Effective December 1, 2021, there are important new rules and pricing are in effect for the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (HBAY). And, don’t show up without a reservation! Ready below for how to obtain yours.
With all the discussion in Hawaii about increased visitor fees, this iconic Hawaii destination is testing out new rules and increased visitor rates. The entry fee at Hanauma Bay went from $12 to $25 per person or more than double the current charge, earlier this year. The City of Honolulu says that the money raised will go directly to management and improvement at Hanauma Bay.
Hanauma Bay is now open Wednesdays through Sundays, with daily entrance available for a maximum of 1,000 persons from 645 am to 130 pm. All visitors must depart by 4 pm, and the beach will be cleared at 330 pm. As the schedule is subject to change, it is suggested that visitors call to inquire at (808) 768-6861.
Face covering mandates apply at all times within HBAY.
New mandatory online visitor reservations.
Entrance to Hanauma Bay is via a specific time reservation made and paid for online. Entry payments are not refundable except if the nature preserve is closed for your time of entrance.
Visit the Honolulu Parks & Recreation website for reservations (up to 5 adults and 5 children). The cost for visitors is $25 per person aged 13 and above, plus a 2.35% online processing fee.
Tickets are not transferable and all sales are final. There are no cancellations or exchanges. Visitors will receive an email confirmation. Valid photo ID matching the reservation is required at entry. “Unauthorized use of reservations will void the reservation without refund.”
Make mandatory online reservations two days in advance.
The new reservation system permits selecting a video “show-time” 48 hours prior to your planned visit to Hanauma Bay. “Reservations will remain open until the spaces are filled or until midnight the day before, so reservations for Wednesday will close after 11:59 p.m. (HST) the preceding Tuesday.”
Required video viewing prior to entrance.
All visitors will need to watch the educational video in the Hanauma Bay theatre each time they visit. Even if you’ve seen the video before, it will still be required.
Parking is cash and in-person.
Hanauma Bay parking fees are collected when you arrive and are made in cash. The fee for parking is $3 for visitors and $1 for residents.
Bring your own equipment or rent there.
The rental concession for fins and mask has reopened. The fee is $20 per day per set. Lockers are also available.
Some flexibility for those without technology?
At least at the present time, a “limited amount of walk-in or drive-in access without an online reservation will continue to be allowed. On-site payment for entry is available.” What the limit is or how long it may continue for those without internet access, is not clear. Previously the city had said that up to 25% might be available in-person, but that is no longer clear.
Rules for Hawaii residents and the military are different.
Residents of Hawaii with valid ID can visit without a reservation from 645 am to 9 am Wednesdays through Sundays. Also, military members and their dependents get free entry with their military IDs.
Other important rules.
No commercial activities including tours are allowed and taxis may not transport visitors into Hanauma Bay. In addition, there is no public bus service into Hanauma Bay at this time.
Concession hours.
The gift shop is open from 8 am until 330 pm, the food concession is open from 830 am until 2 pm, and the snorkel gear shop is open from 7 am until 3 pm.
Please let us know your thoughts on the new Hanauma Bay visitor rates and other rules?
CoconutWilly from Honolulu wrote to us saying, “Oahu just implemented a $25 fee for Hanauma Bay. I have been in the hospitality industry here in Hawaii for 35 years. I disagree with price gouging the tourists to balance the budget. I always put myself in the other person’s shoes. A family of 4 needs to fork over another $100 to go to Hanauma? Forget it! HTA, your tactics to limit visitors are working!”
While $25 per person may not seem like a dramatic increase, it is more than double the prior rate. And, it comes at a time when visitor fees are under extreme scrutiny.
Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation’s View.
Honolulu DPR spokesperson Nate Serota said that “all the money that’s made from the entrance fees goes back into the maintenance, the education, the conservation efforts. So we need to maintain that source of funding in order to keep it the thriving attraction, not just for recreational enjoyment, but for conservation and to make it such a beautiful place in perpetuity.”
The city said that it is “looking at different ways to have revenue come in and one of the big things with Hanauma Bay is it’s free for locals and we charge the non-local residents to enter the bay.” The city plans to use this “visitors pay” but “locals do not” concept at other facilities soon.
Since Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve reopened post-Covid, earlier this year, the rules have been changing. First, the county banned walk-in visitors due to a safety concern along the Kalanianaole Highway. Thereafter, the iconic bay again began allowing walk-in entry. The most recent change was the required online reservation system.
“Providing a safe & enjoyable experience for bay visitors, while keeping the preserve’s conservation and fiscal sustainability objectives in mind, continues to be our ultimate goals…The ticketing system and increased access to the preserve’s parking lot proved to be the solutions we needed. ” –DPR Director-Designate Laura H. Thielen.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve was closed for 9 months due to COVID.
