Hanauma is a marine embayment formed within a tuff ring and located along the southeast coast of the Island of Oʻahu in the Hawaii Kai neighborhood of East Honolulu, in the Hawaiian Islands. Hanauma is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Island and has suffered somewhat from overtourism.
Formed within a volcanic cone, today Hanauma Bay offers a pristine marine ecosystem after the City and County of Honolulu laid out a plan in 1990 to restore the bay, after years of use from the millions of visitors who visit and love to snorkel Hanauma Bay. Voted Best Beach in the United States in 2016, volunteers have a booth located on the beach level to help visitors learn about conservation of the reef and the types of fish that live there.
In 2002 a marine education center was opened for visitors and part of the conservation plan requires first-time visitors to watch a 9 minute video before entering the park so they can learn about the marine life, preservation and safety rules for the park. All visitors are required by law to refrain from mistreating the marine animals and from touching or walking on the coral. In the early 2000’s the natural spa called “Toilet Bowl” because of the rise and fall of water with the waves, was closed to visitors due safety concerns.
"Hana" is the Hawaiian word for "Bay" and "uma" refers to the curves of the indigenous canoes.
For many years Hawaiian Royalty used Hanauma bay for fishing and recreation
Hanauma Bay is a must do for your Oahu island itinerary. It is one of the premier destinations on Oahu if you want to get acquainted with hundreds of tropical fish and marine life. It offers an overall great experience whether your a beginner or an avid snorkeler and it's for people of all ages.
Snack Bar & Gift Shop are open
The parking lot at Hanauma Bay is relatively small and fills up daily. When filled to capacity the security guards at the top of the hill are notified and no other public vehicles are allowed to enter.
