Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of those “wow, this is real life?” places on Oʻahu—turquoise water, a protected reef, and the kind of snorkeling that makes even first-timers feel like they’ve discovered a secret underwater world. It’s also not the kind of beach you can casually swing by on a whim anymore. Hanauma Bay is carefully managed to protect the reef, which means limited entry, specific hours, and (for most visitors) a reservation system.
This updated guide walks you through everything you need to know—current hours, prices, parking, reservations, transportation options from Waikīkī, amenities, snorkeling tips, safety reminders, and exactly what to bring so your day at the bay is smooth, easy, and unforgettable.
Quick Hanauma Bay Facts (Read This First)
If you only remember a few things, make it these:
- Hanauma Bay is open Wednesday through Sunday only (it’s closed Monday and Tuesday).
- Entry is timed and limited. For non-residents, reservations are strongly recommended and can sell out fast.
- Non-resident entry fee is $25 (ages 13+), plus an online service fee if you book online. Kids 12 and under are free.
- Entry hours are early: you can enter 6:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the beach clears at 3:30 p.m., and everyone must leave by 4:00 p.m.
- Parking is limited (about 280 stalls) and not guaranteed even with a reservation.
- Bring your card for rentals/food (many services are credit/debit only), but bring cash for parking.
Hanauma Bay Hours (Current Schedule)
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is open to the public:
- Wednesday – Sunday
- Entry allowed: 6:45 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Beach cleared: 3:30 p.m.
- All visitors must leave: by 4:00 p.m.
Because schedules can change due to ocean conditions, staffing, or special circumstances, it’s always smart to confirm details the day before you go (especially if it’s a “once in a lifetime” visit).
Hanauma Bay Entry Fees (What It Costs)
Here’s the updated pricing at a glance:
Admission
- Hawaiʻi residents (kamaʻāina): Free with valid Hawaiʻi ID
- Non-Hawaiʻi residents (ages 13+): $25 + online fee (if reserving online)
- Children 12 and under: Free (reservation recommended)
- Active U.S. military & dependents: Free with military ID
Parking
- Hawaiʻi residents: $1 (refundable if you leave within 15 minutes)
- Non-residents: $3
- Commercial vehicles: higher rates based on passenger capacity
Important note: parking is collected on-site and is cash-based, while many concessions inside the preserve are card-only—so it’s worth packing both.
How Hanauma Bay Reservations Work (And How to Actually Get One)
Hanauma Bay uses a reservation system tied to the mandatory educational video. The reservation process is first-come, first-served, and it helps keep daily visitor counts at a reef-friendly level.
Option A: “Admission Only” reservations (DIY visit)
- Reservations open two (2) days in advance at 7:00 a.m. Hawaiʻi Standard Time (HST).
- Example: Reserve Monday at 7:00 a.m. HST for Wednesday.
- You’ll select a video showtime as part of the reservation.
- Non-resident adults (13+) pay online to secure the reservation.
- Reservations are non-transferable and generally non-refundable unless the preserve closes unexpectedly.
Tip: Set an alarm and be ready to click right at 7:00 a.m. HST. If you’re on the U.S. West Coast, that’s 9:00 a.m. Pacific.
Option B: Reservations with transportation (book further ahead)
If you’d rather not play the “7:00 a.m. refresh game,” there’s also an admission + transportation package that allows booking up to a month in advance through a concession partner (handy during peak travel weeks). This option can also reduce the stress of parking.
Option C: Walk-in tickets (limited availability)
A limited number of walk-in/drive-in admissions are available daily (roughly 25% of access)—but it’s not guaranteed, and you need to arrive very early.
- Walk-in tickets are issued when the parking gate opens at 6:45 a.m.
- Everyone in your group must be present to receive walk-in tickets.
If Hanauma Bay is a “must-do,” reservations are the safer plan.
Parking at Hanauma Bay (What to Expect)
Parking is convenient when you get a spot… and frustrating when you don’t.
What helps:
- Arrive early (seriously—early is the whole secret here)
- If you have a reservation, remember it does not include a reserved parking stall
- If the lot is full, you can:
- Wait for spots to open, or
- Find legal street parking nearby (and be prepared for a longer walk)
If you’re traveling with kids, elderly family members, or a lot of gear, the transportation package or rideshare can feel worth it.
Getting to Hanauma Bay From Waikīkī
Hanauma Bay is on Oʻahu’s southeast coast—close enough for an easy morning trip, far enough that it feels like a real adventure.
Drive yourself
- About 20–35 minutes from Waikīkī, depending on traffic
- Best if you can arrive very early for parking
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft) or Taxi
- Easy and comfortable
- Great if you don’t want to deal with parking
- Just remember: you may be damp and sandy after snorkeling—bring a towel and dry off before hopping in.
Public Bus (TheBus)
- City bus service into Hanauma Bay has been discontinued, but you can take Route 22 to a stop above the bay and walk down.
- This is budget-friendly but slower and involves a walk.
