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All 369 Honolulu Attractions »

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

7455 Kalaniana'ole Hwy., Honolulu, Oahu, HI 96825
808 396 4229
As featured in 3 days in Honolulu
Ranked #11 of 172 attractions in Honolulu
4.5 of 5 stars 1495 Reviews
Type: Beaches, Bodies of Water, Nature/ Wildlife Areas, State Parks, Parks
Activities: Snorkelling
Fee: Yes
Traveller Description: The snorkeling is spectacular: live coral, many brilliant tropical fish and sea turtles to be experienced up close.  This venue is perfect for... more »
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1,495 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
San Antonio, Texas
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 May 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

This is a great nature preserve. Water is very clear. Best time to visit is at high tide. The reef is full of life with fish. Will have to sit through a video that tells you of the reef and the preservation efforts on-going to preserve it for future generations. One of the must do things while in Honolulu.

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See 6 more reviews by TICoachTodd for Honolulu
Yuma, Arizona
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 May 2012 NEW

My wife who is scared of everything was even able to enjoy snorkeling here because of the incredible beauty.

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Powhatan, Virginia
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

Gorgeous, but a major hike up and down the hill..Take your own snorkel gear..and mind the mongoose---they're everywhere..

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See 10 more reviews by MrsPrigg for Honolulu
Honolulu, Hawaii
Contributor
13 reviews 13 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

When snorkeling, be prepared for intense sunshine on the tips of ears, back of neck & back of calves. Watch the horizon for passing dolphin fishing for tuna and migrating humpback whales. I miss being able to walk to "toilet bowl" and get swished around in it, however I appreciate the danger for the casual visitor.

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See 11 more reviews by Alohandra for Honolulu
Dallas, Texas
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
4 helpful votes 4 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

PROS: Crystal Clear Water, Wide array of fish to see CONS: The Mandatory Reef Safety Video, Parking, Crowded

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See 2 more reviews by Knowlesitall for Honolulu
Minnesota
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
9 helpful votes 9 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

This is a top spot just outside of Wakiki for family snorkeling. Everything you need is there to rent, or rent elsewhere and haul it in. We always spend an afternoon here when on Oahu, but there are other gem spots around the island, as well...

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See 3 more reviews by SunnyDay1 for Honolulu
Victoria, Canada
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
6 helpful votes 6 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

Plan to stay all day and bring your bathing suit and towels. Inexpensive day at an amazing fish sanctuary with an awesome beach all on it's own.

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See 4 more reviews by Solardude57 for Honolulu
Aiea, Hawaii
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

How many times do you have to be told NOT to walk on the coral??? They make you go through an educational presentation before you're allowed into the Nature Preserve so you can understand the fragile nature of the environment and how trashed it was before. Then, you look over the edge and see idiots down there walking on the... More

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See 6 more reviews by drew&len for Honolulu
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW
1
person found this review helpful

Yes, it is a tourist trap. Yes you pay to get in. Yes, you rub shoulders in the water with hundreds of other tourists. But fish clearly didn't get the memo and keep swimming there making it a wonderful snorkeling place.

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See 3 more reviews by cantahl for Honolulu
Cornwall
Senior Contributor
37 reviews 37 reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
20 helpful votes 20 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

Get to the parking area early as it shuts when it is full. Toilets, storage facility and food available on site. You can hire snorkling equipment if you dont have your own. Showers/toilets/changing areas available on the beach. Water was very clear, warm and with lots of coral and multi coloured fish. Lifeguards on duty. Gets busy by mid morning.

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See 8 more reviews by Tresc0 for Honolulu

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