Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve - Nature preserve in Honolulu - 100 Hanauma Bay Rd, USA

Warning!!! Make reservations!! And it is NOT open everyday so please plan ahead! If you fail to get tickets then go there as soon as they open. You’re very much likely to get a walk in ticket because that’s what we did! But anyway! Not sure how, but ended up staying almost 6 hours here. This place is just magic. It’s such a breathtaking view and snorkel rental is available at the beach. Don’t be that irksome couple that we witnessed standing on the reef. Anyway, this is the best place to snorkel as you don’t have to pay these expensive tours hundreds of dollars to do. And it’s for a good cause! The history is lovely and you see plenty of cool fish! Lovely lovely.

Come to this bay if you are looking to snorkel and lay on the beach in waters that are calm. The snorkeling is fun for everyone as long as you can swim. On my visit I saw many different types of fish. The further I was away from people the more fish diversity I encountered. Due note that reservations are required and staff checks when you enter the park with a car as well as the line to check-in. However I found out that the conservation program here always allocates 300 tickets for standby. Thus if you don't have a reservation to visit, I would recommend coming super early to catch a standby ticket. Recognize that the conversation program attempts to minimize the human footprint in the bay. You will have to watch a video prior to entry to the bay. This seems a bit over the top since they don't restrict the amount of people in the bay per hour as imagined from the reservation system. Thus the human footprint increases later on the day as those with earlier reservations still have access to the beach.

A must do. Best snorkeling in Oahu. Set up a profile online and be ready 7 am sharp to order tix. Online profile makes it quicker. Get an earlier spot (11 am or sooner) so there’s plenty of parking. We left at 12:30 on a Wednesday and there was still lots of parking left. At the beach they rent snorkels including prescription masks up to -8. Did the return drive to Haleiwa along the coast - so worth it.

This location is a fantastic spot for snorkeling, basking in the sun, and enjoying the beach. We booked the 8:10 am slot, and upon arrival, we noticed a considerable number of cars already present. It raises concerns about parking availability for those arriving later in the day. The water clarity is impressive, making it easy to spot many fish species. As a beginner in snorkeling, I found the experience thoroughly enjoyable. I also visited North Shark Cove, but this location undoubtedly offers a superior snorkeling experience.

One of the best reefs you can easily access from shore in Hawaii. Tons of tropical fish, seals, turtles, and wildlife. Book 48 hours in advance to get rare access to this beautiful gem. There is very limited access, and the tickets go within 5 minutes of being available online. It's well worth renting snorkel gear on site, or bring your own.

Absolutely worth your time the Nature Preserve was great and if you're a decent swimmer snorkeling will bring you a lot of Joy with the amount of fish and coral you will see. You absolutely need tickets ahead of time since this sells out fast. They're relatively reasonably priced and if you bring your own snorkel gear it will only cost you $25 per person in total. Very well kept for how heavily used of an area it is. I highly urge you to go there if you get a chance.

Definitely reserve 2 days in advance, and the tickets sell out FAST. We opted to go at 7:40am and honestly probably best to go early when there's not a lot of people yet. The water was so clear, and if you go a bit further, there's so many fish. Be aware that there is not much shade and food prices were a bit high.

Gorgeous beach with great view, amazing snorkeling to see lots of beautiful unique fishes (and turtles if you are lucky enough)... clean and well organized with great staff... lifeguards to give you peace of mind for the safety of your kids... I highly recommend including this in your itinerary...