Hanauma Bay is a protected marine life conservation area on the south-eastern side of Oahu, in Honolulu, Hawaii. Its curved bay sits within a volcanic cone, and the shape of that old crater gives the beach its sheltered, horseshoe-like form.
The water inside the bay is calm and shallow, which makes it a comfortable place to get into the sea. Tropical fish are plentiful here, and the bay is well known as a snorkeling destination, so many visitors come with a mask and fins in mind.
What a visit is like
Because the bay is a conservation area, the visit is shaped by its protection. Most people spend their time in the water and on the sand, looking at the fish and enjoying the quiet bay as it sits within the crater walls.
- Snorkeling: the shallow, calm water suits a relaxed first try as well as more practised swimmers.
- Beach time: the curved shoreline offers a sheltered spot to rest between swims.
- Conservation: the bay is protected, so visitors are asked to treat the reef and its fish with care.
Around the bay
Hanauma Bay lies within reach of Honolulu, so it can easily be combined with time in the city and its surroundings. Plan your day around the conditions of the water and the rules of the protected area before you go.