Difficulty
beginner
Viz (last reported 59446h 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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Gary from Denver
Nov 18, 2007, 12:00 AM
scuba
My first ever Oahu shore dive. I'd have to give it an excellent rating because it's almost perfect for the recreational diver and, if you're into hardcore stuff, the outer reef awaits you. The entry point is about 50yds from the drop off point of the little car which will haul you and your gear down to the base of the crater. It's marked with a dive buoy so it's tough to miss. I would surface swim through the gap (you don't have to crawl over the reef). This is pretty easy to do because the water spills over the reef and exits through this gap (take note of this because it's pretty tough to get back in). Surface swim toward the crater rim. After you get in about 25ft of water you can drop down and enjoy some very nice reef that hasn't been beat to death by the tourists. Once down you'll find two cables. Follow either on to the rim and enjoy the dive. Turtles, squid, all kinds of reef fish. Plan about 300lbs of extra air to get you back through the gap. This is easily the toughest part of the dive. You literally have to bottom crawl to get back in. The only other tough part of this shore dive is getting your tanks from the car to the place where the shuttle picks you up. I'd suggest taking a small luggage cart or something with wheels to get the tanks there. I lugged them but the haul back to the car was a little tough.
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