My Top Dive (OK, snorkel): Hanauma Bay, Oahu Hawaii

by Kate
(Elsmere, KY, USA)

Hanauma Bay Feb. 2007

OK, it wasn't a dive, but snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, Hawaii was fantastic. You wouldn't believe all the beautiful marine life there.

Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay was the highlight of my trip to Oahu besides surfing. It is best to arrive there early in the morning to make sure you can be admitted.

It is a Nature Preserve and only so many people can be there at a time. It is open to the public daily from 6:00am-7:00pm except on Tuesdays. It is closed every Tuesday.

You can rent equipment there pretty cheap so there is no need to bring your snorkeling gear with you. Parking however can be limited, and it can be a hike but the Park does offer a trolley rides.

The water is very shallow and you have to be careful not to stand on the reef, but the view underneath is incredible! It is a great place for novice snorkelers (like me.) Even if you have a hard time getting used to breathing through the snorkel, you can ditch it and hold your breath with just the mask.

If you get the opportunity to go, bring an underwater cheapie throw away camera because you will see all types of fish up close and personal. Due to the water being so shallow, lots of light goes through the water and you can get great pictures as a result.