What Makes This Special
Tour Options
Quick snorkel adventure
- Small group experience of no more than 5 people per tour
- Guaranteed Hanauma Bay Entrance time ($25 ticket fee due upon arrival)
- All snorkeling gear, snorkel lesson and flotation devices
- 1 hour guided in water tour
Reserve a spot and rent equipment
- Admission Fee(pre-payment required during booking)
- Mask
- Snorkel
- Fins
- Floatation Belt
- Transportation is not included in this package.
Save money and explore at your own pace with the right equipment
- Complete snorkel set
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Underwater camera
How to respect Hawaii’s marine life
Respecting Hanauma Bay’s delicate marine ecosystem is crucial for its preservation. While exploring, always remember to observe marine life from a distance and never touch, chase, or feed any animals, including fish and sea turtles. Avoid standing on or touching the coral, as even a light touch can cause significant damage to these fragile organisms. Use only reef-safe sunscreen to prevent harmful chemicals from entering the water, and always stay within the marked snorkeling areas. Your actions directly contribute to keeping this unique underwater paradise healthy and thriving for future generations to enjoy.
Safety tips and preparation
Safety & Preparation: Making Your Visit Smooth & Safe
To ensure a fantastic and responsible experience at Hanauma Bay, keep these essential tips in mind before and during your visit:
1. Booking & Entry Essentials:
- Book Well in Advance: Reservations are mandatory and get booked up quickly. Secure your spot online as soon as your trip dates are firm.
- Arrive on Time: Follow your reservation slot to ensure entry and avoid delays.
- Mandatory Briefing: Be prepared to watch a short educational video or attend a briefing about the bay’s rules and conservation efforts before heading to the beach. This is required for all first-time visitors.
2. Protecting Yourself & the Marine Life:
- Use ONLY Reef-Safe Sunscreen: This is strictly enforced. Apply only mineral-based sunscreens (containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) before you arrive at the bay. Chemical sunscreens harm the coral.
- Stay Hydrated: The Hawaiian sun is strong. Drink plenty of water before and during your visit.
- Swim with a Buddy: Always snorkel with at least one other person and keep an eye on each other.
- Check Conditions: While often calm, be aware of any signs from lifeguards regarding currents or changing conditions.
3. Respecting the Environment:
- Look, Don’t Touch: Never touch, stand on, or kick the coral. Even a light touch can cause significant damage to this fragile ecosystem.
- Maintain Distance from Marine Life: Keep a respectful distance from all marine animals, especially Hawaiian green sea turtles (Honu). They are protected species.
- No Feeding: Feeding fish or any marine life is strictly prohibited as it disrupts their natural behavior and diet.
- Stay within Designated Areas: Observe any ropes or markers indicating safe snorkeling zones or protected areas.
4. Gear & Personal Items:
- Snorkel Gear: Bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins if you have them, or rent them on-site. Test your gear before entering the water.
- Protective Footwear: Water shoes or reef shoes can be useful for walking on the rocky areas at the water’s edge.
- Secure Belongings: Keep valuables out of sight or use waterproof bags/containers.
By following these guidelines, you’ll not only have an incredible snorkeling experience but also contribute directly to the ongoing preservation of Hanauma Bay’s invaluable marine sanctuary.
Here’s a list of what you should expect to enhance your experience:
- Mandatory Reservations: Expect that reservations are almost always required and book up quickly, often weeks in advance. Walk-ins are rarely accommodated.
- Conservation Briefing: All first-time visitors must watch a short educational video or attend a briefing about the bay’s fragile ecosystem and the rules for protecting marine life.
- Entry Fees: There is an entry fee per person, which contributes to the bay’s conservation and maintenance. Children are usually free.
- Limited Access & Closures: The bay is closed on Tuesdays to allow the marine life to rest and recover. It also has a daily visitor limit.
- Abundant Marine Life: Prepare to see a vibrant array of colorful reef fish, and with luck, Hawaiian green sea turtles. The fish are accustomed to people but feeding them is strictly prohibited.
- Sheltered, Calm Waters: The bay’s volcanic cone shape creates a protected, calm environment ideal for snorkeling, especially for beginners and families.
- Coral Reef Protection: You must not touch, stand on, or disturb the coral. Fin kicks should be controlled to avoid contact with the reef.
- Reef-Safe Sunscreen Only: Only mineral-based, non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide sunscreens are permitted to protect the coral. Be sure to apply it before you arrive.
- Snorkel Gear: You can bring your own gear or rent it on-site.
- Crowds (Potentially): Despite limits, it can still feel busy, especially during peak season or specific times of day. Arriving early (with a reservation!) is often best.
- Walk Downhill: There’s a walk or shuttle ride down a paved path to the beach from the parking area.
- Facilities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, and a small gift shop are available at the beach level.
What to expect underwater
- Vibrant Coral Reefs: Expect to see extensive and healthy coral formations. These are the “cities” for the fish, so observe them from a respectful distance without touching.
- Abundance of Colorful Fish: You’ll encounter a vast variety of tropical reef fish. Expect to see Parrotfish, Butterflyfish, Tangs, Humuhumunukunukuapua’a (Hawaii’s state fish), Moorish Idols, and many more. They are typically quite comfortable with human presence.
- Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (Honu): While not guaranteed, spotting these magnificent creatures is common. Remember to maintain a safe distance (at least 10 feet/3 meters) and never approach or touch them.
- Calm, Clear Water: The bay’s protected nature often results in excellent visibility and very calm conditions, making it easy to see underwater clearly.
- Shallow and Deeper Areas: While much of the bay is relatively shallow and perfect for beginners, there are also slightly deeper sections where you might encounter different species.
- Natural Underwater Sounds: Listen for the gentle sounds of the ocean, and sometimes even the subtle crunching sounds of parrotfish nibbling on coral.
- Underwater Topography: Expect to see a varied seabed with sandy patches, coral gardens, and small rock formations providing hiding spots for marine life.
Booking/Next Steps!