Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

East Honolulu is home to some of the Hawaiian Island’s most precious natural resources and amongst them is the crown jewel known as the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. Known as one of the world’s best snorkeling destinations, you’ll want to make sure to fit in a visit to this natural wonder. Today, visitors can experience this area through a primary visitor’s center access point. A visit to the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a wonderful way to get up close with the most precious resource Hawaii has—nature.

Visit Specifics

The Marine Education Center first opened at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve in August of 2002 and has since become the central point of any visit to the area. The center focuses on educating guests on the very specific needs that pertain to reef ecosystems and how they can best be protected over time. Visitors are invited to enjoy a short film that covers conservation efforts when they first arrive. Facility tours are open to the public and are wheelchair friendly for easy access. The center comes complete with a theater and educational presentations are free to the public during shows that occur on Thursday evenings at 6:30 pm. General admission to the preserve is $7.50 and free for visitors under the age of 12.
This scenic piece of paradise was at one time receiving more than three million visitors a year in the name of its breathtaking beauty, incredible coral and mesmerizing wildlife. When government officials began noticing the distressing signs of many ecosystems in peril, they made drastic steps to put the protections in place that the area needed to continue thriving. Currently, visitor access is limited to a set number, and we recommend arriving early, as the park can sell out quick! A local tip: The park often reopens to more guests in the late morning to early afternoon as the morning guests begin to filter out of the park.
Once you’ve toured the facilities, hop onboard one of the trams available for a quick ride down to the beach at a nominal fee. While the beach was once a recreational area for visitors, environmental restrictions have made a visit to the beach a learning experience for guests who are excited for an insider’s view into conservation efforts. Enjoy admiring the view while learning what it takes to keep this pristine natural wonder intact and growing. Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is open every day of the week except for Tuesdays and in the summer months holds visiting hours from 6:00 am until 7:00 pm.

Spend a Day in Beauty at the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

There’s nothing like an afternoon at the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. When you’ve experienced conservation efforts for yourself, make your way back to a luxurious vacation rental booked for you by Koko Resorts. We’ll make sure you’re settled into a home away from home that’s comfortable, convenient and comes with an unbeatable view. Contact us today to start planning!

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