilet Bowl” because of the rise and fall of water with the waves, was closed due visitor injuries and safety concerns.
Today Hanauma Bay sees on average 3000 visitors a day, or approximately 1 million visitors per year – making it the Top 3 destinations on Oahu. Today, Hanauma Bay limits visitors and focuses on educating tourists on the natural wildlife of the area. The vast majority of these are tourists, but locals here on Oahu love this beach as well and many of them visit it daily.
The bay is closed to the public every Monday & Tuesday, Christmas Day and New Years Day to relieve the natural marine life and allow the coral reefs to heal and replenish.
Varieties of Fish
Acres of Exploration
Minutes From Waikiki
An Exclusive Location
ONE-OF-A-KIND EXPERIENCE
Hanauma Bay is located on the south shore of Oahu and offers some of the Best Snorkeling in Hawaii with it’s pristine coastline, clear blue underwater views and beautiful tropical wildlife.
Fun for the whole 'Ohana
THE PERECT ADVENTURE FOR ALL AGES
With it’s perfect location in a wide, curved bay, secluded and protected from large waves, the reefs of Hanauma Bay make for great exploration – especially for beginner snorkelers.
An underwater paradise
EXPERIENCE THE NATURAL BEAUTY OF HAWAII’S WILDLIFE
With over 450 species of fish and tropical wildlife to explore, you can rest assured that meeting these beautiful creatures will be an unforgettable experience. Cruise along the pristine coral reefs and witness the beauty of Hawaii’s underwater treasures up close.
Convenient Rentals
BRING YOUR OWN GEAR OR RENT AT THE BAY (currently suspended)
Our tour and rental companies offer a wide variety of rental equipment including masks, snorkel pieces, fins and more. Inquire about rental options when making your reservation and we’ll help you choose theright equipment for your skill level.Book Today
Our Snorkel Hanauma Bay tour offers some of the Best Snorkeling in Hawaii. Hanauma Bay is a protected Marine Life Conservation Area since 1967 and has been voted #1 of the Top 10 Beaches in America. We offer several convenient tour options with round trip shuttle service to Hanauma Bay State Park from Waikiki – allowing you to sit back and relax as you are driven to Hanauma Bay for a day of unforgettable experiences. We supply you with the best snorkel equipment, sanitized and ready for your use, along with an informative tour guide to answer all your questions. Book your tour today and experience this amazing jewel on your next vacation to Hawaii.
Let's Make Memories
Contact Us
An underwater paradise awaits…
We strive to make every interaction with our customers positive and rewarding. Contact us today with any questions or special requests and we will do our best to accommodate your travel group.
Contact us today by phone at (808) 594-9038 or fill out the form to get in touch with our team at Snorkel Hanauma Bay.