Hanauma Bay, Hawaii - Honolulu, Hawaii - Marine Reserve Sits in Capital of Island Chain State

Hanauma Bay, Hawaii is located at 745 Kalanianaole Highway in the southeastern part of Oahu. It is within the jurisdiction of the city and county of Honoulu and is 20 minutes from Waikiki by car.

In the 60s, the fish population here began to dwindle due to over fishing.

As a response to the growing marine life crisis it was in 1967 that Hanauma Bay was named a Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD) set aside by the State of Hawaii to protect undersea life. Unlike the State Beach Parks this reserve is receives visits for educational ends rather than recreational ends as such.

It is illegal to fish, to have fishing gear, to remove any organisms or pollute the waters in the park. Smoking is also prohibited within the reserve.

The park is open from 6 AM to 7 PM on 6 days a week throughout the year. It is closed on Tuesdays. On Saturday the park is open until 10 PM. Night snorkeling is usually engaged in by local residents, particularly when there is a full moon.

There is an entry fee to the park as well as a parking fee for each of the 300 spaces available. In the busy season the lot fills prior to 9 AM and remains closed until vehicles depart. Park admission is free after 4:30 PM.

Prior to entering the Hanauma Bay, Hawaii, visitors must watch a 9 minute video about the park. It is shown 4 times every hour. A list can be signed in order to register video viewing and return for up to 12 months before being obliged to see the video again.

Commercial scuba and snorkeling tours with state issued permits are allowed to enter the park directly.

The name Hanauma is an ambiguous Hawaiian word which could mean curved, hand wrestling or canoe stern.

Large groups visiting Hanauma Bay, Hawaii, must obtain permits in advance. The Bay is part of a mountain range on the east side of O'ahu.

At least one company on the beach rents snorkeling equipment to visitors. There is a vast array of animal life on the reef at Hanauma. Snorkeling can be done in shallow waters for beginners but advanced snorkelers and divers can continue out of the cove and into deeper waters where the reef continues.

On land there are hiking trails in the park along the coastline as well as along the ridge above the bay.

The bay floor was once part of an ancient volcano, the outer wall of which collapsed into the sea allowing the ocean to rush in tens of millions of years ago.

There is a food concession stand near the entrance to the park. There are also restrooms, showers, picnic facilities and public telephones here.

The park is wheelchair accessible by taking the shuttle bus from the parking lot.

On Thursday evenings there are often free public talks, films and other events at the park. The Education Program here was designed and is carried out by the University of Hawaii Sea Grant College Program.