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Hanauma Bay Oahu Guide, Snorkelling and Warnings

 

Hanauma Bay Oahu Guide, Snorkelling and Warnings

We have been snorkelling in Hanauma bay 4 times and we have had some amazing experience as well as life threatening experiences here. One of our closest call incidents, where the average person may have died occurred in Hanauma bay on Oahu. It was super scary and that’s why we want all of our readers to know about the dangers of Hanauma bay before they go. This is the Hanauma Bay Oahu Guide including snorkelling and warnings of the area. Keep yourself and your family safe!

Hanauma bay is run like a business and they want people to keep on coming to the area. In my opinion this area needs a break as every time I go, there are less and less fish as well as less and less coral. This could be due to the pressures humans have on the reef, and due to pollution.

Yes Hanauma bay is one of the best places to snorkel on Oahu for the time being, but it is fast becoming an Oahu feature of the past.

Hanauma Bay in Oahu Hawaii Ultimate guide with Warnings and dangers

Hanauma Bay in Oahu Hawaii Ultimate guide with Warnings and dangers

When you first get to Hanauma bay, you will find a huge parking lot with tons of tour buses and a lot of people. There will be an area that you will have to pay prior to entering the marine conservation area. Once you pay your fees, you will be given a brochure with some basic instructions and rules about the area.

From there you will line up and be ushered into a screening room where they have a projector and some seats set up. It is air conditioned and comfortable, however the presentation feels really long. They also make you watch the presentation every time you go there, so be prepared if you have seen it already. The presentation itself is about reef safety and keeping the animals safe. They also describe some of the things you will see in Hanauma bay while snorkelling.

When the presentation is done, you will walk into another room that will explain the history of Hanauma bay and why this area is being protected by the government.

After that room, you will exit to the outside of that building and get an unreal viewpoint of Hanauma bay, this is your picture spot. You will have the option of walking down the hill to the beach to take a short shuttle ride from the upper building to the beach. We always walk.

The beach is actually very beautiful, once you setup your beach spot you can enter the water with your snorkel gear on. I always make sure I am wearing my water shoes and full snorkel set with a rash guard. Once in the water, you will see very fast that there is a really high concentration of wildlife and fish here. My first time there I had to have seen at least 6 turtles and huge schools of fish. It is really tranquil in most of the bay, but beware of the two openings that are clearly marked. If you go to this area, you can get sucked out to sea. Make sure your kids are using a floatation device in the bay, as their light weight is easy for the ocean to pull.

How I almost died In Hanauma Bay snorkelling

Tourists often forget that the ocean is not a toy, it is not man made and it is out of our control. About 3 years ago when I was in Hanauma bay snorkelling, by travel buddy Jason and I learned this lesson for ourselves.

We were really excited to get to Hanauma bay very early, before the crowds got there. As we entered the water, we noticed some divers going out pretty far in the bay. I thought to myself, we have to be missing something here if these guys are scuba diving in Hanauma bay.

Jason and I both consider ourselves badass swimmers and have a lot of experience free diving, scuba diving and snorkelling. We dismissed the signs at the side of the reef and went out past the reef. As soon as we were in the middle of that area, I noticed my body being sucked downwards and away from the beach…What the heck? I was calm and swam around a bit. I like to dive down and check out the coral and stuff, but today every time I did it, I was getting sucked out further and further. Damn ok I thought, We better head in. I looked back and Jason was nowhere to be seen. Holy crap…what do I do?

I spent the next 15 minutes trying to find Jason, but the current kept pulling me further and further out. The waves were also getting larger as the time went on. My next thought is I have to start making my way back to the beach…I have to start worrying about myself. I started to swim hard and as I looked down, I realized I was not making any progress. Now I am an extremely strong swimmer, so I was getting frustrated.

Hot dad at Hanauma Bay Oahu

Hot dad at Hanauma Bay Oahu

How to Swim during rip tides

Usually I try to move with the sediment in the water, meaning when you are looking in the water and the sediment is moving forward, I kick hard and make a good stride. Today that technique was not working. Still I was not panicking, there are lifeguards at Hanauma bay and I know if I freak out I will suffer more in the water.

I started to dive down and hold the rock and coral wall until the suction of the current stoped. Then I would swim myself forward. It was extremely difficult, and I took in a lot of salt water. But I made it out after around 3 hours. I think most people would have died if this happened to them.

Jason on the other hand, had a much worse time than I did. He did not get sucked out as far as I did, he ditched me much earlier in the process lol. Jason was smashed repeatedly against the coral wall. He could not get back to the opening in the wall, so he climbed up fearing for his life. When we both got back to the beach we realized how close of a call this was. Jason was bleeding from his chest, face, hands and feet…It was brutal.

