It’s a different time for pristine Hanauma Bay. There are new rules and it is going to cost you more!
142 thoughts on “Hanauma Bay: New Rules and Limits, Increased Fees, Online Reservations Only”
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Home » Blog » Culture and Events » Hanauma Bay: New Rules and Limits, Increased Fees, Online Reservations Only
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…
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
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.
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?
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??
Hi Sue.
Thanks. Yes, messaging certainly is critical, maybe as much so as costs.
Thanks.
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!
Hi Mark.
Thanks for your first time comment. Hope to see you again.
Aloha.
For a State that relies heavily on tourism it sure seems like everything is being done to discourage tourist from visiting.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hi Mike.
Thanks for your feedback on visitor fees and for your other comments as well.
Aloha.
We don’t discriminate, whether you are from Alabama or Alaska, you pay the same rate.
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
Must be a resident.
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!