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Hanauma Bay State Underwater Park
Hanauma Bay State Underwater Park is approximately 100 acres
in size and Hanauma Bay Beach is one of the most popular
snorkeling spots in Hawaii.
Copyright © Kathleen Walling Fry
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Hanauma Bay is a deep cove on the south shore of Oahu
with a 2000 foot white sand beach. There are several
hiking trails on the cliffs above the cove and the beach is one of the
best spots on Oahu for snorkeling. The area surrounding
the Hanauma Bay State Underwater Park is the County of
Honolulu's Hanauma Bay Beach Park.
The views of Hanauma Bay from the parking lot lookout points are
beautiful, making it a "must see" spot for visitors driving around Oahu.
Many people stop to see the view and take photos, without walking
down to the beach. Visitors who do wish to get a closer look at the beach
can either take a tram or walk down the cliff on a
somewhat steep but paved trail.
WATER ACTIVITIES:
The most popular activities at Hanauma Bay State Underwater
Park are swimming and observing the coral and tropical
fish while snorkeling, SCUBA diving, or snuba diving.
The water is shallow and usually calm, so it is a suitable for
both beginning and more advanced snorkelers and divers.
HIKING:
Commercial hiking tours of Hanauma Bay are only
permitted two weekdays and two weekend days per month,
but hiking on your own is also possible. The
trail from the parking lot to the beach is steep
but it is also paved, and there is a shuttle service
if you are not up to walking down the trail.
There are also trails above the bay, on the left and
right sides of the bay. The trail on the
left side as you are facing the bay goes to the "toilet bowl",
which is a natural hole in which the water rises and falls.
It is dangerous to swim in the hole... several people
have drowned there. It is best to view the toilet bowl
from above.
FACILITIES: There is a beach park pavilion
with nature exhibits. a shop, and a theater.
Other facilities include toilets, showers,
picnic areas, lifeguards, and hiking trails.
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Hanauma Bay State Underwater Park is closed
every Tuesday. The park opens at 6:00 a.m.
and it usually closes at 6 or 7 p.m. The park is
open until 10:00 p.m. one or two Saturdays a month.
Feeding the fish and smoking are not permitted
in the park. There are small parking fees
and entrance fees. No more then 2000 people at a time
are allowed on the beach and lower level of the park.
For more information call
808-396-4229.
GETTING THERE:
Hanauma Bay is located about 10 miles east of Waikiki,
between Hawaii Kai and Sandy Beach, just off of Kalanianaole Highway on the
south coast of Oahu. If you are driving yourself,
be sure to arrive early because highway parking is no
longer permitted in this area, and the parking lot will be
closed when it is full.
Hanauma Bay can get crowded, but over-crowding has been less
of a problem in recent years, since the city eliminated highway
parking in this area and severely restricted the activities
of taxis and tour buses. Taxis and shuttle buses are not allowed
to drop people off at Hanauma Bay, but it is possible to take bus #22
from Waikiki. Commercial tour companies are only permitted
to access the parking lot and upper level view points, with one
exception: Several companies have received permits to
operate commercial snorkeling, diving, and swimming tours to Hanauma Bay.
Hanauma Bay Photo Gallery
A photo gallery with ten pictures of
Hanauma Bay State Underwater Park.
Useful Resources:
Hanauma Bay Fish Identification Card (PDF)
Hanauma Bay Photo and With Features Labeled
Hanauma Bay - Official Web Site
Hanauma Bay - Education Program
Friends of Hanauma Bay
Oahu Attractions Near Hanauma Bay
Koko Crater
Halona Blow Hole
Sandy Beach
Hanauma Bay Tours
Hanauma Bay Tours
More Hanauma Bay Resources on the Web
University of Hawaii on Hanauma Bay
Wildernet on Hanauma Bay State Underwater Park
Photos of Hanauma Bay at Night
George Kendo Photos of Hanauma Bay
Hawaii Web on Hanauma Bay
Aloha.com on Hanauma Bay Beach
Hawaii Web - Hanauma Bay Beach
See also:
Hanauma Bay Beach
More Hawaii State Parks on Oahu
The Beaches of Oahu
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Related Links
Oahu Island - Main Menu
The Islands of Hawaii
Forum for Hawaii Visitors
Hawaii Travel Newsletter
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