Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is located on the Southeast side of Oahu. The bay is home to some of the most spectacular snorkeling and diving in the islands. Hanauma is closed on Tuesdays and under hazardous conditions such as severe weather or Box Jellyfish. The jellies typically arrive on the south and west shores of the islands every month 8 to 12 days after the full moon. When the parking lot is full, visitors are turned away. So, be sure to call the Hanauma Bay information line at 808-396-4229 ahead of time to check conditions.

Parking can get a bit expensive at $1 per vehicle. The entrance fee is $5 for tourists and free for kama’aina and keiki 12 years old and younger. First time visitors are required to view a 10-minute video presentation about reef safety and preservation before entering the bay. The video has some interesting facts about the bay, but it can be torture for experienced snorkelers and divers itching to get their feet wet. It boils down to staying off the reef, not feeding or touching the marine life and picking up your rubbish. Although they may look like cool rocks, the reef is actually a living organism that takes many years to grow. Standing on it can cause damage to the reef or to yourself — it’s sharper than it looks and can slice through soft skin like butter. I often see people exiting the water with cuts and scratches.

It’s a short, brisk hike down to the bay. If you’ve had too much McDonald’s or you’re feeling particulary lazy you can take the trolley, but it’s not free. The trolley costs 75¢ down and $1 back up. If you’re not bringing you’re own snorkel gear you can rent from the concession. They charge separately for each piece of gear. When it’s all said and done it’s probably more cost effective to purchase your own snorkel set before hand. You can find great deals online or at the Costcos and Sam’s Clubs throughout the island. There’s a Costco located in Hawaii Kai just around the corner from Hanauma Bay. A map to the Hawaii Kai Costco can be found here.

Hanauma Bay is perfect for beginners and experienced snorkelers and divers. The front of the bay is protected by the outer reef, which results in calm, warm, shallow and crystal clear water. There is plenty to see in the front of the bay, but if you have more experience or you’re feeling a bit adventurous, it’s possible to swim past the protective outer reef into deeper water by passing through one of the two channels. The channels are marked by a set of buoys. Keep your wits about you when swimming through the channels or you could find the current slamming you in to a boulder or dragging you across a shallow section of reef. Once you’ve made it through, the depth drops off about 10 to 20 feet and gets deeper farther out. You’re more likely to spot a honu (sea turtle) and larger marine life in the deeper open water. If you’re really lucky (or unlucky) you may even have the opportunity to see a shark, although I have yet to encounter any.

Overall, Hanauma Bay is fun for the whole family and is generally packed with visitors. The bay averages 3 million visitors annually, so don’t expect to have the place all to yourself. Despite the hordes of people, Hanauma Bay is a must see natural attraction while visiting Oahu — and keep your eyes open for the Humuhumunukunukuapua’a while swimming around!