Things to do nearHanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is a protected marine sanctuary on Oahu's southeastern shore, celebrated for its coral reef, calm turquoise waters, and abundant tropical fish.
Hanauma Bay was formed roughly 32,000 years ago when volcanic activity created a tuff cone that the ocean eventually breached, carving out the sheltered cove visible today. The Hawaiian name is thought to mean curved bay, a fitting description for the bay's distinctive horseshoe shape. In 1967 it was designated a Marine Life Conservation District, one of the first in Hawaii, and the site has since become a model for balancing public access with ecological preservation.
The reef system inside Hanauma Bay supports hundreds of species of fish along with green sea turtles, octopuses, and a variety of corals. The inner reef area known as the Keyhole offers calm, shallow water well suited to first-time snorkelers, while more experienced swimmers venture toward the outer reef where the marine life grows more varied and the coral formations more dramatic. Fins, masks, and snorkels are available for rent near the beach.
Above the waterline, the bay's surrounding crater walls are laced with hiking trails that offer sweeping views back over the cove and out toward Koko Head and the Koolau Range. The visitor center at the top of the hill houses educational exhibits on Hawaiian marine ecosystems and the geology that shaped the bay.
Hanauma Bay stands apart from other snorkeling destinations in Hawaii because of the genuine care taken to protect it, giving visitors the rare experience of a thriving reef that has been allowed to recover and flourish over decades.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Hanauma Bay
Arrive early, as Hanauma Bay limits daily visitors and reservations fill quickly, especially on weekends and holidays.
Bring reef-safe, mineral-based sunscreen, as chemical sunscreens are prohibited inside the bay to protect the coral.
Watch the mandatory marine education video at the visitor center before heading down to the beach, and pay close attention to the reef etiquette guidelines.
Try snorkeling along the inner reef edges rather than heading straight to the center channel, where currents can run stronger.
Visit on a weekday morning for the calmest water conditions and the best visibility before afternoon trade winds pick up.
Top tours & experiences near Hanauma Bay
German-Guided Oahu Circle Island Tour
See 30+ Oahu sights in 6–7 hours on a small-group island tour
Oahu Circle Island Tour with Turtle Bay Snorkeling
Explore beyond Honolulu while someone else does the driving
Private Oahu Circle Island Tour from Honolulu
Explore Oahu your way with a private guide and a flexible route
Private Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Tour with Japanese Guide
Snorkel at your own pace with priority entry to Hanauma Bay
Private Oahu Circle Island Tour
Set your own pace on a private, guide-led journey around Oahu
Self-Guided Oahu Slingshot Rental & Photo Spot Tour
Ride a Polaris Slingshot full-loop photo route with built-in navigation
Guided Private Tour of Oahu's South Shore
A flexible private South Shore outing with a local driver-guide
Guided Hanauma Bay Ridge Hike with Kaiwi Coast Views
Take in sweeping bay and coastal views on a moderate ridge hike
5.5-Hour Hanauma Bay Snorkeling
Ride from Waikiki with sanitized gear and instruction for Hanauma Bay snorkeling
East Oʻahu Coastal Tour to Diamond Head & Hanauma Bay
Discover East Oʻahu’s coastal lookouts, island landmarks, and local favorites
Pearl Harbor & Oahu Circle Island Tour
Fly from Kauai for Pearl Harbor history and Oahu coastal sights
Small Group Oahu Circle Island Tour from Waikiki
Explore Oahu's coast, culture, and film locations with an expert guide
Oahu North Shore Circle Island Tour with Dole Plantation
Explore North Shore surf spots, film sites and local flavors on an Oahu island loop
Oahu Circle Island Tour & Turtle Bay Snorkeling
Leave the city behind for Oahu’s coastal scenery and local island life
Private Kids & Family Intro Scuba Dive Near Waikiki
Discover underwater breathing with a dedicated instructor at your family's pace
Honolulu Scuba Diving for Beginners & Certified Divers
Explore the reef together, even if only one of you is a certified diver
Self-Guided Slingshot Tour of Oahu's East Coast from Waikiki
Drive a Polaris Slingshot past Oahu’s coast and mountain passes
5-6-Hour Guided Oahu South Shore Tour
Customize a private South Shore route with a personal driver-guide
Makapu‘u Lighthouse Trail Hike & Halona Blowhole
A self-guided coastal hike with lighthouse views and a Halona Blowhole stop
Pearl Harbor & Oahu Circle Island Tour From Kona
Fly from Kona for Pearl Harbor history and an Oahu island tour
Honolulu Snorkel Gear Rental Near Hanauma Bay
Get fitted snorkel gear for a self-guided beach day near Hanauma Bay
Luau at Sea Life Park Hawaii with Preferred Seating
Enjoy a buffet feast, cultural activities and a Polynesian evening show
Customize a Private Guided Tour on Oahu
Build your own private Oahu itinerary with a local expert guide
Explore Oahu North Shore Guided Tour With Dole Plantation
See Oahu’s North Shore: Dole Plantation, Haleiwa, surf spots and beach turtles