Oahu Activity Guide
Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Guide
A protected volcanic crater turned marine sanctuary with over 400 species of tropical fish. One of the best snorkeling spots in the world, and the most popular paid attraction on Oahu. Here's everything you need before you go.
Entry fee
$25/person (12 and under free)
Hours
6:30 AM – 4 PM (closed Mon–Tue)
Distance from Waikiki
10 miles east (20–25 min)
Reservations
Required — book 2 days ahead
How to Get Hanauma Bay Reservations
Reservations are required and sell out fast. Follow these steps exactly:
- 1.Go to pros.hnl.info — the official Hanauma Bay reservation site
- 2.Reservations open 2 days in advance at exactly 7:00 AM Hawaii time (HST is UTC-10, no daylight saving)
- 3.Set an alarm. Popular dates sell out within minutes of opening
- 4.Select your date, number of visitors, and complete payment ($25/person)
- 5.You'll receive a confirmation email with a QR code — bring it on your phone or printed
Pro tip
If your first-choice date is sold out, check back regularly. Cancellations open up spots. Also try the 2-day window for dates mid-week — they sell out slower than weekends.
What to Bring
Reef-safe sunscreen
Required by Hawaii law. Mineral-based (zinc oxide) only. Chemical sunscreens damage coral and are banned.
Your own snorkel gear
Rental is available on-site ($15–$20) but your own gear fits better. A good-fitting mask makes a huge difference.
Water shoes
The reef entry can be rocky. Water shoes protect your feet and the coral.
Rash guard
You'll be in the water for hours. A rash guard beats reapplying sunscreen repeatedly.
Reservation QR code
Required for entry. Have it on your phone or printed before you arrive.
Cash or card for parking
Parking is $3 per vehicle. Limited spots fill by 8 AM on weekends — rideshare is easier.
Fish You'll See at Hanauma Bay
Over 400 species of fish live in the bay. These are the ones you're most likely to spot.
Humuhumunukunukuapua'a
Hawaii State Fish / Reef Triggerfish
The iconic Hawaiian state fish — rectangular body with bold black, white, and blue markings. Found near the reef edges.
Yellow Tang
Lau'ipala
Bright lemon-yellow fish that schools in large groups near the coral. One of the most common and recognizable fish in the bay.
Parrotfish
Uhu
Large, colorful fish with a beak-like mouth used to scrape algae off coral. Their crunching sound is audible underwater.
Moorish Idol
Kihikihi
Striking black, white, and yellow striped fish with a long dorsal fin. Often swims in pairs near the reef.
Convict Tang
Manini
Small fish with distinctive black vertical stripes on a white/grey body. Swims in large schools across the sandy bottom.
Green Sea Turtle
Honu
Hawaiian green sea turtles are frequently spotted gliding through the bay. Do not touch them; it is illegal and disturbs their behavior.
Butterflyfish
Kikakapu
Delicate, disc-shaped fish with intricate patterns. Several species are common in the bay, often swimming in bonded pairs.
Raccoon Butterflyfish
Kikakapu
White body with yellow fins and a black mask-like marking across the eyes. One of the prettiest fish in the bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get Hanauma Bay reservations?
Reservations are required and must be made online at pros.hnl.info. Tickets are $25 per person (ages 13 and up; children 12 and under are free). Reservations open 2 days in advance at 7 AM Hawaii time and sell out within minutes for popular dates. Set an alarm and be ready at your computer. Military personnel with valid ID enter free.
Is Hanauma Bay worth the $25 entry fee?
Yes. Hanauma Bay is consistently rated one of the top snorkeling destinations in the world. The water is calm, warm, and exceptionally clear, and the marine life density is extraordinary. For snorkeling, it is the best single experience in Hawaii. The $25 entry fee also funds the conservation of the marine sanctuary.
What should I bring to Hanauma Bay?
Bring reef-safe sunscreen (required by Hawaii state law), a rash guard for sun protection, your own snorkel gear if possible (rental is available on-site for $15–$20), water shoes for the rocky entry points, and cash or card for parking ($3) and gear rental. Bags are allowed but keep them light.
When is the best time to visit Hanauma Bay?
Arrive as early as possible, ideally at opening (6:30 AM on open days). The morning offers the calmest water, most fish activity, and the fewest people. By midday the beach is crowded and the water can be murkier. Hanauma Bay is closed Monday and Tuesday every week.
How do I get to Hanauma Bay?
Hanauma Bay is about 10 miles east of Waikiki on the southeast coast of Oahu. Parking is limited ($3) and fills quickly. Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) is the most reliable option from Waikiki. TheBus Route 22 (Beach Bus) runs from Waikiki and stops directly at Hanauma Bay.
Can beginners snorkel at Hanauma Bay?
Yes. Hanauma Bay is ideal for beginners. The water is calm, shallow near the beach, and the bay is protected from strong currents. Snorkel gear rental and instruction are available on-site. The sandy entry area makes getting in and out easy. Most people without any snorkeling experience have a great time.
Add Hanauma Bay to Your Oahu Trip
AlohaGo will build a full day-by-day Oahu itinerary that fits Hanauma Bay on the right morning, with timing that avoids the crowds and maximizes your day.