Hanauma Bay - Hawaii Beach for Snorkeling | Everything you need to know to go
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- Watch our latest episode to learn everything you need to know about going to Hanauma Bay--how much everything costs, what to pack, the best places to snorkel, and what NOT to do. If you watched our latest Travel Thursday, you know that the new online reservation system just opened up! (But not without some blips). After securing a single ticket for just Lisa, we tried to edit or cancel so we could both go. (Turns out, you can't do either). After waking up bright and early to check the online system, we were finally able to secure two spots for the both of us. And we were so glad, because we had the best time!
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I was there as a 6 year old back in 1990. Schools of fish were swimming beside the beach goers even at the shallowest end. The water was crystal clear and gleamed a bright turquoise as you look further out. It was probably the most pristine beach I have ever seen and I believe right now the bay isn't what it was before.
I went in june 2022, and it is still beautiful even on windy days, when I had went. I didn't see swim swimming on the shallow area, mostly because there is 100+ people there, but it is still crystal clear and fish all around. Hope to go back next summer
When I first visited about 25 years ago it was just a little dirt path down to the bay. No parking fees, no mandatory video, nobody telling you what to do... it was great. My last trip last august was the opposite. It took us an hour just to get down to the water after they shook you for nickels and dimes, made you watch a video and tried to get you into the gift shop.
Oh wow! What a difference it must've felt like. It's definitely a lot more built out and developed now. While there are more rules/restrictions, we had heard they were put in place to help protect the reef after years of overuse, which we appreciate.
Im from New Zealand. I went to Hanauma Bay 35 years ago in 1987, it was the best. Tropical Americana all the way. They sold big bags of popcorn on the beach and encouraged you to feed it to the fish. The big bastards would come and eat it right out of your hand under water. I was 13 years old, perfect age to enjoy.
Most beautifulest place I’ve ever been too
Cool story bro time. It was 1982 and I was 12ish. We lived in Pearl City. Dad and mum would plan for a week in advance for a trip to the bay. Spare ribs or beef strips would be marinated in teriyaki for several days in preparations for grilling - proper charcoal grilling, none of this 'gas' rubbish, the cold salads were made well in advance, lumpia fried, the dive tanks were full and the sundry items were all carefully packed in a package worthy of a couple of wagons full on the Oregon Trail.
Dad was freshly dive rated and hung with others who were as well. Most were Navy employees for S.I.M.A in Pearl Harbor. He was going to teach me to dive too, he said. He and his buddy got me squared away with standard dive equipment with which I was passably familiar and we set out across the reef on our bellies. It's a terribly long trip when you're a chubby kid who knows what kind of infection a coral scrape can bring. Out we go and we reach the edge and I peer over - and I freaking panic! It drops off about 30-40 feet and is crystal clear. I see huge blooms/boulders of coral on the bottom and FISH! Fish as big as I am and they haven't the slightest fear of humans. Dad starts to spread a bunch of hot dog rolls into the water which brings the fish right in close. It took me several minutes to control my breathing sufficiently to properly use the regulator.
It's a vivid memory that I will not ever forget. We didn't end up diving out there, but we returned to the 12 foot pool off the beach to practice. After that, we BBQed on the beach and then we all took a stroll back to the "Toilet Bowl" back when there were no barriers or restrictions.
The last vivid memory I have is of the propane powered trams that used to traverse the steep incline down into the crater. When the family was fully geared up for a FULL day out there, it took two trips from two or three cars to get the gear all down the hill. What a glorious place and a glorious time to be alive. The place and time that I am describing is nothing whatever like people that are viewing this video will ever see again.
Great video, informative and funny! we are going in the morning for the first time will use all your tips and edit my post to let you know how it all went. Thank you guys!
Oh awesome! How did it go?
@@LisaAndJosh Your tips were great, we followed everything you said to a "T" had a great day, thanks again.
Thank you so much for the information. I was so nervous about not being able to get reservations. We will try to get some reservations.
Thanks for watching and good luck! We hope you enjoy it :)
Cool vid. Y'all brought back some great memories for me. 47 years ago I did a bike ride of the islands and spent time here. It was mobbed cause of President's Day. The ranger and his family who lived down there were so nice and took me in. He let me camp at the far end when the crowd cleared and there I stayed for 3 days. It was crazy and magical. But he was breaking the rules so don't tell anyone.
Amazing vid, so much detail, thanks, also awesome couple, love the energy.
Thank you so much!
I loved Hanauma Bay when I went! But after hours of snorkeling my legs turned to absolute jello trying to walk back up that hill! I was tempted to roll back down the hill and move in with the mongeese... (mongooses?) What an incredible and vital additional fact! One can never be too aware of volcanic eruptions. I like to play it safe when it comes to all forms of lava.
Sending thoughts and prayers for Josh's iPhone!
