Embarking on a Hanauma Bay snorkeling adventure was the perfect fit for our adventure travel family, combining stunning natural beauty with a stress-free, well-organized experience. As we swam alongside colorful fish, each member of our family found something magical beneath the surface. Whether it was our girls marveling at schools of fish or the peacefulness of the bay’s quieter corners, our Hanauma Bay snorkeling adventure gave us unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for ocean conservation.
You Don't Want to Miss This Snorkeling Adventure!
You Don't Want to Miss This Snorkeling Adventure!
What is Hanauma Bay?
The name Hanauma Bay is derived from two enchanting Hawaiian words: “hana,” meaning bay, and “uma,” meaning curved. Nestled within a volcanic cone, this pristine nature preserve is an amazing place to snorkel among vibrant playful fish. This stunning bay has transformed into a pristine marine ecosystem, thanks to a dedicated restoration plan initiated by the City and County of Honolulu in 1990. After years of neglect from the millions of visitors who flocked to its shores, Hanauma Bay now welcomes an average of 1,400 visitors daily, or approximately half a million each year, making it one of the top three destinations on O’ahu!
Our Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Adventure:
Online Reservation System
Hanauma Bay operates a reservation system that requires advance ticket purchases. This ensures that the number of visitors each day is limited. Online reservations can be made two days in advance. They are released at 7:00 AM Hawai‘i Standard Time (HST) on the Department of Parks and Recreation website. With the bay closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, Wednesdays are promoted as the best day to visit.
I am not a fan of trying to secure reservations while on vacation. So, I opted for a transportation package that included a Wednesday morning time slot. When booking the package, you can book months in advanced. Plus, it includes snorkel gear and whatever extras you want to add on!
You Don't Want to Miss This Snorkeling Adventure!
You Don't Want to Miss This Snorkeling Adventure!
Our Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Adventure:
Arrival at Hanauma Bay
Our journey began with a prompt pick-up at 5:45 AM in a cozy passenger van. The van whisked us away to the company’s storefront to collect our snorkeling gear. As dawn broke, we were back on the road, excitement bubbling as we approached Hanauma Bay! We arrived just in time to join the line at 7 AM when the park gates swung open. Navigating the entry process was a breeze with our guide leading the way! There’s definitely an art to entering the park just as the gates open and avoiding the huge line of cars!
Our Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Adventure:
Lining Up by Timed Entry Time
Once we unloaded at Hanauma Bay, our guide passed our timed entry pass to one member of our group. There were people everywhere waiting for their time to be called! The times are called in order, but not necessarily at the specified time. So our 8:40 AM slot was called around 7:30 AM.
After we were called, we moved towards the payment area. Here, each non-resident guest pays the standard $25 entry fee. This entry fee is not included in the advance ticket or package payment.
Our Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Adventure:
Safety Orientation
We were ushered into a gallery for a mandatory 9-minute video. This is a crash course in marine life, park preservation, and essential safety rules. They ensured that all visitors understood the importance of respecting the delicate ecosystem we were about to explore. To protect our underwater friends, it’s crucial that visitors refrain from touching or walking on the coral reefs.
Our Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Adventure:
Walk or Tram to the Beach
The moment we finished the safety video, excitement surged through us! From here, you are free to walk down the large hill to the beach. Or, you can wait for the tram, which departs every 5-10 minutes.
We made our way down the hill towards the beach and plunged into the world of snorkeling. The underwater experience was nothing short of mesmerizing as we swam among vibrant, colorful fish.
Our Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Adventure:
Exploring Sandman’s Patch
We began on the far right side of the bay, near Sandman’s Patch. We spent much of the morning exploring this side of the bay with almost no one else around.
Our Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Adventure:
Exploring Triangle Lagoon
Then we began moving back towards the middle by the Triangle Lagoon.
Our Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Adventure:
Exploring Keyhole Lagoon
By later in the morning, we made our way to the left side by the Keyhole Lagoon. Most people stopped right at the bottom of the hill along the left side of the bay. So this side was by far more crowded.
We saw beautiful fish on both sides of the bay, but I liked the peacefulness of the right side more.
Our Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Adventure:
Wrapping Up Our Adventure
Our return transfer was set for 12 noon, which turned out to be the ideal time for our adventurous crew. It gave us the perfect window to explore both sides of the bay. Plus, we were able to sneak out of the park before the crowds fully descended on the bay. What an exhilarating day filled with underwater exploration and unforgettable memories!
Tips for Visiting with Kids
We brought life vests for the girls and myself, adding an extra bit of safety to our ocean adventures. The girls used theirs anytime we were in the ocean. Although the waves were gentle, life vests were an invaluable companion!
Spider Monkey faced a little hiccup with her mask and snorkel. So, I regret not bringing a set that I knew would work perfectly for her. To help her explore the beautiful bay, I pulled her along to different spots. Then I would gesturing for her to peer below whenever I spotted schools of vibrant, intriguing fish.
Meanwhile, Buttercup was off, delighting in her own ocean escapade, exploring the underwater world!
The Family Verdict
Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay was an absolutely breathtaking experience! While I anticipated a more “showy” reef, the vibrant array of fish darting around me was nothing short of mesmerizing! Each moment spent exploring the underwater wonders will be etched in my memory forever. If you’re seeking an adventure that combines stunning nature with exhilarating experiences, snorkeling in Hanauma Bay is an absolute must!
Join our adventures at nearby Kualoa Ranch and North Shore. Also follow along on our Hawaiian adventures in Oahu!
You Don't Want to Miss This Snorkeling Adventure!
You Don't Want to Miss This Snorkeling Adventure!
Follow along on our other amazing family travel adventures at www.adventureisinoursouls.com.
Recommended Supplies
Don’t miss out on these recommended supplies for your family adventure!
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