Snorkel GuardiansProtect our reef
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay Nature PreservePhoto: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 3.0
Oahu, Hawaii

Hanauma Bay Snorkeling

A collapsed volcanic crater open to the sea holds the most protected snorkeling on Oahu, a shallow inner reef where the fish are used to people. It is a nature preserve, so you need a reservation and a short video first. Hanauma Bay is worth the effort.

From shoreBeginnerGreen sea turtleReef triggerfish
See top toursDirections
Access
From shore
Level
Beginner
Depth
2 to 40 ft
Best months
Sep to Apr
Fee
Yes
On your own
Yes, on your own
What can I see?

What to see underwater at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Most people stay on the inner reef, a wide shallow shelf close to the sand where the water is only a few feet deep. Yellow tang, convict tang, parrotfish, butterflyfish and Moorish idols graze over the coral heads, and reef triggerfish patrol the rocks. Green sea turtles come in to feed, usually near the edges of the bay. Past the inner reef the bottom drops to roughly 20 to 40 ft, where confident swimmers can find bigger fish.

  • Inner reef

    Shallow patch reef about 200 yards wide, close to the beach. The easiest place for beginners, but coral sits near the surface at low tide, so stay horizontal and keep your fins up.

  • Natural channels

    Deeper cuts through the reef where larger fish pass. Water moves through them, so these suit confident swimmers who understand currents.

  • Outer bay

    Open water beyond the reef edge, 20 to 40 ft deep. Reserved for experienced snorkelers when conditions are calm.

  • Turtle edges

    Look along the rocky edges of the bay where algae grows and waves wash over the rock. Keep 10 ft back from any turtle.

What's the water like right now?

Conditions at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Live sea temperature, waves and wind for the next 7 days, with our snorkel rating for each day.

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7-day forecast

    Surf

    Calm Choppy Rough. Wave heights are offshore model values.

    Tides, next 48 hours

    Loading tides…

    Forecast: Open-Meteo. Tides: NOAA station 1612340. Model data, not a lifeguard report. Always check posted warnings.

    Which tour should I book?

    Top Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve snorkel tours

    Hand-picked tours that run here, ranked for small groups, a proper reef briefing and respect for wildlife.

    All Oahu tours →
    1. 01
      ViatorFrom Waikiki hotels (confirm on listing)Guardian pick

      Hanauma Bay guided snorkeling tour with transportation

      by See Viator listing

      Guided visit with round trip transport from Waikiki, so you skip the drive and the parking lot.

      Confirm on the listing whether bay admission and gear are included. The mandatory video still applies.

      Check availability
    2. 02
      ViatorFrom Waikiki hotels (confirm on listing)Guardian pick

      Hanauma Bay snorkeling with Waikiki hotel pickup

      by See Viator listing

      Shuttle based Hanauma Bay package from Waikiki. Check what is covered before you book.

      One Viator listing for this bay notes that the $25 entry fee may not be included in the tour price. Read the inclusions.

      Check availability
    3. 03
      ViatorGuardian pick

      Hanauma Bay snorkeling half-day tour with equipment

      by See Viator listing

      Half day tour with snorkel gear for Hanauma Bay.

      Confirm transport, gear and admission on the listing.

      Check availability

    We may earn a commission when you book through these links, at no extra cost to you. It never changes which tours we pick. How we choose tours.

    When is the best time to go?

    Best time to snorkel Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

    Hanauma works year round. Winter is usually calm with 75 to 76 F water and good visibility, though wraparound swells can add surge in the outer bay. In summer the water is 79 to 80 F, and south swells can roughen the outer reef.

    • Time of day

      Book the earliest slot you can get. Morning water is calmer, the visibility is better and the crowds are thinner.

    • Tide

      Coral sits near the surface at low tide on the inner reef, so be extra careful about standing or kicking then.

    • When to avoid

      Mondays and Tuesdays (closed), the 72 hours after heavy rain, and days when lifeguards post high surf or strong current warnings.

    Best months to snorkel, rated from avoid to best
    RowJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
    Snorkel conditionsBestBestBestBestGoodGoodGoodGoodBestBestBestBest
    Green sea turtleBestBestBestBestBestBestBestBestBestBestBestBest
    Water °F787777787980818182828079
    AvoidFairGoodBest
    Can you snorkel here on your own?

