Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, which is the location of Hanauma Bay is one of the most spectacular locations in Oahu and one of the best Oahu sightseeing locatons. Damage done by years of abuse by allowing some three million visitors annually, the County of Honolulu laid out a plan to restore Hanauma Bay. Hanauma Bay Beach is now one of the best beaches in Oahu and is known as one of not only one of the best Oahu Snorkeling locations in Oahu, but one of the top 10 Snorkeling locations in the World.
Hanauma Bay is now has a site where its education program flourishes. A short video welcomes visitors, encouraging them to join staff and volunteers. It is very important to get to Hanauma Bay Beach very early. We recommend the Hanauma Bay Snorkeling tour which includes transportation from your Waikiki hotel and includes snorkeling gear and instruction. Hanauma Bay Tours are popular, but it is important to remember that this is a Nature Preserve dedicated to safeguarding the marine life. Hanauma is the first Marine Life Conservation District in not only Oahu, but Hawaii.
This Curved bay was declared a protected marine life conservation area in1967. This is a protected cove, and great if you are new to Oahu scuba diving or Oahu snorkeling with a very diverse population of marine life which includes a rich coral reef. Advanced Oahu snorkelers and Oahu divers can also enjoy the beauty of this bay as the reef extends into deeper water. Again, parking is very limited, so one of the Hanauma Bay snorkeling tours is a smart buy.
Hanauma Bay Beach is a large sandy beach perfect for sunbathing, relaxing, and snorkeling in Oahu. There are several Oahu hiking trails extend along coastline and along the ridge overlooking the bay providing breathtaking lookouts. The curvature of Hanauma Bay provides protection from ocean waves and allows snorkelers a great opportunity to view reef life in a safe environment. This is one of the best priced Oahu Tours.
Facts & Trivia
- Nature preserve is one of the most popular snorkel spots on Oahu
- Home to a large variety of endemic fish
- Several trails extend along coastline and along the ridge overlooking the bay