Hanauma is the spectacular cove located inside a volcanic crater that is packed with fish and is just a 25-minute drive from Waikiki Beach. It is always one of the state’s primary snorkeling attractions for both visitors and residents. In the past, throngs came there to see the beauty both above and below the water that appeared to outnumber the marine creatures.
Hanauma is the first Marine Life Conservation District in Hawaii and is considered one of Hawaii’s most breathtaking natural resources. Now you can be part of preserving and protecting one of the state’s rarest locations. The bay features both a deep outer reef and a shallow inner reef for protection, which results in calm, sparkling-clear waters.
Tip: Be aware that there is an unofficial website that looks official which is hanaumabaystatepark.com. We won’t link to that one. Here is the official state website for Hanauma Bay.
Visitors and locals previously imperiled Hanauma Bay.
Before COVID, Hanauma Bay saw up to 6,000 visitors per day, but will now be limited to 720 per day. Prior to the first efforts to limit visitors, it saw many times more. After it was closed due to COVID in March, the bay started to heal following decades of abuse. Water quality and clarity improved without the visitors, their sunscreen, and the bread and other food they fed the fish.
The marine ecosystem and its plethora of colorful coral and fish have since clearly begun to restore. Endangered species found there including sea turtles and monk seals have been seen in greater numbers.
That is the not-for-profit organization that closely monitors everything happening within the bay. Their president, Lisa Bishop, said that water visibility had improved 64% since before the COVID shutdown. She also noted that was the first time in four decades that dangerous sunscreen chemicals have not been in the water.
Since the closure, larger species and an abundance of tropical fish have returned making it worth the wait to enter.
Pristine ecosystems in recovery
More than a decade ago, new efforts got underway to restore Hanauma Bay. Due to long-term abuse and overuse, with millions of annual visitors, 30 years ago Honolulu unveiled a plan to restore the bay by implementing restrictions including visitor counts, and the creation of educational programs. Then in 2002, the Hanauma Bay Marine Education Center opened. It is there that visitors watch a short video supporting efforts to restore this special place when we visit. Further back, in 1967, Hawaii first designated the 100 acre Marine Life Conservation District.
Sunscreen at Hanauma Bay.
Hawaii has banned sunscreens deemed unsafe. There is a prohibition on the sale and distribution of sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate. These are chemicals that are found in thousands of sunscreens. This new law became effective on January 1, 2021.
“Our natural environment is fragile, and our own interaction with the earth can have lasting impacts…. This new law is just one step toward protecting the health and resiliency of Hawaii’s coral reefs.” — Governor David Ige.
Revised 12/2/21.
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Chuck W. says
The price for entry into the bay is robbery.
the money with 600 vicotors 5 days a week brings in $3,900,000. per year. Not counting parking fees. Someones going to get fat with that cash.
Andy M says
With the shut down, we saw the bay heal itself. That’s a good thing. So many people think that access to everything should be free. Well someone has to pick up all the trash that is left behind by visitors to the parks. I’ve seen so many beaches just littered with trash and cigarette butts is just a shame. People complain that everything is so expensive, well look around everything everywhere not just Hawaii is expensive.
Kathy R. says
I believe the bay is overrated anyway. Enjoyed booking a snorkel trip on Oahu much better!! Heck at this rate it will probably be cheaper!!
Andrew B. says
So, I was born at Tripler Army Hospital, Oahu, Hawaii. I left the islands when I was 5 years old in 1970. I have been back multiple times, but not anymore. They started slowly milking tourists. First, they started Charging to park at the hotels, $35 a day to park in a building that has been there for 40 years, and was always free. WOW. Then they started charging the silly resort fees at the hotels, another $30,$40, $100 a day, depending on where you stay. And now this garbage at the bay? I still remember when there was no silly center on top of the hill to watch the silly video. We used to park and walk down and snorkle all day, but I guess the times are changing, and they are going to continue to milk the tourists. Enjoy your spam and eggs!
Beth P says
I think it’s a bit misguided to conflate fees and charges levied by corporate entities like hotels – the vast majority of which are owned off-island and increasingly by foreign interests – with fees collected to maintain a natural resource like Haunama Bay (and Ke’e and Haleakala and other places that suffer huge environmental impacts from overuse). Those park fees directly support conservation of the public site for the benefit of all, unlike parking and resort fees, which are private profit.
cindy L. says
I commented earlier about the bay but after reading about complaints on how hawaii is so expensive to visit. Hawaii has always been special and commensurates a price. Just because airlines are whoring their airfares doesn’t mean hotels and local exhibitions will do the same. Hawaii wants to attract a higher dollar clientele like they did in the 70’s & 80’s not the low end people. Face it, low end people don’t spend money. High end clientele do spend money. Sorry if this rubs folks the wrong way but it’s pretty much true. Tourists that say they won’t come back – we will never run out of tourists coming to Hawaii, so if you don’t, that’s ok too.