Shuttle/Tour Packages
- Convenient for visitors who want a simple, bundled plan
- Often includes timed entry help and sometimes snorkeling gear options
- Ideal if you want fewer logistics and more “just show up and enjoy”
What’s Inside Hanauma Bay (Amenities & Facilities)
Hanauma Bay is more than a beach—it’s a managed nature preserve with solid facilities.
Available on-site:
- Gift shop: open 8:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (credit/debit only)
- Food concessions/snack bar: open 8:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (credit/debit only)
- Bathrooms and freshwater showers
- Lifeguards and safety signage
- Marine Education Center
- Tramway down to the beach (and back up)
Snorkel gear rentals
- Snorkel rentals are available 7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
- Credit/debit only
- Rental reservations may be available online (helpful on busy days)
Lockers are commonly available near the beach area so you can stash keys/phone/valuables while you’re in the water (check posted pricing on-site, as rental rates can change).
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay (What It’s Like + Best Tips)
Hanauma Bay sits in a volcanic tuff ring (basically, an old crater) that creates a naturally protected bay—one reason it’s such a beloved snorkeling spot.
What you’ll see
Expect vibrant reef fish and coral formations, and yes—sometimes you’ll spot honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles). Fish are often visible even in shallower water, which is great if you’re not comfortable going deep.
Best time to snorkel
- Earlier is better. Morning water is typically clearer before winds and crowds stir up sand.
- If you can, plan to be in the water shortly after you arrive.
Simple snorkel tips for first-timers
- Put fins on in shallow water and shuffle carefully (or have someone steady you).
- Seal your mask properly—a good seal matters more than tight straps.
- Practice breathing through the snorkel before you swim out. It feels weird for about 30 seconds… then you’re fine.
- Stay aware of your position. It’s easy to drift farther than you meant to.
- Never stand on coral. If you need a break, float, or head back to sandy areas.
Reef etiquette (the “leave it better than you found it” rules)
- Don’t touch coral, turtles, or fish
- Don’t feed wildlife
- Keep fins up and avoid kicking the reef
- “Only stand where there is sand” is a great mantra here
The Mandatory Educational Video (Yes, You Have to Watch It)
Before you access the beach level and snorkeling area, everyone must watch the short educational video. It’s about nine minutes and includes closed captioning and multiple languages.
This is one of the best things Hanauma Bay does—because a little education goes a long way in keeping the reef healthy for the next generation of visitors.
Safety at Hanauma Bay (Read This, Even If You’re a Strong Swimmer)
Hanauma Bay can look calm, but the ocean is the ocean.
A few common-sense rules make a big difference:
- Swim with a buddy
- Ask a lifeguard about conditions before you go out
- Stay in lifeguarded areas
- If you feel tired or anxious, head in early (there’s no prize for pushing it)
Many incidents happen surprisingly close to shore in shallow water—especially when people underestimate how tiring snorkeling can be. Take breaks, hydrate, and keep it mellow.
Reef-Safe Sun Protection (The Easy Way to Do It Right)
Hawaiʻi takes reef protection seriously, and you’ll see reminders to use reef-safer sun protection.
Your simplest, best approach:
- Wear a rash guard or swim shirt
- Choose mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
- Reapply after swimming and towel drying
It protects your skin and reduces stress on the marine environment.
What to Bring to Hanauma Bay (The Perfect Packing List)
Here’s a practical, no-fluff list:
Must-haves
- Swimsuit (wear it under your clothes)
- Towel
- Water bottle
- Mineral sunscreen (or rash guard + hat)
- Sandals/water shoes (optional but nice)
- Credit/debit card (rentals/food are often card-only)
- A little cash for parking
Nice-to-haves
- Waterproof phone pouch or waterproof camera
- Sunglasses and a hat for the upper-level viewpoints
- Light snacks (if you prefer your own)
- Dry bag for wet gear
Great Snorkeling Alternatives Near Waikīkī
If Hanauma Bay reservations are booked up, don’t worry—Oʻahu still has excellent snorkeling.
Two popular alternatives:
- Shark’s Cove (North Shore): incredible in calm summer conditions (and yes, the name is scarier than the reality)
- Lanikai Beach (Windward side): gorgeous water and great scenery, with residential street parking rules to respect
Conditions vary daily, so checking surf reports and asking locals (or lifeguards) is always smart.
FAQs
Do I need “real” snorkel gear to snorkel?
A mask is the main thing. The snorkel tube makes it easier to float and breathe without lifting your head constantly. Fins are optional but very helpful for efficiency and staying calm in the water.
Can I visit Hanauma Bay without a reservation?
Sometimes, yes—via limited walk-in tickets. But if it’s important to you, plan for a reservation or arrive extremely early for walk-ins.
Is Hanauma Bay good for kids?
Yes—especially because you can see fish in shallower water. Keep kids closely supervised, use flotation as appropriate, and stick to lifeguarded areas.
