Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
For confident snorkelers and strong swimmers, it's better on the outside of the reef,
where there are large coral heads, bigger fish and fewer people. To get there follow the
directions on the sign board or ask the lifeguard at the southern end of the beach. There
are two channels on either side of the bay that experience very strong currents. Don't at-
tempt to swim outside the reef when the water is rough or choppy. Not only could the
currents sweep you away, but the sand will be stirred up and visibility poor.
For
scuba diving
, you'll have the whole bay to play in, with crystal-clear water, coral
gardens and sea turtles. Beware of currents when the surf's up, especially those surges
near the shark-infested
Witches' Brew
, on the bay's right-hand side, and the humorously
nicknamed
MolokaŹ»i Express
, a treacherous current on the left-hand side of the bay's
mouth.
Information
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is operated by the county of Honolulu. To beat the
crowds, especially during peak summer season, arrive as soon as the park opens.
Mondays and Wednesdays tend to be busier, because the park is closed Tuesdays.
All built park facilities are wheelchair- accessible. Beach wheelchairs for visitors with
mobility issues are available free of charge from the information kiosk between 8am and
4pm on a first-come, first-served basis.
Getting There & Away
Hanauma Bay is 10 miles east of Waikiki along the KalanianaŹ»ole Hwy (Hwy 72). The
parking lot sometimes fills by mid-morning, after which all drivers will be turned away,
so the earlier you get there the better. Parking costs $1.
From Waikiki, TheBus 22 (nicknamed the 'Beach Bus') runs twice hourly to Hanauma
Bay, except on Tuesdays, when the park is closed; the one-way trip takes about 45
minutes. Buses leave Waikiki between 8am and 4pm (until 4:45pm on Saturday, Sunday
and holidays); the corner of Kuhio Ave and Namahana St is the first stop, and buses can
fill up shortly thereafter. Buses back to Waikiki leave Hanauma Bay between 11am and
5:25pm (until 5:55pm on weekends and holidays).
TOP OF CHAPTER
Koko Head Regional Park
