Difficulty
beginner
Viz (last reported 67441h 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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LWS
Jul 28, 2009, 12:00 AM
scuba
This is a very nice snorkel site at a very reasonable cost of 7.50 per person; children under 12 free. It's a bit of a hike up & down from the parking and entry to the beach, however the walk down/up is very doable. A shuttle is available if you prefer for 0.75 down, $1.00 up, big bags extra, or 2.50 all day. Although somewhat crowded (but much less so than Waikiki beach and the downtown hotel beaches) we always found an acceptable piece of beach to call home and layout the towels and gear. Entry into the water is easy in the center beach and to the east. The West 1/3 is very rocky next to the shoreline and difficult on bare feet. The reef starts very close to the shoreline in about 2' deep and continues out. Their are several major channels which can be viewed from the aerial photo, and there a tons of nooks and crevasses to explore. Fish can be found in as little as a few feet which is great for the kids. Saw a 12' puffer right next to the shoreline. Most of the inner bay is 4-6 ft deep with some nice channels and reef walls 8-12ft deep. Did not have a reason to go out to the outer reef and this was highly discouraged by the lifeguards, as there was great snorkeling on the inner reef. Overall, I found this to be an excellent value for family snorkeling. The water was shallow and calm enough the very young, and novice snorkelers to learn and enjoy (my son is 6 and daughter 17); while interesting enough to keep the intermediate and maybe even advanced snorkeling entertained. The reef has lots of fish and I spotted 4 different sea turtles on one midafternoon outing. Thus, this is a must do dive if you can make to east side of the island. Koko head is close, but I don't recommend trying to do both in one day.
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