Hanauma Bay Snorkel Fun

This place is amazing! It's a must whenever I visit hawaii. They are closed Mondays and Tuesdays. You have to have a reservation OR show up really early (7am) and hope to get a walk in ticket. $25 entrance fee and the park closes at 2:30pm. It's a beautiful beach and the snorkeling experience was so much fun. Beautiful reefs and fish. I'm grateful they do what they can to preserve and protect the environment but people were still stepping on the reefs so please if you go, don't step on the reefs, use sunscreen that won't affect the sea life and do not shampoo yourself in the showers that drain into the ocean and hopefully we can enjoy this beautiful place for many more years to come!

Very clean clear water. People were all friendly and happy atmosphere. Saw some fish, nothing major but had fun. Bring your own equipment and you can save some money.

Pricey rentals~ so if you can bring your own snorkels AND fins, do so! The coral and reef are VERY rocky, so fins are strongly suggested. Snorkeling is one of our favorite family excursions in Honolulu. It's a great all-day excursion, I feel like we could have easily spent the entire day there. Gift shop and a snack bar are available, but they're located at the top of the site; it's a hike downhill to get to the snorkeling. Gift shop will give you a small discount if you turn in your SPF sunscreen for a more environmentally friendly sunscreen that's safer for the coral and reef. I feel like I've reviewed Hanauma Bay before, so I'll search for that, but if I don't come across a previous review, here are a couple notes to consider if you're visiting Honolulu.

I gave two stars because the woman in information booth was nice.. Others not so much..I am a local and we decided to finally get back out there. I haven't actually been since I was in High school many years ago. My husband booked us a confirmation online as well as I had a photo ofmy drivers license proof I/we live here..We went early to take advantage of free entry to Locals.Well they wouldn't even consider letting me in without paying..Wouldn't rush back there..I thought they wanted Locals to visit and if so maybe a little kindness..Especially when my husband had hisLocal ID to show..Absolutely ridiculous 25.00 so beware they are not accommodating..Even a Covid Vaccine photo is acceptable..and, that could kill you..!I never like to write these but it's very irritating..

Hanauma bay is a great place to snorkel! Parking is $1 and it's $7.50 for entrance. Once you get ur ticket, you have to watch a 7 minute information video (if you come back within the next 12 months you can sign up to not watch the video again). After that you walk down the hill to get to the beach. There are public restrooms and showers down the hill. But if you wanted to buy food and drinks, it's at the entrance. It's nice that they offer goggle and fins for rent. It's $20 for both pieces. This is a great place designed for snorkeling. There's a lot cool fishes. It's also a nice place to walk around or tan on the sand.

This place is a must see when in Hawaii. First off the experience is humbling. The sights are just a piece of the island you won't get anywhere else. The whole journey to the spot is exactly that.. a journey. So pack light, hahaa. They do have a little cart that can take you up and down for a fee. It's a reserve so you can't bring a whole lot anyways. I suggest looking up on there sight for the specifics. The water was a clear enough to see some fishes. It wasn't always clear. The influx of people kicking up the sand makes it difficult to see at first, but venture a little further out, as far as you are comfortable of course... for me it was just a few more feet away from shore and you'll be able to see fish everywhere. We stayed within the boundaries of the buoys. The currents were easygoing. If you're not experienced in swimming, stay closer to the shores. The kid loved it and as adults it was one of the highlights on our trip!

I was born and raised on Oahu and for 20 years I never went to Hanauma Bay. My boyfriend was visiting from California and I decided to try "tourist" things. We came to Hanauma Bay to snorkel and after a couple of hours there, it became my new favorite thing to do on Oahu. Ever time I come back home I go to Hanauma Bay. Amazing experience, I swam next to a sea turtle and tons of tropical fish. I can't believe I never did this when I was younger. Little tip, get there right before they open to get good parking and free entry. You can rent snorkel gear but I always bring my own. It's very crowded all the time but it is definitely worth it. It's also a great educational experience for young children. Please be respectful of this marine-life sanctuary when you visit :)

Our first time snorkeling and it was nothing short of amazing! The area is beautiful and lots of fish to see. They make you watch a video about conservation and the do's and don'ts when snorkeling. Some people were annoyed but I found it very helpful. Knowing not to touch the coral was important and I'm from the Midwest so I didn't know. The only reason for 4 stars....jellyfish. There were signs so we asked how serious. We were told not really a big deal because just a few sightings but we should be ok. WRONG! Leave it to me to get stung. About 1 hour in and I felt a sharp pain in my leg. It didn't hurt so much at first but within 30 mins I was in severe pain with a really bad reaction. I know it's just nature and we are invading the space of the wildlife. Just please pay attention to signs and don't think it won't happen to you. I would love to go back while the jellyfish are away...

Amazing adventure, staff was very attentive to make the experience as great as possible

Got the basic package mainly for transportation from Waikiki. Cheaper but slower than a taxi. Probably faster and more expensive than a bus. The van was cramped but AC was fine. Rented swimming flippers too.Paid cash at drop-off. They probably don't take credit.