Curtis C. says
Yeah, keep those “low-end” people away from the islands. By the low end, I guess you mean those folks that change the oil on your car, tow it when it broke down, or install a new roof on your”high end” house. Low-end people are what make the world go round. They deserve vacations in Hawaii too.
Chris R says
Mic drop…spot on dude!
Cindy L. says
Limiting the amount of people is a good start and the admission fee is reasonable. Perhaps dedicate a Saturday or Sunday to locals – no tourist integration. Locals work all week, tourists here on vacation they can go any day. Just know any decision, people will always complain because it’s self motivated – do the right thing for the park and secondly the residents. Maybe your example of taking the high road will lead others to do the same thing.
Windy C says
If we arrive at 6 am, are we able to park and walk to the bay? It used to be you could do so. Thank you
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Windy.
We don’t know but don’t think so. Perhaps someone will give us a hand.
Aloha.
Elizabeth s. says
Will not visit. Out of control Thanks but no thanks.
Peggy says
I will not be supporting the overcharging in Hawaii! I love the people of Hawaii but not the politicians who support visitors and locals on going price gouging. My family will not be returning to the islands until things like this stop. I wish you all the best and hope Hawaiian citizens stand up to government over reach. Aloha
Goldie C says
Hawaii continues to shoot itself in the foot. They whine and complain about everything from no tourists, to too many tourists. Now they are implementing outrageous fees on tourists, the very people which allow them to stay in business. Coconut Willy is right, what visiting family of 4 is going to pay $100 just to snorkel at Haunauma Bay, and possibly another $80 to rent snorkel gear for THE DAY? There are lots of other places that tourists can go to snorkel that don’t require ANY fees. Kauai, Maui, and the Big Island are just as ridiculous with their fees to go to Haena & Ke’e Beach, Haleakala, and Volcanoes National Park. They are too stupid to realize that they are destroying their bread & butter – tourism.
Beth P says
No, overuse is “during the bread and butter:” the natural beauty and resources of the island that made tourism a no-brainer industry in the first place.
Deb H says
I so agree with Nancy M and Jeanne F. and a few others on here. I can remember back in the day when Hawaii sat on my bucket list and thrilled to say it’s now my reality. My daughter purchased a home here and I visit at least 2-3 times a year since 2014 and will continue to do so. With that said, I’ve always known Hawaii to be expensive (hence that bucket list for so long),I do find myself questioning what it is that Hawaiians really want because what is happening seems to be sending the wrong message. Would it be safe to say that tourism is Hawaii’s biggest industry? Leading me to the question, “Why”? If you continue on this path making it so people really can’t afford to visit your beautiful state, your local businesses won’t thrive, your homeless population/tent cities will continue to grow, and Hawaiian’s will be so stressed that the Aloha friendliness will no longer exist. Though I have my own personal thoughts on this whole COVID hysteria, I understand safety first, and Hawaii wanting to continue with the vaccines, testing and mask wearing…however, it’s gone beyond that with car rentals out of control,I’m sure hotels and restaurants the same, and now increased visitor rates? During this whole pandemic, we’ve seen so many local businesses shut down, never to reopen, we’ve eaten at popular restaurants where my husband and I were practically the only customers, tipping the poor waitress 100.00 because we realized that was probably one of the few tips she’d get that day, and watched as the hub of Waikiki became eerily deserted and ghost like. There’s a phrase, “If you build it, they will come”…and my own phrase, “If you keep raising your prices, they won’t be able to afford to come”…. I can only say this Hawaii …Don’t cut your nose off to spite your face…
Rachel C. says
When an unexpected, uncontrollable event like Covid 19 occurs… with it’s miraculous impact on natural places such as Hanauma Bay (does not okay the human toll exacted by the pandemic), we need to take our wins, where we may. Saving a place as incomparable as Hanauma Bay with increased entry charges, seems a small price to pay to continue the restoration; limiting human damage is a positive and proven method. Whatever it takes?
Thanks
Tana G says
Hawaii is becoming too expensive in many ways I used to be able to go once or twice a year and travel thrifty now I can barely manage once a year. I would not take my family to this beautiful public park and pay $25 per person or $125 just to get in. Covid has harmed many of us financially and either Hawaii wants visitors or it doesn’t. We can always watch videos and just swim at the hotel pool that has all kinds of fees too.
Jeff S says
We will not be renting a car when we go in June of 2022. How do we get there if relying on Uber, taxi or busses. Are they not allowing drop offs and pick-ups?