😂 another fun fact: the plural of mongoose is mongooses! 😀 and thank you! One also just never knows enough about the effects of volcanic eruptions and one should know where things come from! Prayers worked! Joshs phone is alive and well
Solid vid, thanks for the fyi. Parking has always been tough to get there. BTW Josh's reaction to the mongoose & the musubi cracked me up!
Thanks so much! We were pleasantly surprised with our parking that day. We just pulled in and found a spot right out front the entrance! The reservation system seems to be helping-it wasn’t as busy as as thought it would be.
And haha the mongooses were annoying but made for a funny day!
Lucky that it worked out. Your updates re: what's going on in Oahu are useful. Keep up the good work, guys.
Great vid guys! you have to go back and to the ridge hike around the entire bay! Cheeee!
Thanks so much, guys! Yes!! Will have to do the ridge hike at dusk, when it’s not so hot and exposed! :) congrats to you guys on 10K!!! So exciting!
Great video beautiful images this is the spot for snorkeling we love it seem like time just fly when you are having fun :)
Couldn't agree more--hanauma is such a beautiful place
I miss Hanauma Bay! Wish to go back there in the near future.
such a beautiful relaxing place to be
Love the mask in the middle of the Pacific Ocean😘👌
Great video and tips. Appreciate what you do!
Thank you!! :) we appreciate you too!
I wonder if non-nano zinc and jojoba oil is better, that's what I use. Even thoough reef-safe sunscreen doesn't have certain chemicals in it, it will still contain chemicals, which eventually you put in the water.
But I made it a habit of wearing a swim shirt (or rashguard) because it also saves on time & trouble putting on sunscreen especially on your back. I just got swim pants too, so now I don't have to mess with messy sunscreen except my face. I wash (launder the chemicals out) the swim shirt and pants before using it in natural water.
Stunning..do people Uber here..?
Yep, we saw a lot of Ubers there for sure.
Last time I was there was 1971.... A lot more primitive back then. There was a small beach shack where we rented snorkels, masks and fins.
Oh good to know! Thanks again for making this video. I'm glad I got us reservations for Thursday because hopefully that will make the process a lot faster! How was the parking when you arrived?
Parking was no problem - just remember to bring cash! Hope you have the best time (and weather) :)
While visiting In 1976 a man with a beautiful multicoloured macaw. He asked if we would drive him back to the town which we did. He told us that he thought his bird had had a fight with a mongoose. I had never seen a mongoose. He simply said "say thank you Snoopie" and Snoopie did a quick circle squawking "thank you for the lift - thank you for the lift". Man went to sleep on the back seat of our rental car Snoopie sat on the top of the back seat. We were certainly noticeable on the drive home. Snoopie watched every driver.
ha this is an amazing, and fully random story that I love. :)
Looked like a great day! I definitely agree that it's a must-do trip. How did your iphone hold up?
For sure - the iPhone is working great, surprisingly!
Amazing video, thank you! Is there anyone there that would be able to teach people how to snorkel or things like that?
thank you so much :) and definitely! you can go on all sorts of snorkeling tours, just walk around Waikiki and you'll find plenty of available tour boats to go on
Omg, thank you so much. My favorite video of this place so far. I’ll be taking my son ( he’s 10) as a surprise in June. Any chance we can meet you guys there?😅. We have snorkeled once here in Catalina island with a tour guide though. We could use a couple of snorkeling guides in Hawaii…
love your videos! Visiting Hawaii soon here. I wonder what's the usual thing to do at Hawaii for your personal belongings while you are enjoying the water? Leave it on sand? lock it up? what does people usually do? And I'm curious now, Josh how is your phone working now after you used it to take those awesome underwater shots.
yep, usually just leave it on the sand (and not really bring that much with you when you're out for a day at the beach in the first place) :) Hanauma bay does have lockers for rent though!
the iPhone is working great! thank you!
@@LisaAndJoshfor those gorgeous snorkel scenes, maybe i'll be a bit risky and try my iPhone
It worked out well for us, thank goodness! They also sell pretty affordable clear bags/cases for water activities at the stores like abc store. We’ve never tried it, but have seen others use it’
Hi, nice video. Me and my girlfriend are planning to go here on october 20. How do you make a reservation?
Awesome! It's here - hanaumabaystatepark.com
Hope you can go! :)
I heard parking is very limited there. What time did you guys arrive given that your schedule is at noon? And how was the parking situation?
We got there at 1215 for our reservation at 1230 and parking was actually quite easy! I think the reservation system is helping quite a bit because it wasn’t as busy as we anticipated it would be
Hanauma Bay was good for spear fishing too, but it was back in 1947. The water at Hanauma Bay is pretty dirty with all the fish swimming about. I haven't been back for many years as I now live in Texas.
Didn’t know that, but that makes sense! The water is less clear than before, but we could still see a lot of fish.
Hi! We on Oahu now and will take your advice on this as a “must do” excursion. Question - any idea what time they release new tickets each morning? Thanks.
