Hanauma Bay Snorkel Adventures

Great experience! We booked last minute and it was easy and cheap. David the van driver picked us up right from our hotel, was awesome and so friendly. Definitely recommend this company.

Had a fun time snorkeling here. It was EZ getting the snorkeling gear and the beach wAs large. Lots of cool fish to see. Also went out pretty far into the currents. Kids had a fun time snorkeling. We would definitely go back and do it again.

Real Easy to Book, only reason not 5 Stars is time. We booked the 4 ¾ hour trip, between pick up, transferring us into a shuttle so we can get into the Bay, and then waiting 30 mins to watch a 10 minute video, we barely had 2 hours to explore. Definitely the way to do it though so you don’t battle the parking lot mess. Would advise to do the earlier 730 am slot as most people roll in between 9−10am. Awesome time though overall.

Great experience (for a beginner snorkler). Parking fills up by 9:30am.
Tips:
1) get there very early for free park entrance ($ 7.50 pp)
2) bring a picnic breakfast/​lunch
3) there is a steep hill to get down/​up to the cove but there is a $ 1 tram per way.
4) snorkels and mask to rent for $ 12.50 and snorkel/​mask/​flippers for $ 20 (see picture)
5) Bring water shoes or get the flippers because not all of the water surface is smooth sand, some is dead, spikey coral and it hurts if you’re bare foot.

Very nice and easy snorkeling place for beginners. The bay is somewhat «fenced» by rocks and could get pretty crowded on a nice weekend. Go in the morning! The water is most clear and you would probably enjoy the experience the most.
Parking is a dollar, and admission to the bay itself is 7bucks. Note that when we first went in the morning, the parking was full for a couple hours! We circled around the area (if you keep driving past the parking entrance, you can find a few nice lookout spots with strong wind and awesome waves) for a while, and on our way back, we luckily found the parking lot open again. You can rent the gears there that cost between $ 10-​$ 20, or you can bring your own (recommended).
And of course, wear sunscreen! The sun could be pretty brutal even if it doesn’t feel like it at first!

Super easy to book, especially last minute!
We booked it that day, the shuttle came to pick us up about 45mins later.
The driver was funny and informative — I had never snorkeled before so I thought this was a great way to start for a beginner.
On the drive there, the driver instructed us how to use all the equipment and what to do and not to do when you get to Hanauma bay.
He even had some extra equipment for us to borrow, such as… prescription goggles!
Yes, you read that correctly.
So for people who wear glasses and don’t wear contacts, these prescription goggles were good. Also, he had a few floaty devices like a noodle, which help when you’re snorkeling.
Loved the drive back as well — different driver, «cousin» Isaac who had some great recommendations on where else to eat and explore around the island.

Best experience ever, enjoyed every
moment of it under the water, can’t wait to come back!

Ever wanted to swim in one of those big fish tanks with beautiful fishes? This is what it felt like. 5 stars!

I’ve been to many different Pacific Islands Usually — the same thing is what it is to do on most of them– go to the ocean. So the bar is set not against NYC or LA but against mom and pop type shops in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. So comparing that to here– they have 2 things up on these guys. Location is even more remote and better and the Customer Service is far more superior.
Safety is the main point– especially since when most people are on vacation they do not think anything about safety let alone how dangerous the ocean is in real life– it is big and mostly water but those things if not respected can be the downfall of many.
My dad, case in point, was a life guard in Chicagoland when he was in High School, College and then after, he swam well. But it was all fresh water. So he didn’t know or how to change in the differences between that and salt open ocean. Result– scraping and cutting his knees up bad enough to have to have me take him home.
It gets un-​fun when there is even the smallest accident. For safety sake, instead of worrying about hold harmless forms, making people understand the ocean seems to be more important– since people mostly seem to be on vacation anyway.
It leaves then a bad taste in my mouth.

I am from California and I must say this was an amazing sight. Love it! One thing with all the coral reef you need to be careful. But I loved swimming with the fish.

