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Hanauma Bay:
Located along the southeast coast of the Island of Oahu (just east of Honolulu) in the Hawaiian Islands. Hanauma Bay is a marine embayment formed within a volcanic cone. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations known for its pristine and clear waters and spectacular marine life. It's the perfect place to snorkel as the bay is shielded from incoming waves, so its great for the first time snorkelers all the way up to the experienced scuba divers.
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How to get there:
It's about a half an hour drive from Waikiki. Plan to get to the bay early as possible if driving. Parking will fill up very early in the day and you could be turned away by parking attendants. You can also get to Hanauma Bay via the number 22 bus from Waikiki, it runs down Kuhio Avenue. There are also various tours that have shuttle buses which can be organised by your hotel. These tours usually provide all your snorkel gear, including fins, just ensure you get back to your meeting spot in time so you don't get left behind. There are usually couple of different afternoon pick up times for those wanting to spend more or less time at the bay, just ask your Tour Guide.
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How to enter Hanauma Bay:
Hanauma Bay is a paradise for snorkeling but it is also a Marine Life Park so there is an admission fee of $7.50. The entrance fee is waived for children under 13 and for residents of Hawaii with proof of residency. If you have purchased a 'Go Oahu Card' (www.smartdestinations.com/Hawaii) this includes a snorkel tour, which is the snorkel gear and shuttle bus drop off and pick up. This does not include admission fees. As Hanauma Bay is a designated nature preserve, you will need to adhere to their rules and regulations after paying the entrance fee to gain access you must join the next session to view a 10 minute clip explaining the beauties of the bay and most importantly it warns you not to touch or feed the marine life in order to preserve the park . Remember to get a stamp in order for same day re entry. There's a stunning walk down to the bay with plenty of photo opportunities or you can hop a shuttle bus. The ride to get down to the bay is 50 cents US and the ride back up is $1US.
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Facilities:
There is a rental shack, information booth, locker hire, lost and found, restroom, showers and changing rooms. There is also a snack shop and a gift shop by the entry point.
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Snorkeling and Locker Hire:
If you plan to do a lot of snorkeling on your vacation why not buy your own snorkeling gear at an ABC shop for around $6-12US for the mask and snorkel and a little bit extra for the fins. It is well worth the while as some hotels will charge $20 for just a few hours of hire. You can also rent the equipment at Hanauma Bay 'Snorkfin Rental', its roughly around $12US for mask, snorkel and fins, or you can just rent what you need, however it will cost nearly the same amount so it may be worth while renting the lot. You can rent lockers for the day for your valuables for $7US, don't bring along too many items as there didn't seem to be a whole lot of room in each locker.
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Marine Life at Hanauma Bay:
There is roughly around 400+ species at the bay. One of the most popular little creatures are the Green sea turtles, be sure not to harrass these cute things as there is heavy penalties in place.
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What to Bring:
Towels, Swimming gear, Change of clothes, Snorkel gear (if you have your own), Snacks, Bottle of Water, Sunscreen, Hat and sunglasses, Your ID (especially if you are returning to the Hanauma Bay and need to confirm that you have already signed the visitor book within a year, you may also need your ID to hire the snorkel gear or lockers), Cash, Video Camera, Camera, underwater camera, Water resistance case for the camera (these can be purchased from ABC stores),
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Safety:
The beach has lifeguards on duty with updates on the latest water conditions and the best places to see sea life. Check your snorkel gear prior to going in the water, be aware of any caution flags, and don't snorkel alone, snorkel with a buddy. When swimming in the water don't touch the reef! One slight touch will slice your hands. Pieces of coral and bacteria can get in the wound. It is handy to have antibiotic ointment or sanitisers. As you will find out in the pre entry clip, you must not touch, feed, or harass the sea life. Use plenty and plenty of sunscreen!!! There are some sharks in the bay, only reef sharks that are about 4 feet long. These sharks are not interested in feeding off people. Box Jellyfish influx - the park will be closed if there is an influx however keep an eye out.
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Advice
Get in as early as possible in order to avoid long line ups at the ticket booth and there may also be a long wait (up to an hour or so in busy periods) to view the compulsory clip prior to entry. You will have many photo opportunities from the scenic lookout above the bay. Sign the visitor list after your viewing of the compulsory clip and that way if you return again within a year you skip the clip for next time and go straight in. Bring pre packed food and drink or hit up the snack bar near the entry. ABC shop and Foodland are great for already made snacks with out the extra $$$, there wont be any nearby so buy this either very early in the morning or the night before.
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Opening Hours:
NOT OPEN ON TUESDAYS. Summer session, Hanauma Bay is open daily from 6:00am until 7:00pm except on Tuesdays. Winter session, Hanauma Bay is open daily from 6:00am until 6:00pm except on Tuesdays. Changes are possible at any time, for the latest information contact the recorded information line at (808) 396-4229.
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For Rules and Regulations
Refer to http://www1.honolulu.gov/parks/facility/hanaumabay/information.htm Amended Rules and Regulations Relating to Visitor Use Levels and Control Amended Rules and Regulations Governing Commercial Scuba Diving (To Include Snuba) and Snorkeling Activities Amended Rules and Regulations Governing Commercial Filming (TV, Movies, Stills) Rules and Regulations Governing Commercial Hiking Tours at Hanauma Bay and the Adjacent Areas Within the Conservation District Rules, Regulations, Charges and Fees For Public Parks and Recreation Facilities
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| I hope you enjoyed this review and were able to take something away! Join me again for another TRAVEL BLOGGER review. Stay tuned. |
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