Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Hanauma Bay Information

Hanauma Bay has suffered from overuse since it became a major attraction in the 1980s.  Even into the 1990s hoards of visitors, uneducated about the fragile marine ecosystem, would trample the reef and leave trash everywhere.  In 2002 the Marine Education Center was opened at the entrance to the bay, and now all visitors must watch a short educational video about the conservation of the bay before entering the beach.  Emphasis is placed on encouraging visitors not to touch the sea life or coral.

HBay Advisory - Plan Accordingly

Hanauma Bay rates for non-residents have increased; see below. Advanced reservations are highly recommended.

A paved, steep path leads to the beach and takes about 10 minutes to walk.  For those who prefer not to walk, there is a shuttle bus that is 75 cents down and $1 back.  Snorkeling equipment can be rented on the beach and lessons are available.  There is food available at the entrance of the bay, as well as a gift shop and shower facilities.  After 9:30 am the place becomes very crowded, so best to arrive either early morning or mid to late afternoon to get a parking space.

There is a $25.00 admission fee for visitors (it increased from $12/person, beginning July 1, 2021), and a $3.00 parking fee, which is waived for Hawaii residents, military, and children under 12.  The beach opens at 6 am daily, except Mondays and Tuesdays when it is closed, to allow the fish a day of feeding without interruption by swimmers.  

All visitors will also be required to watch an educational video in the theatre for each visit to HBAY. Previous viewing of the video will not preclude visitors from skipping this step.

Directions: From Honolulu, take Kalanianaole Highway (H1 72) east from the city, then look for the signs to Hanauma Bay and turn sharp right onto Hanauma Bay Rd.

Phone: (808) 396-4229

The Koko Head region had the most recent volcanic activity on Oahu, with lava flows creating the Hanauma Bay area starting about 40,000 years ago.  32,000 years ago the bay was created in a series of violent explosions that blasted up through a coral reef that was established 100,000 years prior.  The erupting magma blew up in bursts of steam, gases, rock, coral, and ash, which cemented together to form a firm rock called ‘tuff’.  Fragments of white coral, dark basalt as well as green olivine can be seen in areas of the bay today.  The bay is essentially a flooded crater, surrounded by several cratered cones.

The area was not inhabited by Hawaiian people due to the lack of a freshwater supply.  However, fishing tools have been found here by archeologists, indicating that the bay was used as a recreational area by Hawaiian royalty (Ali’i), for fishing and games.  It was also a navigational lookout point for safe passage between Oahu and Molokai.