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HANAUMA BAY NATURE PARK
This marine sanctuary on the southeastern portion of Oahu is home to approximately 420 species of tropical reef fish. Known as one
of Hawaii's premiere snorkeling spots, Hanauma Bay is very popular with residents and visitors alike because of its clear and calm waters. Snorkeling is best early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the
crowds are smaller.
Efforts to conserve the park's resources have resulted in reduced conjestion and a cleaner beach. These efforts even earned recognition and three awards from British Airways in 1998,
including its "Tourism for Tomorrow" Award.
Hanauma Bay is closed all day Tuesday and open from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. the rest of the week. There is a $1 parking fee and $3 admission fee for
non-residents. The parking lot fills up rather quickly, so if you are not there early, you may not be able to get in until the early arrivals start leaving. The park can comfortably accommodate about 2,000
people at any one time. This number has never been reached, but if it does, your entry may be delayed until others leave.
Parking on the streets outside of the park and walking to Hanauma Bay is
discouraged, mainly because of the distance, a mile or more, and lack of sidewalks. TheBus #22 offers service to and from Hanauma Bay and Waikiki once per hour, call 848-5555 or 296-1818 (code 8287) for
details. Taking a taxi or the Ocean Coast Line of the Waikiki Trolley (596-2199) to Hanauma Bay are other options.
Be sure to bring a mask, snorkel and a pair of swim fins although some snorkel gear rental
is available. Facilities include restrooms, cold showers and a snack shop. DO NOT FEED THE FISH, violators of an oficial ban now in effect could earn a maximum fine of $1,000 or 30 days in jail. Fish
feeding attracted larger fish which are crowding out or eating some of the more colorful species. It also caused fish to become more aggressive, bumping and even biting fingers in their feeding frenzy. For
more information, call 396-4229.
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