Difficulty
beginner
Viz (last reported 67471h ago)
Max Depth
6.6 ft
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Hanauma Bay
What is there that hasn't already been said about Hanauma Bay? Divers' paradise, excellent diving, friendly marine life, etc. Unfortunately, the
overcrowding of this popular site has caused major environmental impact and has necessitated the implementation of many conservation measures. As crowded as this place is, it now has only one-third the attendance it used to have before restrictions were passed in 1990. Parking, and access to the beach is controlled, and volunteer docents try to educate the visitors so additional damage is avoided. One of our greatest concerns is the trampling of the reef. Although numerous signs are posted, it still constantly occurs. Although there's not too much live coral inside of the reef, other living organisms inhabit the zone, and it is basic diver etiquette to avoid touching any reef.
Take Kalanianaole Highway (72) East to Koko Head. At the top of the hill, turn right into Hanauma Bay.
Access
shore
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Tide Report
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Doug P
Oct 20, 2011, 12:00 AM
scuba
Don't let the snorkeling fool you! I thought the snorkeling in the shallows kinda sucked...water was only several feet deep, virtually no coral, not a whole lot of sea life, etc. BUT if you get out past the buoys that are towards the Southside you enter another world. Almost immediately passed the buoys you get coral, deeper water, better vis and more life. Basically, the further out you head, the better it gets. I checked out the reef on the north side and found it to be spectacular once I got into water that was around 30-40FT deep. Out that far the vis was 50ft+, lots of fish, tons of healthy coral and even at depth I was warm enough with just a pair of boots and a 3mm vest. If you stay close to shore you will be disappointed, if you go out a ways you will likely have a fantastic dive. Note, in my review I gave 'solitude' a 5...this will seem absurd if you're a snorkeler, but I went diving on a hot Saturday and I was the only SCUBA diver in the water, and almost all of the snorkelers stay behind the buoys. Parking is good, but get there early. Shore entry is easy but you may want to take your gear down to shore and suit up there since it is a LONG walk. Also, you'll have to wait in line to buy an admission ticket ($7.50) and watch a short movie (they let you skip the movie if you're in their system and have been there within the year). On the beach, there's helpful volunteers, showers, bathrooms and a 'bus' that will take you to the top for a $1 (more if you have gear). Definitely a great shore dive to do in Oahu.
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