Snorkeling At Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Hanauma Bay has everything you might expect on a Hawaiian beach, including vistas from Elvis Presley's Blue Hawaii and John Wayne's Donovan's Reef. The true attraction of Hanauma Bay, however, lies under the waters. The bay is one of Hawaii's most popular snorkeling spots.
The bay, which is believed to be 35,000 years old, is really the bottom of a volcano crater that opened up to the ocean when its outer wall fell. Hanauma Bay ("Hanauma" literally means "curved bay"), declared a marine life protection area and underwater park in 1967, is protected from strong currents and waves, making it an excellent location for swimming and snorkeling. A wide sandy beach is surrounded by hiking paths that lead to magnificent overlooks. On clear days, you can view the islands of Molokai and Lanai across the channel, and breaching humpback whales may be seen from shore throughout the winter and early spring months.
Hanauma Bay is a protected marine life conservation center that was declared in 1967. The bay is home to over four hundred species of fish, including the reef triggerfish or Humuhumunukunukuapua'a—the little guy with an interesting name who holds the honour for state symbol Hawaii!
The bay is a wealth of underwater life. Snorkelers can spot sea urchins, octopuses and many other colorful creatures that cannot be found anywhere else in Hawaii. If you’re lucky enough, you might even see eagle rays or a small reef shark.
For snorkelers, the highlight of their trip is to see green sea turtles in Hanauma Bay. Turtles are often seen in the shallow waters of the reef, where they feed on limu, or seaweed, which they collect. Honu are a protected species, and it’s illegal to touch or otherwise harass one. If you get too close the honu may yawn at you or swipe their front flippers over their forehead which means “leave me alone” in turtle talk. If this happens give them some more space.
Hanauma Baty Oahu is a place for all sorts of adventures, from playing in the waves to exploring undersea life. You can find everything you'll need at your fingertips with access to not only changing rooms and showers but also food concessions. If you don’t have snorkeling gear, then don't worry because they offer rentals that include everything needed including mask & fins.