Hey Rick! We *think* new dates and times are released at midnight HST. We were able to make reservations at 8am HST for two days ahead. Good luck and have a great time!
Awesome place been there a couple times. Free snorkeling in a private public cove in Oahu. Ko’ Olina Secrect beach, same fish. Check the videos out. Great info thanks for sharing.
thanks so much for watching! :) we'll have to check out secret beach
Still debating if i should visit hanauma or sharks cove for snorkeling 🤿
Oo both are great! We love Hanauma Bay for the ease and convenience. And it’s sprawling. But Sharks Cove offers the cool natural setting in North Shore. How about visiting both? :)
@@LisaAndJosh it’s looking like both it is!😄
It was so nice when tourists weren’t allowed here and it was just residents. Miss those days.
We drove past that entrance everyday. I was thinking it was some kind of zoo or animal refuge. Well we missed out. And by the way how is that iPhone doing?? 🤙🏽🤙🏽🤙🏽
Haha that’s what we thought too - the line was always crazy, and there were so many signs that basically said “too bad, you can’t come, it’s full” that we almost gave up.
The iPhone is working great, surprisingly!
I learned to hangglide there in 1973😊
I gave you a like for the LAST FACT
What if the parking lot is full? I'm worried about that...is there any other option then?
the parking lot is pretty big, but sometimes there's a huge line of cars out front waiting to park. other option would be to park down the road and walk, or take a taxi there, or just wait for the lot to clear up
I’m planning a trip to Hanauma Bay in July and I read entry fee now is $25 each person plus parking. Can anyone confirm this?
Hi, do you happen to know if it ended up being $25? I have a trip this upcoming week and would appreciate the info.!
@@adrianescalante8313 I didn’t go there to be honest. My friend went and yes it is $25 per person and $2 parking.
How’s the iPhone doing ? Lol also what model is it
Haha - iphone 11, still working great! These things are (mostly) indestructible… I hope lol
287 days till we arrive!!
Awesome :) the countdown begins!
where did you have your drone take off?
Really, really, comically far away. At the parking lot for the overlook 2 miles down the road.
@@LisaAndJosh why so far away for the drone? are you not allowed to go closer?
Great to see what to expect when going here; especially the reservation system.
Did you have to wait despite the reservation policy?
Not too long! We actually got there a bit earlier, waited maybe 5 minutes in a line and were let in with an earlier group
Come to Beqa island in FIji, you will be able to snorkel in real reef and corals.
Thanks for your video! Is it possible for me to snorkel at Hanuama Bay if I can't swim? Is it possible to snorkel under 4 ft of water?
Is she Hawaiian? she pronounces the state fish without stuttering, and then for the rest of the fish by what they look like. Great video.
I went there an hour ago😂
No Coral? Perfect for tons of people I guess as any coral would be destroyed by people. Bonaire, of course is the crown jewel. Even Key Largo has Coral on the reef, schooling fish, etc. and are thus WAY better.
There’s definitely some coral in Hanauma bay, but usually found in crevices rather than on the reef flats. They’ve also been severely impacted by overuse over the years
Is this on the big island?
this is on O'ahu! :)
Yesss!!! Go to Big Island.
Hawaii underwater will never look like Caribbean underwater. There you will see tons of waving fan coral and much more diversity. Hawaii, and I have been to three islands, even the best snorkeling or diving sites, look like they've been beaten up, plus, visibility will never be great. Hanauma Bay? Like, the only thing alive there are the fishes. I've been around. I've seen 100% coral coverage acres and acres of it in the Philippines. Hawaii is convenient for us, though.
We had such a great time snorkeling there! There were quite a few small fish to see, but I agree it did look a bit beat up in spots. Where would you recommend in the Philippines?
@@LisaAndJosh Check out Central Philippines- Bohol, Palawan, Apo Island, Moalboal. Very similar to Hawaii except it is cheaper, wayyy more underwater diversity and less beaten up snorkeling and diving spots.
I have that towel hahah
Hey, I have that towel lol
It's great right?
6:22 coral
Not a fan
Charged $50 dollars and were not able to even get in. No parking with no refunds
Just close it to non residents
I was triggered lol Why did Josh think that was a good lunch 🙄
Hahaha we might never know
may as well have given the mongoose the rest of that food
Pretty beach, but the snorkeling is awful
We had a great time snorkeling there! What didn't you like?
Bold statement cotton
Too murky with swirled peas.
Not the best place to snorkel in Hawaii, not even close
So where is the best? We loved it there :)
@@LisaAndJosh i loved Hanauma Bay too! For snorkeling big island (west side) would be best followed by Maui
Looks like a very dead reef to me.
It pronounced hana oo ma bay
We'll try to get it right next time!
Kind a of a weird question: I want to take nice pictures up at the top (the view at 00:16 of this video). Is the morning light or afternoon light better for that?
We love the afternoon light for the beautiful indirect light that makes it so that you can see all the way to the bottom of the reef without too much reflection. I would say afternoon this time of year :)