Hanauma Bay Snorkel Adventures is a reliable company that essentially runs a shuttle service to and from Hanauma Bay and area hotels. For $ 22, you’ll get a comfortable ride in one of their vans and rented snorkel equipment. They also have underwater cameras for sale.
I initially used Hanauma Bay Snorkel Adventures in 2011 and they were convenient and accommodating. So, when I wanted to go snorkeling with a small group on my most recent visit, I called them again to pick us up from the hotel. They offer three morning pick-​ups (7:15, 8:45, 10:15) with early afternoon departures from the bay (12:00, 1:30, 3:00). On my most recent visit, they had two more groups to pick up after my group and then the driver waited for a while at one of the hotels for a group that never showed up. Because of this time wasted, we were a little late getting to the bay. What was supposed to be a 30 min drive ended up being closer to 1 hour of pick-​up and travel time.
Once we got close to the bay, the van met a group of other drivers at a lookout point where they divvied up our snorkel gear and then we got in smaller vans to enter the bay. What was supposed to be a 4 hour snorkeling adventure got decreased to about 3 hours, which was actually plenty of time. The driver and van arrived back at the bay exactly on time and we shuttled back to the lookout point and got in vans to head back to our hotels.
Our driver lacked any sort of enthusiasm, which was unfortunate as many people on the van were quite excited about the upcoming snorkeling adventure. But, I guess the most important thing was that he got us there and back safely. If you don’t rent a car and you don’t intend to take public transportation and if you don’t have your own snorkel equipment, this is a nice way to get to and from Hanauma Bay.

I used Hanauma Bay Snorkel Adventures July 28, 2014. It was a prompt and polite service.
Understand now that ANY service to Hanauma Bay only covers the equipment, transportation and a little instruction (it’s not rocket science). You’re still going to have to pay to enter the park. And that’s out of control of Hanauma Bay Snorkel Adventures, just don’t be surprised.
So what you’re paying for is the ride. If you already have a rental car, I recommend you rent the equipment and drive yourselves there. You’ll save plenty of money and be able to leave at your pleasure.
By the way, GET TO THE BAY EARLY! The bay’s parking lot and the beach get packed quick!
One more piece of advice, take your own snacks and drinks. The convenience of the park services food comes with a cost.
The park service requires all people entering the park to watch a 10 to 15 minute video, please pay attention to it. For the love of nature, please stay off the coral.

I first visited Hanauma Bay in May of 2010. It’s THE most fun experience. If you are on Oahu on vacation, then this is definitely one of the places to visit if you have never been here. It’s absolutely beautiful here and I’ve blown up photographs that I took of the Bay and hung them in my house.
Before you can enter the water, you will be required to watch a wildlife safety video. Basically, you are not allowed to step on the coral or touch any of the wildlife.
As far as snorkeling equipment, we had our own and brought it with us. You can find them pretty much everywhere… even at the Wal-​Mart.
I can guarantee that you will see wildlife here. Approximately 400 species are known to live at the bay, including Green sea turtles, Butterfly Fish, Tang, Triggerfish, and plenty of parrotfish. Watch out for jellyfish and Moray eels.
Along the left point of the bay is the «Toilet Bowl» which can be describe like a natural spa tub that gently rises and falls with the tide. This area is usually closed due to injuries suffered by visitors.
You don’t necessarily have to be a strong swimmer to snorkel here. There are shallow areas where you can dunk your head in and still see plenty of fish!
¹⁴⁴⁄₁₀₀ Reviews for 2014

I took my bf to snorkel on our annual visit this summer, he is not a strong swimmer (basically he can float and semi doggie paddle) and I knew this would be a safe place for him to enjoy seeing the fish and at the same time not fight the current or drown. At one time I was lifeguard certified but that was ages ago!
My review from 2011 still stands, although I have since lost my kamaaina status (cue sob fest) and paid $ 7 admission and $ 1 for parking. Summer is def better for snorkeling than winter, and there were probably at least 15 – 18 species of ocean life we were able to spot on our 3 hour snorkel adventure. I have my own gear so I didnt rent any there. Make sure to bring water and a snack, sunscreen, and towel. I forgot a towel this time so I just air dried myself up the hill back to the car and then home.
May I suggest Koko marina shopping center for a bite or shaved ice after your snorkel adventure?