    Yes, on your own

    Hanauma Bay is the easiest guarded reef on Oahu. Lifeguards are on duty, and rental life vests are available if you want extra support. Stay on the inner reef near the sand, wear fins, and never stand on the coral. Weak swimmers should skip the outer bay and stay away from the channels.

    Swim level: Calm water, weak swimmers ok with a float

    How do I get there?

    Getting to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

    Hanauma Bay is on the southeast side of Oahu, about 10 miles from Waikiki off Kalanianaole Highway. Drive, take a ride share, or book a tour with transport from Waikiki.

    Open in Google Maps

    Parking

    Parking is first come, first served, even with a reservation. A ticket does not reserve a stall. The booth takes cash only and costs $3 for non-residents, $1 for Hawaii residents. Arrive early. If the lot is full, you may have to wait for a space.

    Where to get in

    Check in, watch the 9 minute video, then walk or take the free tram down to the beach. Enter the water from the sand and stay on the left side of the bay.

    Snorkel spotParkingWater entryReef
    Is there a fee or pass?

    Fees at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

    $25 per person for non-residents age 13 and up. Free for ages 12 and under, active-duty military and Hawaii residents with ID. Parking is $3 for non-residents. A booking service fee may apply when you reserve online, so check the total at checkout.

    Official fees and hours

    Checked 2026-10-22. Fees change, so confirm before you go.

    Hanauma Bay reservations

    Non-residents need a reservation. Booking opens 2 days before your visit at 7:00 a.m. Hawaii time through the City and County of Honolulu's official system. Morning slots sell out fast, especially on weekends and holidays. A reservation covers entry only, not parking, gear or transport. Hawaii residents with a valid ID can walk in during open hours without one. The City also sells packages that include round trip transport from the Waikiki and Ala Moana area, which can be booked about a month ahead.

    How to get tickets

    Open the official reservation page a few minutes before 7:00 a.m. HST, choose a date and a time, select the right visitor types, and pay. Screenshot your confirmation. Walk-in tickets are limited and are released when the parking gate opens, first come, first served. If the date you want is sold out, try another day, a later slot, or a tour with transport.

    What to expect

    Check in at the entrance, watch the 9 minute video, then walk or ride the free tram down to the beach. Gear rental and lockers are on site. Plan on a few hours in the water, then leave time for the tram back up. Guests start leaving the beach around 3:00 p.m. and the park closes at 4:00 p.m.

    Protect the reef

    Reef-safe rules at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

    Hanauma Bay is a nature preserve with firm rules that the city enforces. Everyone who enters has to watch the orientation video.

    • Watch the 9 minute video

      All visitors have to watch the orientation video on marine life, preserving the bay and safety. Last entry is 1:30 p.m. and the last video is at 1:40 p.m. Official rule

    • Do not touch or stand on coral

      Touching or walking on the reef is prohibited. Wear fins, float flat, and rest on sand. Official rule

    • Reef-safe sunscreen

      Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard. Mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is the safer choice. Official rule

    • Turtles and monk seals

      Keep at least 10 ft from sea turtles and 50 ft from Hawaiian monk seals. Do not touch or chase wildlife. Official rule

    • Food and drink

      You may bring a small personal cooler with snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. Large coolers are not allowed. Official rule

    How snorkelers protect reefs · Hawaii reef-safe sunscreen rules

    Local Reef Guardians

    Who protects Oahu

    These local groups restore coral, rescue wildlife and keep the water clean. Volunteer a morning, donate, or just follow their work.

    • Malama Pupukea-Waimea

      Community stewardship of the Pupukea-Waimea Marine Life Conservation District

      A community group on the North Shore that works to protect the Pupukea-Waimea MLCD, which covers Sharks Cove and Three Tables. Check their site for education programs and volunteer days.

      Visit pupukeawaimea.org →
    A school of fish over a healthy reef
    Plus the local rules for Hanauma Bay Nature PreserveWritten with the rangers, researchers and guides who protect the reef.
    The Guardian Code

    Look. Don't touch.
    Leave only bubbles.

    Do

    • Wear a rash guardOr mineral sunscreen, applied well before you swim.
    • Float flat over shallow reefKeep fins up so you never kick coral or stir sand.
    • Book a local Guardian guideThey know the rules, the currents and the animals.

    Never

    • Touch, chase or feed wildlifeLet animals choose how close they come.
    • Stand on or grab the reefTired? Float on your back or find sand.
    • Take shells, sand or coralPhotos only. Leave it for the next swimmer.
    Read the full Guardian Code →
    FAQ

    Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve questions

    Do you need a reservation for Hanauma Bay?

