Hanauma Bay is a popular snorkeling beach where you can swim with countless colorful fish and sea turtles.
You can see dozens of species of fish, both large and small. Recognized as one of America’s best beaches for its fame and beauty, it’s also incredibly easy to access from the Honolulu area!
You can easily get there from Waikiki by bus, tour, or taxi. With excellent facilities like lockers and a plate lunch shop, it’s a convenient place to visit for a day of fun.
There are a few things to keep in mind, such as weekly closures, operating hours, and the specific window for making advance reservations. Be sure to plan your visit carefully rather than just showing up!
It’s a quintessentially Hawaiian spot that you can enjoy just by taking in the scenery, even without getting in the water♪
How to Make a Reservation for Hanauma Bay
An advance online reservation is required for entry to Hanauma Bay.
Although you might be able to get in without a reservation if there are openings, it’s best to check in advance to avoid a wasted trip.
Reservations are only accepted starting at 7:00 AM, two days prior to your intended visit date, so you cannot book months in advance.
For example, if you want to visit on a Saturday, you can make a reservation starting from 7:00 AM on the preceding Thursday.
Reservations can be made in 10-minute intervals, and once the 15-35 slots for a time period are filled, that time will no longer be available.
Slots often sell out by around 7:15 AM, just 15 minutes after reservations open, so be prepared to book at 7:00 AM two days before your planned visit!
For your information, entry is permitted from 6:45 AM to 1:30 PM, and the bay closes at 4:00 PM.
Hawaii residents do not need advance reservations but are restricted to entering between 6:45 AM and 9:00 AM!
How to Get to Hanauma Bay
Commercial vehicles like tours and taxis have restricted access to Hanauma Bay.
Therefore, if you arrive by tour, taxi, or bus, you will likely need to walk from a drop-off point about 5 minutes away, with the exception of a few authorized companies.
If you are visiting with a rental car, be aware that although the parking lot has 300 spaces, it operates on a first-come, first-served basis and fills up quite early!
If the lot is full, you will have to find street parking in a residential area about a 10-minute walk away.
The Process for Entering Hanauma Bay
First, at the entrance, you will present the ticket information issued upon reservation and a valid ID (photocopies not accepted), then pay the admission fee.
Admission is free for children 12 and under, Hawaii residents, and students.
There are no places to buy food after you enter, so be sure to stop by the snack bar opposite the ticket booth if you need anything.
Once inside, you will proceed to a room to watch a mandatory nine-minute orientation video about using Hanauma Bay.
Depending on how crowded it is, you can usually expect to wait about 30 minutes for the video to start.
During this time, you can explore the education center, which features information about the history of Hanauma Bay and coral specimens, or relax in the outdoor waiting area.
The orientation video is part of the system established to manage the ecosystem as a nature preserve, and it outlines several rules to follow:
- No feeding the fish at the beach
- No taking sand, coral, or other natural materials
- Use of non-reef-safe sunscreen is prohibited
- Do not stand on or walk on the coral reefs
- No smoking or alcohol
These rules are in place to ensure the preservation of the bay.
The video is in English, but headsets with narration in other languages are available for free for those who need them.
Getting to the Beach at Hanauma Bay
After watching the orientation video, you can finally head down to the beach!
A 5-6 minute walk down a paved path will take you directly to the beach.
For those who find walking difficult, there is a paid tram service available.
- All-day pass: $2.50
- One-way down: $1.25
- One-way up: $1.25
The slope is quite steep, so it’s a good option for those who are not confident in their physical fitness or have mobility issues!
Typically, the walk down takes about 3 minutes, and the walk up takes about 5 minutes.
Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is famously known in Hawaii as “the beach that takes the longest to get into the water.” lol
Once you reach the beach, get ready to enjoy snorkeling surrounded by coral reefs and colorful fish in water so clear you can see all the way to the bottom♪
Since the bay is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, it’s best to visit on Wednesday morning when the water clarity is at its highest!
Sea turtles are often spotted in the area to the left side of the bay.
Schools of fish are abundant just beyond the coral reef where the water gets a bit deeper.
For families with small children, playing with the smaller fish in the shallows is a safe and enjoyable option.
Hanauma Bay Basic Information
| Name | Hanauma Bay |
| Address | 100 Hanauma Bay Rd, Honolulu, HI 96825 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 6:45 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Admission | Adults: $25 (ages 13 and up) |
| Closed | Mondays, Tuesdays |
| Recommended Time | 2 hours or more |
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Parking | Yes (paid) |
Recommended Transportation to Hanauma Bay
TheBus – The Most Affordable Public Transport Covering All of Hawaii
Taxis & Uber – Ideal Chartered Vehicles for Small Groups in Hawaii
Rental Cars & Turo – Private Vehicles for Exploring Hawaii Freely
Areas Around Hanauma Bay
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