Hawaii Snorkeling
Written by Vacation Idea.com Travel Editors.
The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is the perfect destination for snorkeling in Hawaii. The large bay, long curved sandy beach, and abundant marine life are ideal conditions for snorkeling.
The Snorkeling Basics
The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve was was declared a protected marine life conservation area and underwater park in 1967. The large cliffs on either side of the bay protect it a keep the water in the bay calm and increase visibility underwater. Snorkeling gear can be rented at the bay and there are life guards on duty daily. You may want to check if you can rent a mask and fins from your hotel so that you can save time by not having to stand in line at the beach. Since the bay is a nature preserve you cannot feed the fish, but you won't need to as they will approach you out of their own curiosity.
Getting to the Bay
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is about ten miles east of Waikiki just off of route 72. Driving there is easy but you waill ahve to leave early if you want to get a parking spot. Getting one will make your day that much easier and you will beat the crowd to the beach as well. The Bay is open every day, except Tuesdays, from 6am. to 6pm. Admission to the park is $5 per person.
