If you’ve been following along over on Instagram lately or have read any of my recent blog posts, you know that I am absolutely obsessed with Oahu (welllllll really all of Hawaii). There are so many amazing things to do (and epic hikes) on the island that you truly could spend months exploring and never be bored.
Snorkeling at the famous Haunama Bay turned out to be one of my most favorite things we did in Oahu, but it almost didn’t happen due to my lack of planning.
SOOO I’m writing this post in hopes you learn from my mistakes and you can experience the magic of this cove.
Without further ado…here’s everything you need to know about snorkeling at Hanauma Bay.
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Table of Contents
Everything you need to know about Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is a popular (yes it’s a busy tourist attraction) destination on the island of Oahu, known for its beautiful coral reefs and abundant marine life. Even with the crowds, it’s a must during your time on Oahu.
Here is the ultimate guide to snorkeling at Hanauma Bay!
Hanauma Bay Reservations (IMPORTANT!)
This was my first mistake. I knew you needed to make online reservations, but I underestimated the urgency of it.
Anyways, the ticket window opens up 2 days in advance starting at 7:00 am Hawai‘i Standard Time. And they sell out quickly!! So be sure you have an alarm set for 7:00 am two days before you are hoping to snorkel. I logged in at 7:52 am the first day and they were all.sold.out (crying face).
The website shows the available tickets for every time slot. There are 40 tickets available every 10 minutes from 7:00 am- 1:10 pm for a total of 1400 guests each day. You can reserve tickets for up to 10 people (5 adults and 5 children).
Each ticket (individuals 12 and up) costs 25 dollars and must be paid at the time of reservation. Once you are in, you can stay all day. There is no time limit to your ticket.
***Hanamua Bay is only open to the public Wednesdays-Sundays! It’s completely closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
TIP! If you do not get a ticket from the website, you could check Viator as they have some group trips available! They’ll pick you up and provide snorkel gear! Check availability here!
When is the best time of year to visit Hanauma Bay?
This can depend on a few factors, such as weather and crowds, but truthfully there’s not a bad time to visit Hanauma Bay or Oahu in general.
Generally, the months of April, May, September, and October can be good times to visit as they tend to have more moderate temperatures and less competition for the tickets than peak season (June-August and December-March–whale watching season!)
The crowds at Hanauma Bay will typically be the same no matter what month you visit as the 1400 tickets almost always sell out.
It’s also important to keep in mind that weather conditions can vary and it’s always a good idea to check the forecast before planning your visit (but, don’t let is stress you out too much—the forecast will almost always say a chance of rain somewhere on the island…it doesn’t necessarily mean it will be raining at Hanauma Bay. And if it does, it typically doesn’t last long!
When is the best time of day to snorkel at Hanauma Bay?
The best time of day to visit Hanauma Bay is in the morning, ideally right when it opens at 7:00 a.m. This is a great time to visit because the water tends to be calmer, and the bay is less crowded, which means you’ll have a better chance of seeing marine life and snorkeling in peace.
Also, if you are hoping to get some great underwater pics, the lighting in the morning can be ideal for this.
If you’re not a morning person, aim to visit in the early afternoon when crowds start to thin out. The last entry is at 1:20 and everyone has to leave by 4:00 pm.
How do you get to Hanauma Bay?
Hanauma Bay is located on the eastern shore of Oahu, about 10 miles east of Waikiki. You can drive or book a guided tour to get there. Parking is available but limited, and it’s recommended to arrive early to secure a spot.
It does cost 3 dollars to park so be sure you have cash with you (They currently do not accept credit cards).
Make sure to arrive at least 15 minutes before your reservation time. Account for traffic and any stops you may need to make.
What to bring (Hanauma Bay packing list)
- Your ID (of who made the reservation)
- Snacks and Water
- Towels
- Snorkel Gear (if not renting at the park)
- Reef Safe Sunscreen
- Wet suit (if you prefer to snorkel in a wet suit, it’s not needed)
- Underwater camera or gopro
- Cash for parking ($3)
What to expect after arriving
After parking, be sure you have your ID with you as there will be an employee (quite obsessively) checking your time slot reservation and matching it with your ID. I had to run back to the car for this.
