Difficulty
beginner
Viz (last reported 59566h ago)
Max Depth
6.6 ft
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Hanauma Bay
What is there that hasn't already been said about Hanauma Bay? Divers' paradise, excellent diving, friendly marine life, etc. Unfortunately, the
overcrowding of this popular site has caused major environmental impact and has necessitated the implementation of many conservation measures. As crowded as this place is, it now has only one-third the attendance it used to have before restrictions were passed in 1990. Parking, and access to the beach is controlled, and volunteer docents try to educate the visitors so additional damage is avoided. One of our greatest concerns is the trampling of the reef. Although numerous signs are posted, it still constantly occurs. Although there's not too much live coral inside of the reef, other living organisms inhabit the zone, and it is basic diver etiquette to avoid touching any reef.
Take Kalanianaole Highway (72) East to Koko Head. At the top of the hill, turn right into Hanauma Bay.
Access
shore
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Tide Report
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Rory Moak
Jun 6, 2011, 12:00 AM
scuba
As a local resident I find myself there almost every weekend. Usually the visibility is great in the morning in the inner bay, and starts to get as low as 4-5 feet in some areas by noon due to tourists. If you follow the cables out between the buoys the visibility usually opens up to 40+ vis. I freedive the area myself and often escort divers new to the area out to witches brew and beyond. Even when I am at the surface, I can easily view the divers at the bottom. The inner bay is still covered in algae, an most of the coral has died off in the easy to snorkel areas due to tourists, but there is still plenty of wildlife. Outside the reef the coral is still beautiful and full of color. Ask the life guard where 'the arch' is before heading out and take a peak in the caves underneath to get a good view of the white tip reef sharks sleeping there, just don't touch them so they stick around for others to see. In winter, it is common to see hammerhead sharks in the bay and an occasional Tiger swimming in the deeper part of the out bay, around 40-50ft. All in all, love this bay!
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