Hanauma Bay is a nature preserve where the fish are not afraid of people. Some three million Hawaii visitors have annually visited Hanauma Bay, which had caused severe deterioration. Since then, in 1990, the City and County of Honolulu laid out a plan to restore Hanauma Bay to a clean, healthy state by reducing the number of visitors, establishing an educational program, and instituting supportive restrictions.

The combined efforts in protecting and preserving the Hanauma Bay are the major upper and lower bay facility improvements. Now the Hanauma has a site where its education program flourishes with the award-winning Marine Education Center, that opened in August 2002.

Once you arrive at Hanauma Bay, all visitors are required to pay a $7.50 admission fee, which is collected by the City and County of Honolulu employees. You are then presented with a short safety video, which also encourages you to join the staff and the volunteers as stewards of this precious gift of Hanauma Bay and the other living reef environments.

Parking at Hanauma Bay is very limited. In order to discourage the Hanauma Bay visitors from staying too long, the Snack Bar and the shaded seating areas have been relocated to the top of the mountain.

As such, you will be in the sun directly for the most of your visit. Nevertheless, people are still requesting for the earliest pick up with the latest return, which most if not all would end up calling us to change to an earlier departure time from Hanauma Bay once they arrive and see the situation.

Henceforth, we have now implemented a $5 additional fee for staying more than 4 hours at Hanauma Bay. This should discourage anyone from prearranging their stay to be too long at Hanauma Bay, which they would end up changing.

Group Info – Permits

Due to the large number of visitors to Hanauma Bay, the City and County of Honolulu restricts all organized groups to the Bay. Those groups visiting Hanauma Bay for an educational program and experience can request accommodation through the Hanauma Bay Education Program.

Educational Program Requests are valid for two hours and entitle groups to guaranteed parking, immediate entrance to the Bay, a private showing of the mandatory Hanauma Bay educational video, and an educational orientation. The staff at the Hanauma Bay Education Program coordinates all group visits. Groups interested in undertaking an educational program should call the education Program at (808) 397-5840. We request at least two weeks notice, although special arrangements can sometimes be made. Please note that groups who do not request an educational program may be turned away.

Required Information

\”Requested dates and times (9:00-11:00 am, 11:00 am -1:00 pm, 1:00-3:00 pm, 3:00-5:00 pm)

\”Contact person with phone number, fax number, e-mail and mailing address

\”Number in party (45 maximum)

\”Method of transportation (private cars or buses)

\”Age range of students

\”Number of chaperones

\”Special requests (see below)

What to expect:

\”Permits are valid for two hours, which includes a 30-45 minute presentation and a 12 minute educational video.

\”Please bring a copy of your approved permit and be prepared to show it to a parking attendant; entrance is permitted even if the parking lot is full.

\”The admission fee to enter the Nature Preserve is $7.50 for non-residents 13 years of age or older. This fee is waived for local residents with a valid ID. The cashiers take cash, traveler\’s checks, and credit cards.

\”Snorkel gear is NOT PROVIDED but can be rented for an additional fee on the beach.

\”The snorkel concession takes only cash and requires a deposit in the form of a credit card, cash, or rental car key.

\”Buses cannot park on site and are allowed 15 minutes to drop off and pick up only. (Please call the City and County Parks and Recreation Department for suggestions on where drivers can park: 808-395-2211)

\”There is limited shade and cover in the park. Please bring sun protection and rain gear.

S. Moon is a travel specialist at Fun Hawaii Travel

S. Moon is a travel specialist at http://www.fun-hawaii.com

Author Bio: S. Moon is a travel specialist at Fun Hawaii Travel

Category: Advice
Keywords: hanauma bay snorkel