    Yes, for non-residents. Reservations open online 2 days ahead at 7:00 a.m. Hawaii time and a booking covers up to 10 people (no more than 5 adults and 5 children). Hawaii residents with a valid photo ID can enter without one. A limited number of walk-in tickets are first come, first served when the parking gate opens.

    How much does Hanauma Bay cost?

    Non-residents age 13 and up pay $25 per person, per the City and County of Honolulu ticketing page. Children 12 and under, active-duty military and Hawaii residents with ID are free. Parking is a separate $3 for non-residents. A snorkel set rents for about $25 on site. Check the total at checkout in case a booking fee applies.

    What days is Hanauma Bay closed?

    Hanauma Bay is closed every Monday and Tuesday, and on Christmas Day and New Year's Day. It is open Wednesday to Sunday from 6:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with no entry after 1:30 p.m. The city can also close it for maintenance, so check before you go.

    Do you have to watch the Hanauma Bay video?

    Yes. Everyone has to watch the 9 minute orientation video every visit, even if you have been before. It covers marine life, protecting the reef and safety rules, and it is shown on a schedule through the morning and early afternoon.

    Is Hanauma Bay good for beginners?

    Yes, the inner reef is shallow and close to the sand, and lifeguards are on duty. Stay inside the reef, wear fins and a rental life vest if you want one, and keep away from the Keyhole channel on the right side. The outer bay is for strong swimmers only.

    Can you rent snorkel gear at Hanauma Bay?

    Yes. Full sets with mask, snorkel and fins are listed at $25 on the bay's FAQ page, and life vests are offered too. Prices change, and some tours include gear. If you have your own mask that fits well, bring it.

    Pack like a Guardian

    Reef-safe gear

    What we pack for every snorkel trip. Each link searches the category on Amazon so you can compare brands and prices.

    • Reef-safe

      Mineral reef-safe sunscreen

      Non-nano zinc oxide only. No oxybenzone or octinoxate, which Hawaii bans.

      Shop on Amazon →
    • Sun cover

      Long sleeve rash guard

      The best sun protection is fabric. Less sunscreen in the water, less sunburn on your back.

      Shop on Amazon →
    • Own your gear

      Mask, snorkel and fin set

      A low-volume mask that fits beats any rental. Short travel fins pack easily.

      Shop on Amazon →
    • Safety

      Snorkel vest or float

      An inflatable vest lets you rest without standing on the reef. Lifeguards love them.

      Shop on Amazon →

    As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Disclosure.

    Keep exploring

    More snorkeling near Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

    All Oahu spots →
    Sharks Cove (Pupukea)

    Sharks Cove (Pupukea)

    In summer the water goes clear and flat in this lava-rock bowl on the North Shore, and reef fish crowd the ledges. Sharks Cove is a marine reserve, so…

    Spot guide
    Waikiki (Queen's Surf and Waikiki MLCD)

    Waikiki (Queen's Surf and Waikiki MLCD)

    Reef fame is not Waikiki's strength, but it has a protected marine reserve, two lifeguarded beaches with easy sand entries and boats that reach a…

    Spot guide
    Electric Beach (Kahe Point)

    Electric Beach (Kahe Point)

    The water runs a little warmer than it should, thanks to the Kahe power plant outflow, and the fish have noticed. Green sea turtles, thick schools of…

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    Ko Olina lagoons

    Ko Olina lagoons

    Rock-walled pools with white sand, shallow water and almost no surf make Ko Olina the easiest place on Oahu to put a mask on a child. The reef fish…

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    How we researched this page Facts last checked October 22, 2026

    We check fees, rules and access against official sources first, then local operators and recent visitor reports. Conditions change, so always follow posted signs and lifeguards. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.

    1. City and County of Honolulu: Hanauma Bay online reservation and tickets (checked 2026-10-22)
    2. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (checked 2026-10-22)
    3. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve FAQ (checked 2026-10-22)
    4. Hanauma Bay tickets and reservations (checked 2026-10-22)
    5. Hanauma Bay, Oahu: Reservations, Snorkeling and First Visit Plan (checked 2026-10-22)
    6. Safe to Swim Hawaii: Hanauma Bay hazards (checked 2026-10-22)
    7. NOAA Fisheries: Viewing Marine Wildlife in Hawaii (checked 2026-10-22)