Hanauma Bay State Underwater Park

Pros: I managed to snorkel...
Cons: not so many fish

It was mid afternoon on a Wednesday in May when we pulled in to Hanauma Bay State Park in Oahu.

I wasn’t sure what to expect after reading about the crowds that pour to this attraction everyday but it wasn’t too crowded on this early...

Pros: Beautiful beach! Clear water! Friendly Fish!
Cons: Be careful of your belongings. Trunks are not a failsafe place to store items.

Why I Went Ever since I snorkeled with the Stingrays in Grand Cayman, I wanted to go snorkeling again. We did go snorkeling in Kauaii, but that was very engaging and stressful. I wanted a less stressful setting where I could go at my own pace. ...

Pros: Lots of fish to be seen when snorkeling, lots to do even without snorkeling
Cons: Steep pathways leading to and from the beach

My recent vacation to Hawaii allowed me to experience a lot of new and unusual things. One of the most unusual things I tried during the week I was there was snorkeling. The snorkeling took place at Hanauma Bay in Honolulu, Hawaii.

We...

Pros: easy access from Waikiki, rents optical masks, variety of underwater terrains in one place
Cons: not free, too crowded, many people too inexperienced or too uncaring to act appropriately

Located about 35-40 minutes from Waikiki by bus, Hanauma Bay is probably the most popular snorkeling spot on Oahu. Two different buses run between Waikiki and Hanauma Bay, each running about once an hour. There's also parking available for $1 per car. ...

Pros: lots of fish, close to town, cheap
Cons: can be crowded

[This is an old review of mine that has been moved to the correct category (which didn't exist when I originally wrote it.)]

Hanauma Bay might just have the easiest access good snorkeling in the whole world, and it's a beautiful place as well....

Pros: Fish! Easy access, facilities, access for disabled, water clarity. Picturesque.
Cons: People walking, crawling, climbing on the coral. Full parking lot. Steep hill back up.

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is probably the best snorkel spot on all of Oahu -- and most people vacationing in Honolulu make it part of their tour. Even though I don't think it is the best snorkel spot in Hawaii, it has very easy beach-access making it ...

Pros: Beautiful scenery, great snorkeling, all around great experience.
Cons: I can't think of anything!

On our trip to Hawaii in 2005 we decided to only rent a car for two days during our 5 ˝ day trip. We had a lot to pack into those two days and we figured out what to do by doing extensive research online and reading our Oahu Revealed book that we picked ...

Pros: Beautiful marine life on the reef
Cons: A bit crowded, but still enjoyable

In preparation for my trip to Hawaii, I purchased some snorkeling equipment. Though I had never been, I had done some research and found out that there were many places to snorkel on O’ahu, but one name was repeated over and over; Hanauma Bay. This ...

Pros: One of the great beach destinations in all the world.
Cons: Don't leave anything you couldn't live without in the trunk of your car.

A few years ago my significant other and I were urged to take a trip to Hawaii. We were reluctant to go because of all the usual excuses (stuff to do at home, kids, too expensive, etc., etc.) until my employer made me a deal I couldn't refuse ("You need...

Pros: Inexpensive, amazing array of wildlife
Cons: Very very popular, so very very crowded

Wow... I apologize for that rhyme, but it's very true. Not only does this Underwater Park have oodles of fish not frightened by humanity, but it gives an appreciation and concern of everything that lives there.

Hanauma Bay is very...

Pros: marine life; beautiful reefs; Scuba, snorkeling, and swimming
Cons: crowds and parking

Does It Really Match The Picture on the Postcard?

If you pick up a postcard of Hawaii and see a gorgeous bay, chances are that you're looking at Hanauma. And yes, it really is as stunningly beautiful in real life. And fun too!
...

Pros: The marine life! I've never seen fish in so many shapes and colors. Amazing!
Cons: None

I will always remember Hanauma Bay with fondness and as one of the highlights of my trip to Hawaii.

I first saw the beach during a tour bus trip but we couldn't stay long because we had to keep up with the busy schedule of circling the...

Pros: Incredible marine life, well-groomed beach.
Cons: Very popular, limited parking.

Here in Hawaii, beaches are everywhere - but Hanauma Bay is in a league of its own. There are many beaches closer to our home which we visit more frequently, but when we have company, we take them to Hanauma. (I'd reviewed Hanauma Bay in the general...

Pros: How many volcanic craters have you visited?
Cons: Busy, busy, busy

An Underwater Park? Well, there is definitely water there. Hanauma Bay is a lovely inlet formed by an extinct volcano's crater, which invited the sea to move in and provided safety for it's creatures.
When you DO find a parking space, high on the...