Hanauma bay is a beautiful place to snorkel and dive, as long as you know what you are doing. I do not recommend this area for beginners. Many of the blogs and information you will read online will promote this place for everyone, but in my opinion you really have to be careful.

Just recently2 fit 33 year olds died in Hanauma bay and another guy is in intensive care. There are so many people here, that the lifeguards cannot pay attention to everyone. Or they might just be relaxing on the beach, I’m not sure. Just be careful.

Below is everything you need to know about Hanauma bay and snorkelling or diving in Hanauma bay.

Hanauma Bay Hawaii beach

The beach at Hanauma bay in Oahu is really beautiful. It is one of the nicest and most unique beaches in Hawaii. When you pay your park fees and enter, you will be able to take some spectacular pictures of the beach, and the bay.

When we arrived at the beach at Hanauma bay, the first thing I realized was that it is way larger than it looks from the pictures and up above. It is actually very wide and long. The sand is made from crushed coral and it is a little more corse than the sand you see in the rest of Oahu. This is due to the healthy reef system right offshore protecting the sand and the beach from harsh rolling waves.

Although Hawaii has many small coves, this is one of the few that are large and have a massive reef in from of it perfect for diving and snorkelling.

Right behind the Hanauma bay beach, there is a giant cliff wall. There are some palm trees for shad, but not a lot. You can get some amazing dramatic photos right on the beach. Be prepared that the beach will be windy, because it is located in a bay. And there will be birds trying to eat your food, this is pretty normal in Hawaii you will find.

Hanauma bay Oahu snorkelling

Snorkelling and scuba diving at Hanauma bay on Oahu are the most popular things to do in the area. The healthy reef system makes it the perfect environment to see loads of fish and sea life.

The first time I ever went down, there were huge schools of yellow and achilles tangs. I saw bigger pipefish than I have ever seen and I also saw 6 turtles.

Radika, my wife loved it because she was in a safe environment on the beautiful beach to chill out and relax while I was out snorkelling.

There is really good snorkelling around 10 yards out from the beach for kids. That is because you will start seeing the first sign of the coral reef here. As you go deeper and further out, you will notice that the reef becomes like a huge wall in the ocean. There are more and more sea life the further you go out. I saw probably 3 or 4 eels this dive and hundreds if not thousands of fish.

Since then, I have gone back to the location multiple times and have noticed that every time I go there is less to see. This is due to pollution, tourists and the warming of the ocean killing the reef. I really think Hanauma bay needs a break from tourism so that it can one day be what it used to be, but that is up to the Hawaiian government. What is more important…tourism or the health of the island?

Please please read the warning signs and obey them. People have died in Hanauma bay not being careful.

Where to park at Hanauma Bay on Oahu

There is a large parking lot at the top of the bay before the entrance. The parking fee here is only a dollar so it is cheap to park. Don’t worry they will get you at the door.

 

Hanauma Bay Beach Oahu

Hanauma Bay Beach Oahu

Where to eat at Hanauma Bay

There is a restaurant at the top of the hill right outside of the parking lot selling burger and hot dogs. It is pretty limited, so I always bring my own food when I go to Hanauma bay. There may be street vendors selling chips and small snack near the parking lot.

How far is Hanauma Bay from Waikiki

Hanauma Bay is located 27 minutes east of Waikiki on the windy side of Oahu. You can get there by bus, Uber, Taxi or drive yourself. There are even tours that come here, but if you have a car it is way cheaper to drive here.

What is Hanauma bay?

Hanauma bay is a marine park located in the eastern side of Oahu. It was formed inside of a volcanic cone making it concave and the island grew around it. Over the years a beautiful coral reef grew inside of the bay and a beach came naturally in the area like it does all over Hawaii.

Hanauma bay has become a bit of a tourist trap, with thousands of visitors here every year. It has started taking a toll on the reef and it is starting to die.

Is Hanauma Bay the best place on Oahu to snorkel?

Hanauma bay used to be the best place to snorkel on Oahu, but i think that is a thing of the past. There are much better places to snorkel on Oahu, that you don’t have to pay for and are way less dangerous.

Hanauma bay is a tourist trap, and should be avoided if you care about the preservation of marine life and reefs. They call it a marine sanctuary, but it is really just a money grab now.

Is Hanauma Bay good for kids?

The beach is windy at Hanauma bay and your kids will not enjoy the sand flying up in their faces and how cold they get after coming out of the water.

Many people have died or been injured here, so I don’t recommend bringing your kids to this area. They are safe in the shallows for the most part, but you never know if the ocean is feeling angry that day. The 2 opening in the reef have created the perfect suction cup, pulling from the inside of the bay to the outside. I just don’t like taking chances like this with my kids.

Hanauma Bay coral

There used to be a lot of coral in Hanauma bay including brain coral and a lot of hard coral. Over the years it has suffered major coral bleaching due to the stresses humans have on the reef, chemicals, urine and global warming. Right now they that at least 47% of the coral here has suffered coral bleaching and 10% of it has all died. This place really needs a break if the next generations are ever able to enjoy it.

Babies snorkelling at Hanauma Bay, Oahu

Babies snorkelling at Hanauma Bay, Oahu

Types of fish you will sea when you snorkel Hanauma Bay.

  1. Hawaiian Trigger fish
  2. Butterfly fish
  3. Angelfish
  4. Huge parrotfish
  5. Goatfish
  6. Gobies
  7. Snapper
  8. Different types of Tangs
  9. Moorish Idols
  10. Wrasses
  11. Trumpetfish

Other sea life you see when you snorkel or scuba dive Hanauma bay.

  1. Giant sea turtles
  2. Rays
  3. Sea snakes
  4. Eels
  5. Possible spinner dolphins
  6. White tip reef sharks
  7. Octopus
  8. Monk seals
  9. Different types of coral

Should I scuba dive at Hanauma Bay?

No, Hanauma bay is not very deep and you can free dive it without having to pay the expensive prices the dive company charges to scuba dive in the area. The best scuba diving on Oahu is not close to the mainland and will not cost you much more than a dive here will cost you.

Not to mention, you will have to carry your tanks down the steep hill here. I really think it is a waste of money. There is actually a lot more to see in the shallower water than in the deep in this area.

Do they rent snorkel equipment at Hanauma Bay?

Yes they do rent snorkel equipment in Hanauma bay for a little more than what it would cost you to buy that equipment. I called Hanauma bay a money grab and it is. They charge an average of $20USD for a snorkel, mask and fins for the day. You can rent a more expensive package if you want higher end stuff. Do yourself a favour and stop into a Wal mart or Costco before you go here and buy a full setup that you will own for $15 USD

Beautiful Waikiki Skyline

Beautiful Waikiki Skyline

Hanauma Bay visibility for snorkelling and diving.

The visibility for both snorkelling and diving is really good in Hanauma bay. The reef protects the beach area and water from the waves in the ocean, making the water dry still.If you are diving the outside of the reef, then the visibility will depend on the time of year. The east side and north side of Oahu has great visibility in the summer months and during the winter, there is a lot of kicked up sediment and algae in the water.

What is the best time to go to Hanauma Bay?

The best time to go to Hanauma bay is first thing in the morning. It opens at 6am and you should try to get there at 5:45am if you want to see the best stuff. Keep in mind you will still have to do the orientation video and walk down to the beach. So get there early.

The reason this is the best time to go to Hanauma bay is because this is the time of day the fish will be feeding and the nocturnal animals may also be out feeding. It is wake up time for the daytime creatures. You will see more if you go early in the morning.

What should I bring to Hanauma Bay?

If you are going to Hanauma bay to snorkel you should bring snacks, reef safe sunscreen, a snorkel set, fins if you need them, water shoes, rash guard or wet suit, a whistle for safety, small amount of cash that you can bring in your swim wear and a umbrella to give you some shade.

Are there sharks in Hanauma Bay?

Yes there can be white tip or black tip reef sharks in Hanauma Bay. The sharks are very unlikely to enter the inside of the bay where most people snorkel, as it becomes too shallow for them and there are too many people. I would not worry about sharks in the Hanauma bay while you snorkel.

Is Hanauma Bay open? Hanauman Bay Closure 2019

Yes Hanauma bay is open. They did recently shut down over some sewage issues, but that was resolved. Hanauma bay is closed every Tuesday.

Warnings And Dangers of Hanauma Bay

  1. Sharp Coral
  2. Rip Tides and strong current
  3. Banded sea snakes
  4. Do not touch the turtles!
  5. Hanauma Bay deaths

Hanauma Bay, Oahu Rules

  1. No pets
  2. Alcohol restricted
  3. No fishing
  4. No littering
  5. Wear reef safe sunscreen
  6. No touching or bothering the sea life
  7. No Touching turtles

What is the Hanauma Bay Toilet Bowl?

Also know as the toilet bowl swimming hole is a rock pool located at Hanauma bay in the ocean. It is closed because it is very dangerous to go into. However people keep on going.

The toilet bowl is located on the outer ring of Hanauma bay on the north side of the bay. Instagrammers have made this part of Hanauma bay popular, because of the cool unique pictures you can get here. Stay the heck away from the Hanauma bay toilet bowl. It is not worth your life!

Hawaii fish species

Hawaii fish species

Hanauma Bay snorkelling tips

Always swim with a buddy

If you loose control in the water, you are going to want to have someone there to help you or at least to report it.

Swim with the current

Fighting the current is exhausting and can wear you out fast. Always swim with the current. Practice this in the shallow before you venture out deeper.

Don’t touch the coral

Not only because some of it can sting, but also because the chemicals from your skin can kill the coral.

Stay a good distance from the rocks

You don’t know what the waves are going to do. Always make it a practice of keeping your distance from the rock and coral. Enjoy it from afar and you will be safer.

Do not go near the 2 openings in the rock wall if you are not an amazing swimmer

Like I stated above. This area is dangerous and you can get sucked out easily. Even if you are an amazing swimmer

Always have kids in a life jacket

I would never allow my kids to swim in this area, after I almost died without a life jacket.

Freediving in Hanauma Bay, Oahu

Freediving in Hanauma Bay, Oahu

Avoid full face masks

There is a lot less control in the water with these full faced masks. Learn to snorkel the right way from the beginning and don’t get sold by these easy methods. You can find yourself in trouble fast with these in the ocean.

Wear water shoes

There are sharp rocks and coral beneath your feet, always wear water shoes or fins when you enter the water.

Wear a rash guard or shark skin on your body

Not only will it keep you warm and allow you to stay out longer, it will also increase your buoyancy for floating and prevent chaffing. If my buddy that got into trouble in Hanauma bay with me did not wear a rash guard, his chest would have been all cut up from the coral reef!

Use reef safe sunscreen

This is to prevent dangerous chemicals from spilling into the water and contaminating the reef area.

Hanauma Bay hours of operation

Hanauma bay is closed every Tuesday.

Opens at 6am

Closes at 6pm in the winter and 7pm in the summer months.

Hanauma Bay Oahu snorkelling Entry Fees. How Much does it cost?

Kids under 12 are free, adult ticket price is $7.50 USD per person

Parking costs $1/vehicle

Should I go on a Hanauma bay snorkelling tour?

No you don’t need to pay for a snorkelling tour to go to Hanauma bay. If you go on a tour, you will be on their time and you will get less water time. I hate having my timeframes set for me.You are better off to drive or take an Uber here. You will get there in your time and it will be cheaper than going on a tour.

What will I learn at Hanauma bay?

You will learn about the species of fish and coral that are in the Hawaiian water along with some marine conservation techniques.

Can you fish at Hanauma Bay?

There is no fishing in Hanauma bay on Oahu. It is a marine sanctuary and you can get arrested if you try to fish in the area. They need to maintain a large fish population here so that the tourists will keep coming.

Address to Hanauma Bay Oahu

The address to Hanauma bay is 7455 Kalanianaole Highway in Honolulu, Hawaii.

The entrance to Hanauma bay will be clearly marked at the top of the hill when you are driving here.

Waikiki to Hanauma Bay driving directions

From Waikiki you will get gps instructions to go to the H! highway East. Take that for around 10 minutes and t will turn into the Kalanianaole highway.

Drive 8 mile on this highway up a large hill. There are some beautiful viewpoints that you can stop at for pictures here. Continue on and you will see a sign on the right side Hanauma bay.

Pay the parking fee of $1 and park your car.

If you have any more insight or questions about Honolulu, Oahu, please shoot us an email or comment. We want our Hawaii Travel blogs to be the most comprehensive source of information about Hawaii on the internet.

The Rampersauds at Ko Olina Beach in Oahu, Hawaii

The Rampersauds at Ko Olina Beach in Oahu, Hawaii

The Rampersauds 
My name is Sean Rampersaud, my family and I are travelling the world writing and taking video of our experiences. My wife is Radika and my 2 kids are Rayden and Natasha. We want to help improve our readers lives in some way, and have a large private group of travellers we like to work with. You can join our group by leaving your email. Please comment below if you have any questions. If you found this informative please share it. We provide our community free travel tools that will make your lives way easier when you travel including free travel plans, and a custom itinerary builderJoin us today. If you are interested in how we make money while we travel email me or reply with you name and email at sean@adventugo.com.
 

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Hi! My name is Sean Rampersaud, I am a family travel writer and photographer with a focus on adventure travel. My kids are Rayden and Natasha and my beautiful wife is Radika.We have been travelling for the last 25 years and have some really cool ideas to share with you.Thanks for visiting our page, I hope we can help you to get the most out of your next big adventure.

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