What is so special about Hanauma Bay?
Hanauma Bay is known for its abundance of Green sea turtles, Chelonia mydas, known as Honu. Hanauma is a nursery ground for the immature turtles, which have their nesting grounds at French Frigate Shoals. It is also known for its abundance of parrotfish.
Is it worth it to go to Hanauma Bay?
There are many good reasons Hanauma Bay has become one of the most popular places to snorkel in all of Hawai’i. A major one is that you don’t have to be a good swimmer enjoy snorkeling there. The water is typically very calm, and you can see quite a few fish just by wading in.
Can I go to Hanauma Bay without a reservation?
Hawai’i residents with valid identification may access the nature preserve without a reservation from 6:45 a.m. to 9 a.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. This does not apply to military members unless they have local identification. However, those servicemembers and their dependents get free entry with their military IDs.
What is the best time to go to Hanauma Bay?
Best Time to Go
If you have not secured tickets online, you will want to get to Hanauma Bay no later than 7:00AM for same day tickets. Afternoon is also a great time to go to Hanauma Bay since the sun will be overhead, and makes snorkeling much easier since the reef will be illuminated.
Can you swim in Hanauma Bay?
Hanauma Bay has sharp coral reefs close to the shoreline. Use caution when swimming in shallow reef areas. Should you be injured, see a lifeguard for minor first aid assistance. City and County of Honolulu lifeguards provide first aid and emergency ground and air response.
How long can you stay at Hanauma Bay?
Last year Hanauma Bay had reopened with an online system allowing visitors and locals to reserve a time slot at the nature preserve up to 48 hours in advance, which became a necessary step for many as the park also imposed a 720 visitor limit per day.
Can you see turtles at Hanauma Bay?
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve — A Popular Tourist Location for Snorkeling with Turtles. Hanauma Bay is a popular nature preserve famous for turtles and sea life, and it’s not too far from the famous Sandy’s Beach and Cockroach Cove.
How quickly does Hanauma Bay parking fill up?
Hanauma Bay parking lot is fairly small with only 300 stalls and fills up early, normally by 7:00 or 7:30 am, and once it’s full they put up a “LOT FULL” sign at the entrance to the park. Security prevents the public from entering until they have available space.
How far in advance can you book Hanauma Bay?
Reservations can be made up to 48 hours ahead for a visit, which starts with the required viewing of an educational film in the reserve’s theater prior to entry . Time slots are available in 10-minute increments, beginning from 7 a.m. until 1:40 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays. The bay is closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
Is Hanauma Bay free before 7am?
Santa Cruz, California
Got here before 7am, avoided entrance and parking fees — and crowds to a large extent. We brought our own snorkeling gear (from Snorkel Bobs), which was good because gear rental at the beach isn’t open until after 7.
Are there jellyfish in Hanauma Bay?
Influxes of jellyfish are common on Oahu’s south facing beaches, including Hanauma Bay, Waikiki and the Waianae Coast, about eight to 10 days following the full moon, according to the Waikiki Aquarium. This is due to the reproduction of box jellyfish which occurs under certain lunar and tidal conditions.
Do you have to pay to go to Hanauma Bay?
Admission to Hanauma Bay
Once you arrive at Hanauma Bay there is a standard entry fee of $25.00 for each guest. If you live on the island of Oahu and have a valid Hawaii ID card or Hawaii drivers license then there is no charge to enter the park.
What is not allowed at Hanauma Bay?
No Tours Allowed
That includes commercial vehicles, taxis and commercial tour groups including sightseeing, scuba and snorkel groups. The city bus service to Hanauma Bay is still suspended.
Can you touch a turtle in Hawaii?
Can I Touch The Turtles? No. Hawaiian green sea turtles are federally protected and it’s illegal and harmful to touch or harass them. In order to be a responsible snorkeler, be sure to give turtles plenty of space and make an effort to not overcrowd them.
What is the best time of year to see sea turtles in Hawaii?
While turtles can be seen year-round in Hawaii, the best time to see them is between the months of May and October. This is because the water temperature is a bit warmer during these months, which means that the turtles will be more active.
What do you do when Hanauma Bay parking is full?
What to do if Hanauma Bay parking lot is full
- Park at the nearby district park, then walk over to Hanauma Bay.
- Do nearby activities in the morning, and try Hanauma Bay again in the afternoon.
Is there a shuttle to Hanauma Bay?
How to Get to Hanauma Bay by Shuttle Bus. If you don’t wish to have the hassle of catching the bus there is a shuttle that leaves Waikiki daily. The cost is USD$25.00 which includes a shuttle pick up and drop off and the hire of fins, masks and snorkels and you can book online.
Where do you park if Hanauma Bay is full?
There’s no official Hanauma Bay overflow parking area, but our team did a little digging to provide you with a decent alternative. The Koko Crater parking lot on Anapalu Street is the best nearby option, an 11-minute walk away.
What time does Hanauma Bay fill up?
Are there sharks in Hanauma Bay?
Are there sharks in Hanauma Bay? Surprisingly, there are sharks in the bay, even though it is a popular tourist attraction. However, the sharks in Hanauma Bay are reef sharks that do not feed on humans, and there has never been any shark attack in the bay.
Are there man of war jellyfish in Hawaii?
Lifeguards on the Hawaiian island of Oahu are reporting that thousands of Portuguese men-of-war are washing up on shore. They’ve been spotted this week at Kailua, Waimanalo, and Makapuu beaches. A man-of-war is a gelatinous creature that is technically not a jellyfish, but looks like one, and stings like one, too.
Why is Hanauma Bay so expensive?
Demand for entry remains high since Hanauma Bay reopened to the public in December after a nine-month break because of the coronavirus pandemic, Honolulu parks officials said. “We saw how dramatically Hanauma Bay healed during the pandemic when access to the public was closed.
Will sea turtles bite you?
Do sea turtles bite humans? A sea turtle is not an aggressive animal at all. Normally, they are docile creatures that only bite when threatened. A sea turtle bite is extremely rare and generally not dangerous.
What happens if a turtle touches you in Hawaii?
What is the fine for touching sea turtles in Hawaii? The fine for harassing or touching a sea turtle in Hawaii runs $1,000 to $10,500. The crime needs to be reported to the police for action to be taken.
Which Hawaiian island has the most turtles?
Hawaii (Big) Island
– The Kohala Coast might be one of the most abundant areas for Hawaiian green sea turtles. We’ve seen many both above and below the water. We have seen them from many snorkeling tours as well as from the beaches and ocean around the Fairmont Orchid, Hilton Waikoloa and the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel.