A Day at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a world-renowned snorkeling destination located on the southeastern coast of Oahu, Hawaii. The bay is surrounded by volcanic crater walls and is home to over 400 species of fish, making it a popular spot for both tourists and locals alike.
However, due to its popularity, there are a few restrictions in place. First and foremost, reservations can only be made up to 48 hours in advance, so plan accordingly!
The preserve is open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays, with entry allowed from 6:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and no entry is allowed after 1:30 p.m. This allows visitors to enjoy the bay while still minimizing their impact on the environment. So plan on arriving early!
Currently ALL Tour Buses and Shuttles into the Bay have been paused
Making a Reservation
Making a reservation can be done entirely online. Just visit the Department of Parks & Recreation website and select Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve from the list of parks. From there, you’ll be able to see available dates and times as well as how many spots are left for each time slot.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when purchasing tickets.
- Online reservations can be made up to two days in advance, and tickets go on sale at 7:00am Hawaii Standard Time. However, demand is high, and tickets are limited, so they can sell out as fast as five minutes after becoming available.
- If you’re not able to make a reservation online, you can purchase a walk-in ticket at the park when it opens at 6:45am. Please note that walk-in tickets must be used on the day of purchase, and the daily supply is limited.
- Active-Duty U.S. Military members and their dependents can enjoy free admission to Hanauma Bay. All you need is a Current U.S Active-Duty military ID (CAC Card) or a Current U.S Active-Duty military dependent ID (Privilege Card). So, whether you’re stationed in Hawaii or just visiting on leave, be sure to take advantage of this great opportunity to explore Hanauma Bay.
- Early entry for local residents available from 6:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. Local residents with a valid Hawaii identification may enter without a reservation from 6:45 a.m. until 9 a.m.
Arriving at Hanauma Bay
Because of its popularity, Hanauma Bay can be quite crowded. Parking is limited, and spaces fill up quickly. The best way to ensure a spot is to arrive early. Parking at Hanauma Bay costs $3 per vehicle, and spaces are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. However, the fee is cash only, so be sure to bring enough money with you. Once you’ve parked, make your way to the ticket booth where you’ll present your ID and reservation confirmation. After that, you’re free to explore! With a little planning, you can ensure a hassle-free visit to this natural paradise.
The preserve has several picnic pavilions, restroom facilities, snack bar and showers, so feel free to bring along lunch and spend the day. Just remember to be back at the ticket booth by 3:30 p.m. when they start clearing out the park!
Hanauma Bay is committed to protecting the natural world for future generations. In order to ensure the safety of our guests and staff, we have established some guidelines for visiting the nature preserve.
- All visitors must leave the preserve by 4 p, m., with the beach being cleared at 3:15 p.m.
- We ask that all visitors respect the wildlife and refrain from feeding the animals.
- We request that visitors stay on designated trails to minimize impact on the ecosystem.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of Oahu’s most popular tourist destinations for good reason—it’s absolutely beautiful! With its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, it’s no wonder why people come from all over the world to experience it. Just remember to plan ahead and arrive early to ensure entrance into this slice of paradise! Thank you for your cooperation in helping us to protect this special place.
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