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Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

7455 Kalaniana'ole Hwy., Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96825
808 396 4229
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As featured in 3 days in Honolulu
Ranked #16 of 141 attractions in Honolulu
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Type: Beaches, Bodies of Water, Nature/ Wildlife Areas, State Parks, Parks
Activities: Snorkeling
Fee: Yes
Recommended length of visit: 1-2 hours
Traveler Description: The snorkeling is spectacular: live coral, many brilliant tropical fish and sea turtles to be experienced up close.  This venue is perfect for... more »
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2,799 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Nowra, Australia
Top Contributor
70 reviews 70 reviews
19 attraction reviews
Reviews in 45 cities Reviews in 45 cities
111 helpful votes 111 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2013 NEW

Travelled to the bay for snorkelling in late April 2013. We luckily got a carpark at about 11am and paid our entry fee. We then had to wait about 20mins before we could see the compulsory video before we could go down to the beach. It was torture in the middle of a hot day where we just wanted to... More

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See 5 more reviews by dancingprincess for Honolulu
Leicester, United Kingdom
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 21, 2013 NEW

This place is beautiful and I would have given it 5 stars for the gorgeous scenery but only one thing that is very clear in my head when I think about our visit here is that there is no shade when you are on that bay/beach. There are no facilities to even pay for any shade and it was extremely... More

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See 3 more reviews by PDKJ for Honolulu
Idaho
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
12 helpful votes 12 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2013 NEW

We arrived around 6 am to avoid the masses, which we succeeded in doing; however, that day had some unusual conditions that had the sand all stirred up making it tough to see farther than 1 foot away, which is not ideal when you are surrounded by reef. We didn't have to pay at that time...I'm not sure if they... More

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Rio de Janeiro, RJ
Senior Contributor
24 reviews 24 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2013 NEW

One of the best beaches I´ve ever been, and I know a lot of them. It´s a MUST if you go to Honolulu, the water is warm, so clean that you can see the size of the grain of sand, small fishes. Wish to go back.

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See 3 more reviews by abtrix for Honolulu
El Paso, Texas
Senior Contributor
32 reviews 32 reviews
14 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 20, 2013 NEW

We were lucky enough to drop by late in the afternoon after a day on the water elsewhere and found parking and admission free. At that time, there were no crowds. Gorgeous fish everywhere aren't shy. We had taken pictures from the scenic lookout the day before on and wanted to check out the snorkeling. We only had about an... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 11 more reviews by Transplant_Texan for Honolulu
Tucson, Arizona
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 19, 2013 NEW

Had a great time learning to snorkel, lots of beautiful fish. Got stuck in a strong current, so if you're a beginner like me, steer clear of the Channel and keep to the Keyhole while you're getting accustomed to your equipment. Get their early to avoid the crowds. Bring your gear, or rent it there. We booked a "tour" that... More

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See 6 more reviews by thornbeek for Honolulu
Cary, North Carolina
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 15 cities Reviews in 15 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 19, 2013 NEW via mobile

I snorkeled here first time but to tell you it was the best no because of my first snokel experience but because of the closeness to the corals you will love it. Also they have. $2 shuttle service from the top to the beach you can rent snokel great here also go early this place can get lot crowded as... More

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See 5 more reviews by rams484 for Honolulu
Maineville, OH
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 19, 2013 NEW

This is the place to see in Oahu. If you want a snorkel trip that is nearby, cheap and memorable come here! There is no describing the view, both in the water and on the walk down. Amazing! Be sure to get there early as it fills up quickly. We arrived around 9am and the lot was already full. You... More

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Orlando, Florida
Senior Contributor
45 reviews 45 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 26 cities Reviews in 26 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2013 NEW

This is such a beautiful place for people to safely and responsibly enjoy the water, coral, snorkeling, in an incredible setting. Plenty of parking is available, but come early as it can get busy and the parking lot can close. It is a safe place for people of all ages to do a little swimming or snorkeling in an natural... More

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See 3 more reviews by OrlandoTraveler32814 for Honolulu
Hudson, Ohio
Contributor
15 reviews 15 reviews
9 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 18, 2013 NEW

Even on a "cloudy" water day, it is a treat! So much color! So amazing to be surrounded with the delicate and delightful amazing creatures of the ocean! I have been going to haunama for years! I am shocked at costs now, with parking & entrance fees, but the education, the respect for nature, the preservation, and the honor to... More

Was this review helpful? Yes 2
See 3 more reviews by missywould for Honolulu

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