Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Honolulu, HI
A sheltered bay in a volcanic crater with reef fish and green turtles, popular for snorkelling. Visitors need an online reservation and watch a short film first; it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.
Hanauma Bay is a marine preserve in an ancient volcanic crater on Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, east of Honolulu. A reef about 7,000 years old runs right across the bay. Parrotfish and other reef fish live in the calm water, and green sea turtles are used to snorkelers. The bay is a Marine Life Conservation District, and feeding the fish is prohibited.
Fodor's advises arriving early because the parking lot fills up during the day. Before heading down you watch a nine-minute video at the information center. Out-of-state visitors pay admission and book online in advance: according to hawaii-guide.com it costs 25 US dollars (ages 13 and up) plus 3 dollars for parking, and the bay is open Wednesday to Sunday, with entry from 6:45 am to 1:30 pm; it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Snorkel gear and lockers can be rented on site, and there are lifeguards, showers and restrooms.
Time-sensitive: because of a sewer-system renovation, the bay closed temporarily in August 2026; the work continues until summer 2027, and another closure is expected in early 2027 (Hawaii News Now). Check opening days, reservations and prices on the City of Honolulu website (as of November 2026).
- Nearest town
- Honolulu, HI
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 21.2690, -157.6938
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually December–February. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–June and September–November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Waimanalo beach parkCampsite4 mi from Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
- Ke'ehi Lagoon MemorialCampsite14 mi from Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
- Kahana campgroundCampsite23 mi from Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
- Kalaeloa Beach ParkCampsite24 mi from Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
All campsites in Hawaii · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve?
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is in Honolulu, HI, at GPS 21.2690, -157.6938. It is about 35 mi from Haleiwa.
Can you camp near Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Waimanalo beach park, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 4 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve?
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Oʻahu circle: Diamond Head to the North Shore.
What is there to see near Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve?
Places worth a stop nearby: Hālona Blowhole (1 mi), Makapuʻu Point Lighthouse Trail (4 mi), Diamond Head State Monument (7 mi) and ʻIolani Palace (11 mi).
When is the best time to visit Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve?
The most pleasant months are usually December–February. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–June and September–November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)