Access to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (HBAY) is different now to reduce crowds and save the environment for future generations to enjoy. We decided to go back recently to see how the changes are going since COVID. While numbers are capped at 1,400 on the days open, down from 3,000 before COVID, it’s still busy but more manageable than before. Their most recent visitor count, published for January 2024, saw 21,127 reserved guests, 10,250 walk-ins, and 2,236 locals. You might be surprised to see that number of walk-in traffic, which we’ll explain below.
As a Hawaii resident, we could go without a reservation or fee. Walk-in traffic for non-residents is very limited, and opens at 6:45 am. Otherwise, you’ll want to reserve two days in advance and pay the $25 per person fee online to guarantee your entrance. Keep in mind that when reservations open at 7 am, they sell out within 5 minutes.
A guard at the entrance will check your reservations and then direct you to the parking lot, where you’ll pay the parking fee with $3 cash or $1 if you are a resident of Hawaii. Another check of your reservation is done as you approach the entry and before you line up for the required video presentation. If you walk in, you’ll be directed to the ticketing window.
As you wait, a docent explains procedures and emphasizes the need to wear reef-protected sunscreen. During the safety video, there are cultural references to the importance of Hanauma Bay to Native Hawaiians and safety instructions for snorkeling. Again, there is more emphasis on reef-protected sunscreen and being careful not to step on the reef and damage the fragile environment. They suggest you stay out of the ocean if you are not a strong swimmer.
You can walk down to Hanauma Bay or ride the shuttle to the beach after the video. We suggest you go on foot to take in the spectacular setting and better understand where you’re snorkeling. Once on the beach, there is hardly any shade, so make sure you have a hat. Restrooms are available, and an information desk and snorkeling gear for rent that you can also reserve before going. Keep in mind that food options are at the entrance. After you have finished snorkeling, you can either hike back up to the entrance or ride the shuttle (most take the shuttle, but we decided to walk).
Hanauma Bay is nestled just a brief 25-minute drive from Waikiki, yet it is a word apart. Renowned for snorkeling, the haven boasts a seriously breathtaking cove formed by volcanic activity, teeming with abundant marine life.
Obtaining a reservation is now imperative for all visitors. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of how to obtain yours and navigate the updated guidelines:
Evolution of HBAY entry fees: Over the years, Hanauma Bay has seen gradual increases in entry fees, reflecting the ever-changing landscape of both Hawaii tourism and its conservation efforts. What began at just $5 per person in 2016 climbed to $12 in 2020. Since then, however, the cost has more than doubled to $25 per person. The City and County of Honolulu say these funds are being directly allocated toward the management and enhancement of Hanauma Bay.
Revised schedule and visitor quotas: Hanauma Bay now operates from Wednesdays through Sundays, accommodating a maximum of 1,400 visitors daily between the hours of 6:45 am to 1:30 pm. All visitors must vacate the premises by 4 pm, with the beach being cleared starting at 3:30 pm. As scheduling is always subject to potential issues, individuals are advised to contact (808) 768-6861 for updates.
Online reservations: Entry to Hanauma Bay is permitted through pre-booked time slots purchased and paid for online. Visitors can reserve slots for up to five adults and five children via the Honolulu Parks & Recreation website, with each reservation priced at $25 per person aged 13 and above, along with a 2.35% online processing fee. Tickets are non-transferable, and all sales are final, with a mandatory presentation of a valid photo ID matching the reservation upon entry. These are carefully checked. The unauthorized use of reservations will result in the cancellation of the visit without a refund.
Advance online reservation process: Reservations can be made up to two days in advance, allowing visitors to select their preferred entry time 48 hours before their intended visit. Reservation slots remain open until filled or until midnight the day preceding the visit.
Compulsory video viewing: Before entering, all visitors must watch an educational video at the Hanauma Bay Theater, irrespective of prior visits and viewings.
Prior to the video, visitors are invited to tour the education center while they wait for a docent-led introduction to Hanauma Bay as well as questions and answers.
After the docent introduction and video, guests can either walk or ride the free shuttle down the hill to the bay.
On arriving at the bay, there are kiosks with information on sealife, and visitors are welcome to ask questions before entering.
Parking rules: Parking fees are collected on-site at a kiosk and are paid in cash. The rate is $3 for visitors and $1 for residents. If you leave within 15 minutes, the fee is refunded.
Transportation considerations: Bus service to the bay no longer operates. However, visitors can still utilize bus services to the Koko Marina shopping center and walk approximately a mile to reach Hanauma Bay.
Equipment options: Visitors can either bring their own snorkeling gear or rent equipment onsite for a fee of $20 per day per set, with locker facilities also available. Be aware that there is a line for rentals, so if you can bring it with you, you’ll be better off.
Provisions for non-online access: Limited walk-in or drive-in access without online reservations is currently permitted, with on-site payment options available. These slots open at 6:45 am and sell out quickly.
Rules for residents and military personnel: Hawaii residents with valid IDs are exempt from reservations during public hours, while military members and their dependents enjoy free entry with military IDs. IDs are checked multiple times.
