Located on the eastern peninsula of Oahu, Hanauma Bay is the most popular snorkeling spot in the state of Hawaii. The area is protected by a natural crater that acts as a barrier from big ocean swells. It has a lot to offer to snorkelers, including a vibrant coral reef and hundreds of different fish. The fish are friendly and don’t mind being around humans, making the bay perfect for anyone to snorkel.
While Hanauma Bay is one of the best places to snorkel in the world, there are a few things you should know before you go. If you are new to the water, you should consider staying in the sandy areas between the reef and the beach, where you won’t encounter any strong currents. However, if you have previous experience, you should explore the areas beyond the reef. This is where you will find deeper water and a better chance of seeing green sea turtles.
During your Hanauma Bay snorkeling trip, you will be provided with a safety video. This video, titled Shark Bay, teaches visitors the proper way to snorkel and interact with marine life. You will also learn about how to avoid damaging the coral reefs. You will be asked to avoid feeding the fish, which can lead to a negative impact on the marine ecosystem.
The shark bay safety video also explains how to avoid touching the coral. This is because touching the coral can cause distress to the coral, which can lead to a painful scrape. Also, you should avoid standing on the coral, as it can cause it to die. You should also avoid bringing non-reef safe sunscreen into the bay.
Hanauma Bay is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays to allow the reef to rest. If you are planning to visit Hanauma Bay, make sure to check the schedule before you go. This is to ensure you have enough time to see everything.
The entrance fee to Hanauma Bay is $7.50, which is waived for residents of Hawaii. You will also need a snorkeling license to leave the park. If you do not have your own snorkeling equipment, you can rent it from Snorkel Bob’s, which offers equipment by the hour. You can also purchase gear at ABC Stores.
You should also consider wearing polarized sunglasses when snorkeling. The water can get cloudy when there are a lot of people in the water. It is also important to wear a mask that fits well. You can also wear fins if you prefer, but be careful to avoid scaring the fish.
You can also rent snorkeling equipment from Snorkel Bob’s, which is located in Waikiki. They have weekly rates as well as hourly rates. They also offer prescription snorkel masks for $15 each.
If you plan on visiting Hanauma Bay, you should make reservations. There are only 30 spots available each time slot. You can reserve a spot up to two days in advance. You should also be aware that the park is closed on state holidays.