Everything You Need to Know About Visiting Hanauma Bay
Are you thinking of visiting Hanauma Bay while in Oahu? Look no further I have the absolute best guide to tell you everything you could possibly need to know about visiting the amazing site!
Reservations for Visitors
Reservations for non-residents can be made online HERE 2 days in advance starting at 7:00am HST (Hawaii) time. Online reservations usually sell out within 10-25 minutes so be quick and swift with your reservations. If you can not make an online reservation you can purchase a walk-in ticket when the park opens at 6:45am.
Walk-in tickets can only be used the day of purchase. All members of your party MUST be present to obtain a walk-in ticket. Walk-in tickets are limited and sell out very quickly, so online reservation is your best bet to enjoying the day at Hanauma Bay.
Remember you must arrive 15 minutes before your admission time. You must have a photo ID present at the admissions window to check in. No photo copies are accepted. All sales are final. Reservations are non-transferrable. No cancellations and no refunds will be made so make sure you really plan this activity on your itinerary or try for a walk in ticket if you aren’t sure if you will make it.
No Reservation Required for Kama’aina!
Kama’aina can get in to Hanauma Bay without a reservation from 6:45am-1:30pm. Previously there was a cut off at 9am, but with increased staffing has made it possible to for Kama’aina to get in without a reservation or walk-in ticket. Make sure you take your Hawaii state license for entry. Parking for Kama’aina is also a reduced rate of $1.
Parking
There are no reservations for parking. It is first come first serve, but there are plenty of parking spaces. We made our reservations at 8am and the parking lot only had about 20 cars in it by the time we got there. Parking is $3 for visitors and $1 for Kama’aina. CASH only. No in and out privileges. There is a refund if you exit within 15 minutes with a receipt. The city bus does not run to Hanauma Bay anymore, but you could Uber/Lyft there and they will be able to drop you at the entrance.
Where to set up
When you are looking at the bay the left side of the beach is where you will have the most sandy area in the water. The more toward the right you go there isn’t much sand under the water. It goes straight to shallow coral area as soon as you step in. It is much more difficult to get in and out while snorkeling – especially with fins. We ended up on the right side, but I think when we go back next time we will set up shop on the left. It’s definitely a better spot if you just want to dip in the ocean and relax or even just to get in and out while snorkeling.
High tide dangerous
The water can get quite rough in the bay. High tide can be dangerous if you are not a strong swimmer. Even while we were just snorkeling right off the beach it was very tiring and difficult to not be pulled around by the current. We snorkeled for about 30-45 minutes at a time and took breaks. Make sure you always listen to the lifeguards and your body. If you feel out of control or unsafe return to the beach immediately. The tide and currents can change very quickly so be careful.
Food Concession
There is a snack bar with a variety of food and drinks available throughout the day from 8:30am-2:00pm. The snack bar is up at the top near the entrance and gift shop. You’ll need to make sure to get a stamp because you’ll need one to get back in and down to the Hamauma Bay. The snack bar is a cashless facility. They accept visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. There is a nice variety of food like ice cream, bagel & cream cheese, cookies, fruit salad, turkey & ham wraps and even shave ice!
Snorkel Rental
No gear? No worries you can rent snorkel gear down by the beach! Just like the snack bar the snorkel concession is cashless so you will need a debit or credit card to rent gear. The snorkel rental is open from 7am-3pm.
Turn in your Sunscreen for Reef Safe Sunscreen Discount
This is SO important. You should always be using reef safe sunscreen when you get in the ocean, but especially here where the ecosystem is so fragile and precious. You can trade in your non-reef safe sunscreen at the gift shop for a discount on reef safe sunscreen! Please make sure you are conscious about putting on sunscreen (even when it is cloudy!) while visiting sunny destinations.
Lifeguards
The lifeguards at Hanauma Bay are absolutely the best. I haven’t been to a beach where they were more vocal protecting everyone. The lifeguards have a megaphone and you should always be listening for updates or instructions especially while you are snorkeling. Just be aware of your surroundings. Take their knowledge and advice seriously because they know the ocean best and deal with it every day.
Beach closes 1 hour prior to park closing
Hanauma Bay technically closes at 3pm, but at 2pm is when everyone on the beach is encouraged to pack up and make their way to the tram area to be bused back up to the entrance, gift shop and parking area. Make sure you leave enough time to return your snorkel gear.
Bathroom and Showers
There are showers and bathrooms galore. I was so surprised to find several bathroom areas on the beach. The bathrooms were clean and every stall had toilet paper (win!). There are stand alone shower areas along the sidewalk, but if you can’t seem to find a shower take a peak behind the restroom building there is a shower area there. Be aware there are signs about bees where the showers are so be careful. I saw a couple flying around, but none were aggressive.
Bring (and Secure!) Your Umbrella
Hold on to your umbrellas! No, really, you’ll want to make sure that those umbrellas are secure! The wind in Hanauma Bay can get really strong. Make sure you secure umbrellas in the ground and I suggest filling your umbrella bag with some sand and connecting it to your umbrella for some extra support. You’ll really want some protection from the sun because typically Hanauma Bay is an all day affair and you’ll want some relief from the rays.
No drones
This is one of my biggest pet peeves! “Influencers” bringing their drones and filming everywhere even though it SPECIFICALLY says drones are prohibited, but they do anything for the ‘gram! 🙄 Don’t be those people! It is so disruptive and annoying. Just enjoy your time at Hanauma Bay. Cameras and phones are allowed, but no flying drones. There was actually someone flying a drone when we were there and the lifeguards shut it down REAL fast. Respect Hawaii and everyone around you!
Don’t Touch Fish/Animals
Hanauma Bay has been a protected bay since 1967 so the fish and the animals there are NOT scared of humans. They have not been fished or hunted in that area so they are used to seeing people. Protect our sea life and all animals by not touching or chasing them and definitely do not feed anything. We were lucky enough to see a monk seal come up and sleep on the beach. The wonderful workers at the conservation were quick to cordon off the area around the monk seal so that it could be protected and rest in peace.
Picnic tables
There are picnic tables on the grassy area surrounding the beach and there are lots right outside of the park a quick tram ride back up to the top. Feel free to grab some snacks at the concession and eat with your family at the picnic tables overlooking the beautiful Hanauma Bay. Don’t forget to get your stamp on the way out though or you might not be let back in to the park!
Entrance to park closes at 1:30pm
The last online reservation for Hanauma Bay is at 1:20pm so if you make that reservation be prepared if you are running late you will not be allowed admittance because the entrance to the park closes at 1:30pm. Just remember if you arrive around that time your day snorkeling at Hanauma Bay will be quick as the park closes at 3:00pm.
Make your online reservation to Hanauma Bay here!