Everyone will then be ushered along into a room where a mandatory safety briefing is shown (see above image). The 9-minute video covers the rules and regulations of the bay and how to snorkel safely. It’s important to follow these guidelines to protect yourself and the marine life.
You then have the option to walk down the hill to the beach or take the free shuttle (as seen in the above image).
Snorkeling Gear
Snorkeling gear is available for rent right at the beach for just $20! This is another mistake I made as I did not do my research and rented gear from a nearby shop (it wasn’t a big deal, but just added an additional stop).
You can also bring your own gear. If you are spending a few days snorkeling around Oahu, you could save more money by rneting gear for a week from a nearby shop.
Facilities
Hanauma Bay has restrooms, showers, lockers, and picnic areas for visitors to use at the beach level. The Beach level is also home to an information booth (with fish identification posters), the snorkel rental stand, and a lifeguard stand.
There is a concession stand with snacks and small gift shop at the upper level, but you are also able to bring your own cooler to the beach. Just make sure to pack out everything you brought in!
Environmental Conservation & Snorkeling Rules
Hanauma Bay is a protected marine life conservation area, and it’s SO VERY important to respect the rules and regulations to protect the ecosystem. Avoid littering, feeding the fish, and touching or standing on the coral reef!
Overall, Hanauma Bay is a beautiful and unique destination on Oahu that offers the opportunity to explore a vibrant marine ecosystem. By following the rules and regulations and being respectful of the environment, you’ll surely have the best time!
But, seriously…Be a good human and use common sense so generations to come can experience this magical place!
What fish/marine life will you see?
Obviously I can’t tell you for sure what you will see (it’s wildlife after all), but you’ll likely see a variety of reef fish such as butterflyfish, surgeonfish, parrotfish, and triggerfish.
If you look closely enough in the reef, you may also spot Moray eels. These are commonly seen hiding in crevices and rocky outcroppings in the reef. Fun fact! They can grow up to six feet long and have sharp teeth, but are generally not aggressive towards humans (but still slightly creepy).
For those of you who are extra lucky, you may even spot sea turtles, spinner dolphins, and octopus!
Is Hanauma Bay worth it? (My opinion of snorkeling at Hanauma Bay)
For anyone who cares about my personal opinion (…lol), snorkeling at Hanauma Bay was 100 percent worth it! Unfortunately (due to my aforementioned reservation mistake …oops…), we visited here the day of our departure flight. We weren’t able to stay for long, but the time we did spend was magical.
It’s a great place for beginners (and kids) as you can walk right in the calm water (vs. jumping off a boat). It’s great to be able to snorkel a bit and then hang out on the beach. The marine life is vibrant, the water is clear, and the surroundings are amazing!
Other Places to Snorkel on Oahu
After snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, you’ll likely be hooked on the whimsical underwater world. Here are some other great spots to snorkel throughout your Oahu itinerary!
- Shark’s Cove – Located on the North Shore, Shark’s Cove is known for its rocky formations and underwater caves, making it an exciting place for intermediate snorkelers to explore. The area is also home to a diverse range of marine life, including sharks (harmless ones).
- Electric Beach – Located on the west coast, Electric Beach is known for its clear water and vibrant marine life, including colorful fish, sea turtles, and sometimes dolphins. It’s called “Electric Beach” because warm water from a nearby power plant attracts marine life, creating a unique snorkeling experience.
- Kahe Point Beach Park – Also known as “Baby Makapu’u,” this beach is a popular spot for snorkeling due to its calm waters and easy access. Visitors can expect to see a variety of marine life, including sea turtles, eels, and octopuses.
- Lanikai Beach – Located on the eastern side of Oahu, Lanikai Beach is known for its clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand. Snorkelers can expect to see an array of colorful fish, sea turtles, and even spotted eagle rays if they’re lucky. Be sure to hike to Laniaki Pillbox if you find yourself at this beach!
There are also many guided snorkeling tours available throughout the island.
IMPORTANT! Snorkeling can of course be dangerous. Be sure you are comfortable in the water, have researched about your specific beach, and are snorkeling with a buddy! As always, do so at your own risk.
I hope this guide to snorkeling at Hanauma Bay was so helpful in your planning! Have the best time!
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