Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is one of Oʻahu’s most beloved snorkeling spots, carved into a volcanic crater and home to a thriving coral reef ecosystem. It’s a protected marine sanctuary where visitors can swim alongside parrotfish, butterflyfish, and sea turtles in crystal-clear, shallow waters.
Due to its fragile environment, the preserve limits daily visitors and enforces conservation rules — a small price for paradise.
Highlights
- Excellent snorkeling just meters from shore
- Over 400 species of marine life, including honu (green sea turtles)
- Educational visitor center with reef and conservation info
- Closed on Mondays and Tuesdays to support reef recovery
- Reservations required via Honolulu Parks & Rec