Hanauma Bay, on the southeast coast of Oahu, Hawaii. is one of the top snorkeling destinations in the world.
Hanauma Bay offers not just an extraordinary snorkeling adventure but also a serene escape with its stunning coastal surroundings and abundant marine life.
The lush greenery, towering cliffs, sea turtles, and over a hundred species of tropical fishes darting playfully around the coral formations add to your tranquility and sense of satisfaction.
To preserve the beauty of this marine sanctuary, Hanauma Bay has implemented conservation efforts to protect its delicate ecosystem.
Visitors are encouraged to follow sustainable practices, ensuring the preservation of the coral reefs and marine life for generations to come.
Hanauma Bay is the perfect place if you’re looking for a snorkeling experience in a safe and beautiful environment.
This article covers everything you must know before booking the Hanauma Bay Snorkeling tickets.
Top Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Tickets
Table of contents
- What to expect at Hanauma Bay Snorkeling
- Where to book tickets
- How do online tickets work
- Hanauma Bay Snorkeling ticket price
- Hanauma Bay Snorkeling tickets
- How to reach Hanauma Bay
- Hanauma Bay Snorkeling timings
- How long does it take
- Best time to go for Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
- Facilities at Hanauma Bay
- How to protect the coral reef while snorkeling
- FAQs about Hanauma Bay Snorkeling
What to expect at Hanauma Bay Snorkeling
The water in Hanauma Bay is calm and clear, making it ideal for snorkeling.
It is a popular snorkeling spot for many reasons, and most important of all is that the bay is home to a wide variety of marine life and a peaceful atmosphere.
Hanauma Bay’s stunning white sand beach, in itself, makes your trip worthwhile.
With over 100+ fish species, including parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish, the underwater world here is a vibrant, colorful experience that feels like swimming in a rainbow.
Hanauma Bay is a popular nesting ground for Hawaiian sea turtles. Consider yourself lucky if you see these graceful creatures swimming or sunbathing on the beach.
The diverse coral reefs found here provide a habitat for numerous marine animals, making them a captivating and intriguing spectacle.
Hanauma Bay is a protected marine reserve, so many educational signs are posted around the bay. These signs teach visitors about the bay’s different types of marine life.
Where to book tickets
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay tickets are available online or at the attraction.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.
Because some attractions sell a limited number of tickets due to their high demand, booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
How do online tickets work
Go to the Hanauma Bay Snorkeling ticket booking page, select the preferred date and number of tickets, and buy.
After the purchase, you will receive the tickets by email.
Ticket printouts are not required.
You can show the e-ticket on your smartphone when you visit the attraction to receive your snorkeling equipment at the Bay.
Hanauma Bay Snorkeling ticket price
Snorkeling in Oahu Hanauma Bay tickets are priced at US$54 for those above 13 years of age.
Tickets for children between three and 12 years cost US$46.
The entry is free for infants up to two years.
Hanauma Bay Snorkeling tickets
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay is a great way to see the underwater world.
You can see many fish, including colorful parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish.
You may also see sea turtles and sharks. The calm and clear waters make it a great place to learn about snorkeling and marine life.
Pickup from any hotel Waikiki is included in the ticket price. You also don’t need to pay anything extra for the snorkeling equipment.
Note that the entrance fee is not included in the price.
Ticket Prices
Adult Ticket (13+ years): US$54
Child Ticket (3 to 12 years): US$46
Infant Ticket (up to 2 years): Free
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How to reach Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is located approximately 11 miles (17 km) from Waikiki.
While there is no direct bus to the bay, you can take bus Number 1, which drops you off at the Koko Marina shopping center, about a mile (1.6 km) from the Hanauma Bay Park entrance.
You can take a taxi from there to reach the beautiful destination.
By Car
If you’re traveling by car, turn on your Google Maps and get started.
Keep in mind that parking at Hanauma Bay is limited, with only 300 stalls available, and they tend to fill up quickly.
Plan your trip a bit early to avail a spot.
Hanauma Bay Snorkeling timings
Hanauma Bay is open for visitors from 6.45 am to 3.30 pm every day except on Mondays and Tuesdays.
While booking tickets, you will have different time slot options.
How long does it take
On average, it takes approximately 3 to 4 hours to complete your snorkeling experience and enjoy the beauty of Hanauma Bay.
However, this may vary as preferences and schedules differ, and there are several activities to choose from at the bay!
Best time to go for Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
The optimal time for snorkeling at Hanauma Bay is as early as possible, ideally arriving before 9 am to make the most of your experience.
You can avoid overcrowding when you reach during the early hours.
The Bay is also less busy in the afternoons, post 12.30 pm.
Planning your visit on weekdays is better as weekends attract more visitors.
Facilities at Hanauma Bay
Here are the facilities you can expect at the attraction:
- Restrooms
- Beach showers
- Facilities for disabled people
- Lifeguard on duty
- Parking lot (Paid, but limited availability. Not allowed post 1.30 pm)
- Food concession stand
- Picnic tables
- Mask, snorkel & fin rentals
- Locker rentals
- Gift shop
How to protect the coral reef while snorkeling
When snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, it’s crucial to remember that you are interacting with a living organism. To minimize the human impact on the reef, follow these simple steps:
1. Use reef-safe sunscreen: Avoid sunscreens with oxybenzone or octinoxate, which can harm the reef. Look for alternatives that are labeled as reef-safe.
2. Don’t step on the coral: Be mindful of your surroundings in the water and avoid standing on coral formations. Rest on sand or bare rock instead to help preserve the delicate coral.
3. Don’t feed the fish: Although feeding fish might seem tempting, it is now prohibited in Hanauma Bay. Feeding disrupts the ecosystem and can have negative consequences. Anyone caught feeding fish may face penalties.
FAQs about Hanauma Bay Snorkeling
Here are some frequently asked questions about Hanauma Bay Snorkeling.
No, Hanauma Bay is one of the world’s best places for beginner snorkelers. There are trainers to help you before you start your snorkeling adventure.
For the best snorkeling experience at Hanauma Bay, we recommend arriving early in the morning, before 7 am, to secure parking, see more fish, and possibly encounter lower winds.
Hanauma Bay is a protected marine-life conservation area with various tropical fish and colorful coral reefs.
You can expect to encounter vibrant tropical fish species, including sea turtles, and witness the beauty of the underwater world.
There are no age restrictions for snorkeling at Hanauma Bay. However, an adult must accompany their children while snorkeling for safety reasons.
The ticket includes convenient round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels, all snorkel gear, and a professional guide to enhance your snorkeling experience.
No, the state admission fee to Hanauma Bay is not included in the tour package. There is no entrance fee for children under 13, members of the active-duty military (ID required), and Hawaii residents with proof of residency. Visitors need to bring US$25 cash per person for the entrance fee.
Opting for the 6 am transportation, when it’s available, is highly recommended. This early departure time enables you to escape the crowds and relish a tranquil snorkeling adventure.
Currently, there are no shuttles or tour buses allowed at Hanauma Bay. However, the organized transportation service ensures a hassle-free trip to the Bay, allowing you to focus on the adventure.
While snorkeling requires basic swimming abilities, non-swimmers can still enjoy the scenic beauty of Hanauma Bay from the shore. The Bay’s shoreline offers stunning views and opportunities for relaxation.
We recommend bringing sunscreen, a towel, a hat, and a reusable water bottle. Wearing a swimsuit under your clothes is also advisable for easy changing.
You should cancel your reservation at least 24 hours before your visit for a full refund.
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