Sue S says
Thanks for all the information you provide – it is always so useful. Trying to balance the fee against the effort to protect the reef is a huge task I’m sure. The problem I see is that Hawaii is asking only visitors to carry the burden. And that sends a negative message to tourists. Every visitor to the location has an impact so if the fee is only to sustain the natural resource then everyone should be willing to help. Of course residents should be given a discount. But a more than 100% increase levied only upon visitors is sending the wrong message – or is it??
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Sue.
Thanks. Yes, messaging certainly is critical, maybe as much so as costs.
Thanks.
Mark A D says
Aloha to all whom read this website, and a special Aloha to all those whom monitor and operate this website! Mahalo for all the information you provide. 🙂 Now, personally the new ‘visitor fee’ rate being doubled is a bit much and could, I said could and not should, be lowered to $18.00 as a way to control access while still generating revenue. With that said, and I shall contradict my previous comment, I am all for the strict preservation of the Hanauma Bay region, and especially the new sunscreen ban. I say this because I do remember Hanauma Bay from my time on Oahu (1979 to 1981) years ago and how beautiful the water was, yet was over crowded by people whom did not understand natural fish habitats. Please continue to see this beautiful location return to as natural a state as possible, while continuing to share its beauty with those inclined to enjoy it. Again, Mahalo to all! Aloha to all! Be safe everyone!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Mark.
Thanks for your first time comment. Hope to see you again.
Aloha.
Tully M. says
For a State that relies heavily on tourism it sure seems like everything is being done to discourage tourist from visiting.
Jeanne F says
I agree with fees for these very unique and special places in Hawaii. I also agree with fees for parking. I think residents should also have to pay,parking included. Many residents take these very beautiful special places for granted. As I compose this I am sitting in a beach chair on a beautiful but not well known beach on Kauai looking at abandoned cars.
Residents too leave a carbon footprint,and for too long many have had a disregard ,and sense of entitlement to these places.
Nancy M says
It seems more and more that Hawaii is discouraging tourists from visiting your beautiful islands. As someone who has visited 20+ times to enjoy the beauty and culture of your islands, I have to say that I don’t feel welcome to visit anytime in the near future.
Dick O says
Sadly, it seems like every other article is about a new “tourist tax”. Kauai is proposing charging only tourists for some beach parking, with penalties of $100 for the first violation and a whopping $500 for the second!
Pretty soon tourists will be prevented from going to most of the scenic locations because they missed the ticket lottery, are sent away because too many people are there already, or like this article says, can’t necessarily afford an unplanned $100 for a family of four. Tourists are probably going to decide to go elsewhere and that will impact an economy that relies on billions (with a b) of tourist dollars.
Jim B says
First it was the pool use fee, then the air conditioning fee, that all turned into the resort fee which almost all resorts charge but you don’t find out until you get ready to check out surprise surprise surprise, then the $100 visitor fee and a beach use fee. When will it stop
Bette B says
Good for Hunama Bay! Its not about gouging visitors, it’s about protecting the fish and coral. I wish DLNR would do the same at Ahihi Reserve on Maui.
Jeff M says
Betty you’re WRONG and that is why a lot of us visitors are upset. Your politicians don’t give a flying rat fart about the fish or coral!If they did we’d understand however, in their own words it’s all about making money!
The city said that it is “looking at different ways to have revenue come in and one of the big things with Hanauma Bay is it’s free for locals and we charge the non-local residents to enter the bay.” The city plans to use this “visitors pay” but “locals do not” concept at other facilities soon.
Skip S. says
Wondering how Hawaii residents would react to special fees for visiting and parking at mainland or Alaskan destinations, charged only to Hawaii residents?
Maybe special charges wouldn’t be so appealing.
Mike S. says
Maybe they should implement these extra charges only on foreign visitors. People from the mainland should be allowed the same priviledges as Hawaii residents because we are all of the same country. Mahalo for your wonderful information.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Mike.
Thanks for your feedback on visitor fees and for your other comments as well.
Aloha.
Paul L. says
We don’t discriminate, whether you are from Alabama or Alaska, you pay the same rate.
jamie p. says
Why just Hawaii residents? Hawaii isnt saying just California or specific states…its saying non residents. If Alaska or any state for that matter, has a natural wonder or scenic spot that requires monitoring and preservation and they allowed State residents free access but charged visitors…Hawaii locals wouldnt complain. No one should.The Residents income and daily taxes already help support these things. Plus they live there. Its wrong to put things out there like just Hawaii residents
Elizabeth S says
Must be a resident.
Kat L says
Hotel resort fees are widespread, not just in Hawaii. I go to Las Vegas every year and have been charged that same fee for at least the last 5 years. I have also seen that fee in California, New Jersey, Mexico and the Bahamas. Go to any touristy location and be expected to pay higher for everything, if you’re going to be all bummed about what a vacation is costing you, stay home!