Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.islandbrewhawaii.com
;
Hawaiʻi Kai Shopping Center, 377 Keahole St; 6am-6pm Mon-Fri,
7am-6pm Sat & Sun)
With umbrella-shaded tables gazing out at the marina, this unhurried
hangout individually brews cups of Hawaii-grown coffee - try richly roasted 100%
Kona, Kaʻu or Maui Mokka. Thai ice tea, espresso drinks, baked goodies and acai fruit
bowls will also refuel you.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
A swirling palette of sapphire and turquoise hues mix together in modern-art abstractions
inside the bowl-shaped bay, ringed by the remnants of an eroded volcano. Just below the
sparkling surface are coral reefs, some of which may be 7000 years old. You'll see
schools of glittering silver fish, bright blue flashes of parrotfish and perhaps sea turtles so
used to snorkelers that they'll go eyeball to face mask with you. Despite its protected
status as a marine-life conservation district since 1967, this beloved
nature preserve
(
396-4229;
www.honolulu.gov/parks/facility/hanaumabay
; Hanauma Bay Rd, off Hwy 72 (Kalani-
ana'ole Highway); adult/child under 13yr $7.50/free; 6am-6pm Wed-Mon Nov-Mar, to 7pm Wed-
Mon Apr-Oct;
) is still a threatened ecosystem, constantly in danger of being loved to
death - an average of 3000 people hit the beach each day.
Sights & Activities
Past the ticket windows at the park entrance is the award-winning
Marine Educational
the University of Hawaiʻi. The interactive, family-friendly displays teach visitors about
the unique geology and ecology of the bay. Everyone should watch the 12-minute video,
intended to stagger the crowds and inform you about environmental precautions before
snorkeling. Down below at beach level you'll find snorkel-gear rental concessions, lock-
ers, lifeguards and restrooms.
The bay is well protected from the vast ocean by various reefs and the inlet's natural
curve, making conditions favorable for
snorkeling
year-round. The fringing reef closest
to shore has a large, sandy opening known as the
Keyhole Lagoon
, which is the best
place for novice snorkelers. The deepest water is 10ft, though it's very shallow over the
coral. The Keyhole is well protected and usually very calm. Because most visitors are be-
ginners, this is also the most crowded part of the bay later in the day and visibility can be
poor as a result. Be careful not to step on the coral or to accidentally knock it with your
fins. Feeding the fish is strictly prohibited.
