Difficulty
beginner
Viz (last reported 59529h 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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Anonymous
Dec 23, 2006, 12:00 AM
scuba
This is one of the few shore dives available on Oahu in the winter time due to the heavy surf. My daughter and I went to this site in late November 2006 and I was somewhat disappointed. This is because I was at this same location in March 2006 and it seemed much nicer and had many more fish. During this trip the visibility was about 30ft at best and there were few schools of fish. I'm not sure what changed…maybe it was just the time of year. While this is a Nature Preserve area, it has been over populated by too many tourists who have no regard for reef conservation. You have to watch a video about the bay and its rules before you enter the bay. Nonetheless, it's common to see at least one or more tourists standing on the reef even though the video explicitly says "Don't stand on or touch the reef." As a result of the dying reef, fewer fish are coming into the bay. If you are going to SCUBA dive this site, you can get good tips at the information desk located on the beach. The showers and facilities are good. Unless you are training for the Iron man Competition, I recommend paying $2 for the daily unlimited trolley rides. Scuba tanks are an extra dollar or two, but it's well worth not having to lug your tanks up and down the steep hill. Be careful of the surf if you're snorkeling along the left side of the bay just past the reef. The surf can get rather rough there. When a large wave came ashore, my daughter lost her mask and snorkel there, and I almost did also. Luckily we had a backup. Overall, this site is better than nothing in the winter. In the summer, I would head to some of the better sites on the north shore. If you do go to this site, PLEASE PAY ATTENTION TO THE VIDEO AND STAY OFF THE REEF so others can enjoy this site for years to come!!!
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