Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve on Oahu

Hanauma Bay, located southeast of Honolulu, on Oahu, Hawaii, is one of the most popular attractions on the island.

Every day, thousands of tourists and locals from Hawaii show up at this beautiful natural bay carved into a crater and surrounded by green mountain walls.

Hanauma Bay is more than just a beach; it's a nature preserve and a sea life sanctuary known for its coral reef and abundance of marine life.

You can come to do some swimming and relax on the beach, but most people visit to enjoy the world-class snorkeling.

Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay is one of the best things to do in Oahu with kids.

Hanauma Bay is a nature preserve operated by the state – so it's a protected area – and that's great because it also means that the natural environment is regulated and maintained.

You have a nice view of Koko Head Crater, another excellent place to visit, and the nearby Makapu'u Lighthouse trail from the parking lot.

The parking lot is at the top of the bay, so after parking, make sure you first get an overview look of the gorgeous bay below.

You can see the incredible coral reef formations and even spot some schools of fish in the crystal clear water below.

Also, if you visit at the right time of the year and have a bit of luck, you might be able to spot a humpback whale in the distance (just outside of the bay, there are intense blue waters, and it's a prime spot for whale watching).

After paying the entrance fee, you are first required to go into the Marine Education Center and watch a short film about marine conservation, the do's and don'ts for taking care of the reef, and some brief information about Hanauma Bay.

Though it might be a bit boring, and you'll want the film to be over so you can get to the cool water below, it's an excellent way to make more people are aware of what it takes to preserve and care for the reef and bay.

It takes about five minutes to walk to the beach below from the top parking lot.

Alternatively, there's a small trolley, and for a small fee, you can ride down or up if you need to.

The beach itself is stunning, with coarse brown sand, green mountain walls, and calm lapping water that's clear and refreshing.

It's best if you have your own mask and snorkel, but you can rent a set along the beach if you don't.

During your visit to Honolulu, taking a day trip to Hanauma Bay is a stunning beach to see and an opportunity to explore the many colorful and unique fish and marine life Hawaii has to offer

See the official park website to confirm Hanauma Bay's current hours and entry requirements.

Open hours: 6:45 am – 1:30 pm (closed on Mondays and Tuesdays)
Entrance fee: $7.50