Hanauma Bay

Entry and exit are from a sandy beach with a gentle slope. The inner reef area is extremely shallow, so divers must navigate through designated channels to reach deeper water. Be careful of sharp coral in shallow areas and incoming waves during exit.

Access requires entry through the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. First-time visitors must watch a short educational video. The bay is reached via a paved path with a moderate downhill slope from the visitor center. A shuttle service is available for a small fee for those who prefer not to walk back up.

The bay is home to over 400 species of fish including parrotfish, butterflyfish, surgeonfish, and Hawaii's state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapua'a (reef triggerfish). Green sea turtles are common visitors, and octopuses can be found among the coral structures.

The bay features an inner reef area with sandy patches and coral formations in shallow water (3-10 feet). Channels through the reef lead to an outer reef with depths from 15-40 feet. The outer reef offers more diverse coral formations and typically better visibility.

Paid parking is available at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. The lot fills up quickly, especially on weekends and holidays, often by mid-morning. Arrive early to secure a spot. Limited capacity means the parking lot may close once full.

Full facilities include restrooms, showers, a visitor center, snorkel rentals, and a small snack bar. Lockers are available for storing valuables.

Extremely high, particularly during peak tourist season (December-April) and on weekends. The preserve limits daily visitors, but the swimming and snorkeling areas remain crowded. Arrive early (before 8 AM) for the best experience. Diving deeper on the outer reef provides some escape from the surface crowds.

The conservation area has strict rules to protect the ecosystem - no touching coral or marine life, no standing on reef structures, and no feeding fish. Strong currents can develop on the outer reef, especially when trade winds are strong. Be cautious when navigating channels through the reef, as surge can push divers into coral. The bay is closed every Tuesday for conservation purposes.