Additional regulations: Commercial activities, including tours, are strictly prohibited within the premises, and taxis are prohibited from transporting visitors to Hanauma Bay. You can ride The Bus, which will drop you a mile from the entrance.
Concession hours: The gift shop operates from 8 am to 3:30 pm, the food concession from 8:30 am to 2 pm, and the snorkel gear shop from 7 am to 3 pm.
These changes reflect a concerted effort to balance visitor enjoyment with vigorous preservation of Hanauma Bay’s natural splendor, ensuring its sustainability for future generations to enjoy.
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Recall going to Hanauma Bay during my time on Oahu (1979 to 1981) and enjoying being able to scuba, or snorkel with friends. Hanauma Bay was beautiful back then, and hopefully is still very much so today. Personally do not agree to the high fees charged to visit such a beautiful environment, though fully agree with the need to protect and save this small environment for future generations. Such is necessary now days with so many choosing to ignore proper care and respect for all natural wonders. Mahalo for sharing this update.
It would be interesting to see an independently audited accounting of where the money is going
Thanks for this article about Hanauma Bay…question reqarding those with disabilities: Are those with physical limitations as far as walking is concerned – can these individuals receive any assistance getting
to the Bay after viewing the educational film, etc?
Mahalo for your reply,
Hi Jeanne
You can shuttle from right outside the movie theater down to the beach and back. Beyond that we didn’t see anything like sand wheelchairs.
Aloha.
Are retired military free at Haunama Bay?
Personally, I was very disappointed in Hanauma Bay. I went in January 2021…right after they had just opened up again after Covid. While it was not crowded, I feel the snorkeling is better at Shark’s Cove. Of course, in my opinion the Big Island has the best snorkeling.
Haven’t been in years… If you want to visit a nice, uncrowded beach, take a drive to the West end and go to Yokohama Bay. Along the way you’ll have a chance to see the Real Hawaii TPTB don’t want to talk about…
Best Regards
Wow, fees equal 3/4 of a million dollars per month. Sure hope they are spending it wisely!!
Can you explain how the walk-in process works? Kind of step-by-step?
Where do you park? Is there a line that early in the morning? Once in can you stay for the entire day?
Thanks
Hi Patrick.
It is space available so it is not guaranteed. If there’s no space, you will not be permitted to enter the parking lot which comes after the entry guard. Hope that helps. If anyone has tried the space-available entry, perhaps they can add more about how that went.
Aloha.
Just a note that Uber is allowed to drop off passengers inside the park right near the entrance!
I have given up trying to get reservations to Hanauma Bay. My best guess is that tour groups take all the slots as soon as the dates/times open up.
The popularity is to blame, not tour groups. The reservations open up 2 days before the reservation date at 7am. If you don’t try to reserve in the first five minutes, the spaces are gone. We live in Hawaii Kai and when we have visitors, we employ a strategy where multiple folks all get on their laptops and begin trying to get reservations simultaneously. Usually one of us is successful. It’s just so popular that the reservation system is a painful necessity.
No reservations for locals but charge the “haole tourist” family $125.
Hanauma bay is the epitome of ruined Hawaii. As a local growing up we had access 24 hours per day and could simply drive in and out. We walked to toilet bowl and enjoyed our island lifestyle. Now, reservations, lines, fees, force training videos, closures, etc have produced a moneymaker for those controlling it but have ruined it for locals. This is the future model for all of Hawaii by those in control who want to monetize every Hawaii site under the auspices of “protection”. Don’t fall for it. Couldn’t imagine if every beach and trailhead on the island moves to this model. Disneyland. If the government really needs the money for its causes, then just charge every tourist that arrives as and don’t ruin Hawaii.
Chris, I respectfully disagree. It’s the popularity of the bay that requires limiting the access. Back in the 70s, there wasn’t anybody there. But the word got out about the snorkeling and then the bay was nearly destroyed (some say it has been destroyed) but the crush of crowds. I remember all the tourists and kama’ainas with bags of frozen peas feeding the fish. Unfettered access (which your post implies) would only be worse. I find the video requirement annoying (as a local I’ve been forced to view it too many times), but too many tourists are too oblivious or ignorant to try to protect the coral.
Ya it’s beautiful but what’s up with all the angry staff. Yelling at the top of their lungs anytime someone gets out of line. It really is a bummer for the guests to come all excited to see the fish only to be met with hostile pissed off staff. I came here when I was a kid all the time. What a bummer now with bad vibes and everybody paying through the teeth.
I’m glad I got to enjoy Hanauma Bay several times back in the 80s. It is truly a great place to snorkel.
It is a truly beautiful spot but the corals have been decimated. I would estimate 90-95% of the corals are dead. I snorkeled there last year and saw a few large parrot fish and that was about it. Visibility was poor, but that may have due to the tide or the surf that day. Also, there were a number of people standing on the corals. I surmised that they did not pay attention, or more likely, did not understand the English language.
Getting in with a HI drivers license was a breeze with no reservation.