Was in Hawaii for my honeymoon 3 weeks ago.
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay was the highlight of our trip.
Around $ 7.50 to get into the park.
$ 20 for the shuttle from our hotel.
We did this twice!
Plenty of fish in the water.
Bring whatever you would normally take to the beach.
TIP: Please stop at any of the convenient stores there and purchase your OWN snorkeling gear for $ 20. Otherwise you’ll be using rented equipment which is disgusting. My wife almost passed out just at the thought of that.

Florine our guide provided transportation to and from hanauma bay. He also provided equipment particularly mask with prescription power that was quite helpful to me! He was quite funny and entertaining. We were late in coming up and missed the return shuttle but he picked us up in an hour, meanwhile we had a nice picnic in the area just beside the bay. They are decently priced at 22 $ and I would highly recommend them to anyone
Just remember that the equipment costs extra. He even had an underwater camera that we bought. They took cards too which helped!

05÷10÷14 — water mostly still and clear. Perfect weather! Arrived here around 10am after hiking kokohead.
$ 7.50 admission and $ 1.00 parking is so worth it! Perfect snorkeling spot for beginners and non swimmers! So many different fishes, corals and creatures. You can rent snorkeling gear if you do not have your own. After playing in the water for awhile, you can go back up to the snack shop for some food. Nothing for sale right on the beach. We spent a good 3 – 4 hours here. Simply gorgeous! Oh and the video thats shown upon entering is not so bad :)

Recommend! Was able to see a lot of fish but you must go searching. There were many fishes that swim in schools, really nice :)
TIPS:
* They have deals that are like $ 20 that take you roundtrip from your Waikiki Hotel to Hanauma Bay, provide snorkel gear, and ticket to Hanauma Bay. Ask your hotel conceirge or just walk around Waikiki Beach.
* Watch out for the sharp rocks!!! They hurt!

(copied and pasted from my review of hanauma bay nature preserve)
I absolutely love this place.
We woke ourselves up at the asscrack of dawn just to ensure we were able to get parking and a spot on the beach. We arrived super early, when there were sub 10 cars in the entire lot, walked in and were pleasantly greeted by this older, super funny gentleman. He told us it was our lucky day because we didn’t have to pay that day and didn’t have to watch the video. Instead he verbally, in a very comedic way, explained everything we needed to know, do’s and dont’s etc.
Great that we didn’t have pay, but would have whole heartedly done so anyway.
The beach is small, and get packed so make sure you secure yourself a nice area to leave all your belongings. We packed snacks, umbrellas etc, as you can’t buy food here but totally appreciate the fact that you can bring your own goodies.
As you walk into the water, it is a little rocky/​sandy so make sure you have water shoes on. As you get further in, the sand becomes finer and less gritty.
The water is lukewarm, clear, practically transparent with an abundance of fish and other ocean oddities. We caught a glimpse of an eel, turtles etc, all going about their way, very unphased by all the onlookers that surround them.
If you don’t want to snorke, grab yourself a donut and just float around like many others do. If you’re brave, venture past the safe areas, but you definitely don’t need to do that in order to enjoy all that Hanauma Bay has to offer.
Stay off the rocks/​reef/​coral. It irked the shit out of me every time I saw people walking on them. Unfortunately, a lot of the visitors weren’t adept in english so they didn’t know that but it’s common sense either way

Not much to say about Hanauma Bay except that I really, really loved snorkeling here. It’s absolutely gorgeous here with the clear, blue water… something that we don’t see in SoCal. The water was calm at the time I was there, which was very comforting, since I am by no means a strong swimmer. I can probably, maybe swim well enough to save myself if I had to, but that’s about it.
Anyway, the water is so clear that it was very easy to see all kinds of fish. There was such variety… with some beautiful and colorful fish. I love how everywhere I turn, there were fish to beheld. I also love that the snorkeling is close to the coast, so I know that if I start panicking, I can easily swim to shore. I also love that despite it being a big tourist attraction, it was quiet and we were able to enjoy some privacy.
I highly recommend coming here if you’re visiting O’ahu. Although, I do admit, after coming here, snorkeling elsewhere wasn’t as fun. I guess I should’ve started with the other locations first. Oh well.