Hanauma Bay, a nature preserve in the city and county of Honolulu, has reopened since its 8-month covid shutdown. Hanuma Bay is open from Wednesday thru Sunday from 6:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The beach itself is cleared by 3:30 p.m. There is no entry after 1:30 p.m. The shutdown helped preserve 450 species of tropical fish that needed a human break!
Why Is Hanauma Bay So Popular?
Hanauma Bay is so popular because it’s not a beach but a pristine marine ecosystem. Hanauma Bay is Honolulu’s arguably most popular attraction. The water in this bay is as clear as the eye can see. The water is breathtakingly turquoise. And in it lies beautiful tropical fish that you can only find in Hawaii! The bay is between two mountains and is protected from most of the ocean’s currents by the natural reef located in Hanauma Bay.
Can You Swim in Hanauma Bay?
Swimming can be more difficult in Hanauma Bay because the water is shallow. As you enter the water, it’s about a couple of inches, and then it goes out to 5 feet deep. You also have to be careful not to step on any of the coral reef. Snorkeling is recommended.
Hanauma Bay Ticket Reservations
If you are a resident of Hawaii, you can enter without reservations from 6:45 a.m. to 9. a.m. If you are a non-resident it is VERY difficult to get into Hanauma Bay! Due to the restrictions of how many people can get in per day, you will have to use their online system to get tickets. Tickets are available 2 days in advance. Tickets can be bought starting at 7 a.m. If you are not ready to buy tickets at exactly 7 a.m. or have a poor internet connection, you will not be getting tickets as they will sell out faster than you can blink! We tried for 3 days straight to get tickets without success, our 4th day was a charm. Don’t give up, it’s worth it!
There are limited tickets for walk-ins for those who don’t have a computer or internet. But we would not recommend taking a chance as this is a popular attraction.
How much are Hanauma Bay tickets?
It’s free admission to get into Hanauma Bay if you are a Hawaii resident with proof of valid ID. There’s also free admission for active duty and their dependents. And there’s free admission for children 12 years and younger. For non-Hawaii residents, the cost is $25 per person. There is also a 2.35% service fee when getting the tickets online.
Parking at Hanauma Bay
While there is limited parking at Hanauma Bay, we would highly discourage you from trying to find parking here. It’s a super congested area, so don’t even bother unless you are getting there when it opens. Save yourself the stress, and park at Koko Head District Park. This park is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and has plenty of parking. You will have to walk uphill to get to Hanauma Bay. It’s about a 10-minute walk. But it’s free to park here.
Parking Costs at Hanauma Bay
$1.00 for Hawaii residents, and $3.00 for non-residents (cash only). While it may not seem like a lot, it’s such a burden to drive to this lot, just to be told that there is no more parking.
Packing List for Hanauma Bay
Alcohol and pets are not allowed. As you enter a Marine Nature Preserve, you want to make sure you use Reef Safe Sunscreen! We would also recommend bringing your own snorkel as mask, fins, and dry snorkel cost $20. If you add a wetsuit or life vest it’s $10. We would also highly recommend a beach pop-up tent. The sun is scorching, and if you don’t have shade, chances are you’ll want to leave early. They don’t rent any umbrellas or chairs there.
Now that you are excited about going to Hanauma Bay… before you book your trip to Oahu. Read more–>Oahu Hawaii Travel-What Not To Forget! – PiscesTourist
Hanauma Bay sounds wonderful and worth the effort it took to get tickets.
Yes, it is. Thank you for your comment!