Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Hanauma Bay is not a place for beach sports but is instead a bay formed in the crater of an extinct volcano and filled with a wonderful coral reef and many fish. The calm waters and abundance of marine life make it an excellent place for snorkeling and scuba diving. A wide stretch of beach also makes it a scenic place to picnic or sunbathe. If you're driving you'll want to get here early in the morning (by 8AM) to ensure you get a space as parking is limited. Otherwise, parking may be available again by afternoon as people leave. On the weekends, public buses (route #22) from Waikiki fill up and will not stop if full; you can also get a shuttle package from most Waikiki hotels for about $15, round trip with snorkel gear, not including admission (ask your concierge). Plan on 20 additional minutes before entering as lines may be long, and all new visitors (as well as visitors who have not visited in the past year) are required to watch an orientation video. Bring water and food; there is a snack bar, but it's limited and pricey. Also keep an eye on the tides; at low tide you will be swimming right on top of the reef, which is harder and makes it less easy to see. Snorkel gear is available to rent at the site.