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Of all the attractions on Oahu, there is one that stands above the rest when it comes to getting visitors up close to the colorful marine life that calls the reefs round the island home. The protected cove draws visitors from around the world, offering a place to view the wildlife and enjoy the warm waters of the Pacific, with a stunning beach setting. Hanauma Bay is the place for snorkeling, and one of the Oahu attractions that you cannot miss.
The South Shore is stunning and as you make your way to the sand, you get a view that cannot be beat. In fact, this is the view of Hanauma Bay that is often featured in pictures of the island it is so stunning that you might not believe your eyes. The powder white sand is inviting you to take some time to soak in your surroundings, adding to an incredible experience at the site of countless snorkeling adventures. The stars of the bay are the assortment of fish that you see when you enter the water, and the more time that you spend in the water, the more that you will see.
Hanauma Bay is a Nature Preserve and Marine Life Conservation District, serving to protect the inhabitants of its waters. The reefs here are home to more than 400 species of fish and are also an area where Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles are found in abundance. The clear, calm waters created by the offshore reefs are the perfect place to skim the water and witness the beauty beneath the ocean’s surface. There may not be a better place for snorkeling in the entire island chain.
Like most attractions in Hawaii, Hanauma Bay’s origins are volcanic, originating about 32,000 years ago with a series of violent eruptions that created Oahu’s attractions and destinations along the South Shore. This is just one of many amazing places to see during a trip to Oahu’s South Shore, with Koko Head Crater nearby and a variety of great lookout points not too far down the road.
Hanauma Bay Snorkeling is one of the most popular things to do on Oahu. More than 1 million visitors arrive at the bay each year, which has brought the need to conserve the state of the bay and educate visitors on its future. In order to keep the bay thriving, it is closed on Tuesdays, in order to allow the fish a day without human interaction and the waters a chance to be cleansed.
If you are planning on snorkeling while you are visiting Oahu, head to Hanauma Bay. Snorkeling is a very affordable activity for all ages, and Hanauma Bay offers an easy entrance from the sand, making getting in and out a breeze. You will love the marine life and the underwater formations that are found throughout the bay.
Due to the high volume of visitors traveling to Hawaii year round, our Oahu tours and Oahu activities sell out quickly. In many cases, tours sell out weeks or months in advance, especially our top seller Sea Life Park Luau. To ensure your spots on tour, we recommend reserving your tours today. Call our office or book online to take advantage of our low price guarantee today.