Everything You Need to Know to Make Hanauma Bay Reservations

Hanauma Bay is a scenic marine life sanctuary located on Oahu's southeastern shores. Due to this snorkel spot's popularity advanced reservations are required to visit Hanauma Bay. Here’s what you need to know if you’re planning a trip to the bay including: 

• How to Get Tickets to Hanauma Bay
• Hours of Operation and Fees 
• Must-Know Tips for Your Visit
• Alternate Snorkel Spots

Photo by Cosmin Serban on Unsplash

How to Get Tickets to Hanauma Bay

1. Only 1,000 visitors are allowed daily. Tickets are in extremely high demand. You can make your reservation here.

2. Reservations are available 2 days in advance, starting at 7:00 a.m HST. Try to book promptly at 7:00 a.m. Tickets can sell out in as quickly as 5 minutes, so set that alarm! Remember that's 7:00 a.m. HST, be sure to check any time difference so you can log on by 7:00 a.m. to book. 

3. If you don't get tickets, there are walk-in tickets available. Arrive at the bay at 6:45 a.m. if you'd like to get walk-in tickets (these are first-come, first-serve and your entire party must be there). 

Hanauma Bay Hours of Operation & Fees

1. Hanauma Bay is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, so be sure to plan accordingly.
2. The bay is open from 6:45 a.m. - 4 p.m. with the last entry at 1:30 p.m. The beach is cleared at 3:15 p.m.
3. Reservations cost $25 per person. Kids 12 & under get in for FREE.
4. Entry for active Oahu local military and residents (with state ID) is FREE.
5. Parking is not included in your reservation. It’s first-come, first-serve and there’s a $3, cash-only fee to park ($1 for Hawaii residents).
6. You MUST arrive on time, at the ticket window for your reservation - no late entry is allowed. 

Watch our video below for step-by-step instructions on how to make advance reservations to visit Hanauma Bay. 

Must-Know Tips for Your Visit

Were you lucky enough to get Hanauma Bay reservations? Now, get ready to marvel at a variety of unique marine life and pristine turquoise shores. 

1. Arrive Early

Be sure to arrive at Hanauma Bay well before your reservation time to find a parking spot and get to the ticket window in time for your reservation. Remember, parking is limited and there can be a line at the ticket window. No late entry is allowed under ANY circumstance. 

2. Pack Reef-Safe Sunscreen

It's important that if you're visiting the bay, you bring reef-safe sunscreen to protect the fragile coral and animals that call this sanctuary home! In fact, Hawaii takes reef protection so seriously that reef-harming sunscreen is banned in the state. Learn more here.

3. NEVER Touch Marine Life

When you're visiting Hanauma Bay, you'll be so close to beautiful marine life you might want to reach out and touch them - don't! Please remember that this is their home, not ours. Not only is this disruptive to the animals, but it's also considered extremely inconsiderate in Hawaiian culture. Plus, these are wild animals and you never know how they'll react. Some marine animals - such as sea turtles and monk seals - are also protected, so even getting too close will result in a fine!

RELATED: Protect Local Animals - Ways You Can Help

4. Prepare for a Short, Educational Video 

Before you can hit the water you'll need to watch a short, educational video with safety information and facts about the bay's history. 

5. You Can Rent Gear at the Bay

Didn't have room to pack your snorkel gear? No worries - you can rent on the beach! It’s about $20 for the standard set that includes a mask, snorkel, and fins. You can also pay $10-$12 to rent a locker for the day if you’d like to secure your valuables during your visit. If you don't want to use rental gear, hop by an ABC Store and you can buy before you go. 

6. Pack Snacks 

Once you get to the beach (it’s about a 10-minute walk from the entrance) there’s nowhere to buy any concessions. You can pack snacks or lunch, or buy them before you get down to the beach at the snack stand on the premises. Just make sure you throw out your trash. Once you see the beauty of Hanauma you’ll understand why it’s important to respect its ecosystem.

Alternate Snorkel Spots

Didn't get Hanauma Bay reservations? Don't sweat it - there are other snorkel spots on the island that don't require any reservations. Some of our favorites are: 

• Shark's Cove. Check out our Shark's Cove Travel Guide here.
• Electric Beach 
• Sans Souci Beach

Looking for more snorkel spots on Oahu? Check out our picks for the Best Snorkel Spots on Oahu here. 

Any Questions? Check out our Hanauma Bay Travel Guide. 

Also, visit www.hanaumabaystatepark.com for the current available concessions and changes before you go! 

Ready to visit Hanauma Bay? We'll guide you there on our East Oahu Shoreline Drive.