Difficulty
beginner
Viz (last reported 59454h 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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Rick from New Tripoli
Aug 17, 2006, 12:00 AM
scuba
With just a day on Oahu in early August 2006, we dropped into Hanauma Bay for a snorkel. What a beautiful place! But the coral really is damaged and despite the educational efforts, people still walk on it. If you get to the outside of the reef in 15-25 feet of water there are some nice large coral formations and some good soft coral. There are turtles on the outside, too. On the plus side, the fish are unafraid everywhere, so you get some good up-close views of normally skittish ones like butterfly fish. The current can be a bit strong while trying to get back in. There are two major gaps to get out beyond the reef: one about mid-beach and the other to the extreme west. At high tide it is possible to go over the reef, but be careful not to touch.
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