Hanauma Bay: Day Trips and Tours from Oahu

Pristine and picturesque, Hanauma Bay is a wineglass-shaped bay created from the remnants of an old volcanic cone and a shining example of the sheer natural beauty of Hawaii.

A protected marine life conservation area and underwater park, Hanauma Bay is the perfect destination for a day of snorkeling, swimming, and watching the glorious Oahu sunset.

Hanauma Bay day tours in Oahu are about more than just scenery — there are over 400 species of that fish can be found in the bay, plus octopus, crabs, eels and vibrant coral reefs.

Hanauma Bay is a slice of sun-kissed coastline filled with marine life, making it one of the best places for Oahu day trips.

Where is Hanauma Bay located?

Tucked away on the southeastern side of the island, Hanauma Bay sits within the Hawaii Kai neighborhood, just a few minutes' drive from the hustle and bustle of Honolulu — but feeling like a world away.

About 16 kilometers east of Waikiki, the closest towns to Hanauma Bay are Hawaii Kai and Waimanalo, both of which offer a number of different accommodation options and things to do, so you can easily make an entire day of it.

How to reach the Hanauma Bay by car

If you're staying in Waikiki or Honolulu, it's an easy 30-minute drive east. Along the way, you'll pass by Maunalua Bay Beach Park and Niu Beach, should you want to make a stop. Taxis from Waikiki will cost you approximately US$40 each way.

If you're staying anywhere along the Windward coast (eastern coast), simply drive down south following the scenic coastal road.

How to reach the Hanauma Bay by bus

This is the most affordable way to embark on Hanauma Bay day trips — US$3 for a one-way ticket, and a day pass with unlimited rides for US$7.50.

There are two different bus routes that will take you to Hanauma Bay from Honolulu. Both bus journeys will take about 45 minutes plus walking time, totaling 70-90 minutes.

Guided tours to Hanauma Bay

The most hassle-free option for Hanauma Bay day tours is to join a guided tour. These typically include round-trip transportation from your accommodation, making the whole experience much more seamless.

These tours — including snorkeling tours and hiking treks — range from group bus tours to private charters, depending on your preferences. They will typically follow the same route from Honolulu, with additional stops at other landmarks.

How much are Hanauma Bay tickets?

At Hanauma Bay, each adult (over 13 years old) must be pay a $25.00 entry fee to explore the protected parkland and marine conservation area.

Children under 12 get in for free, as well as active duty U.S. military members and their dependents and Oahu residents or Hawaiian state citizens.

The entry ticket is valid for one day only with no refunds.

If you're driving your own car, you'll need to pay for parking too, unless you park in the nearby town and walk a few extra minutes. It's US$1.00 for Hawai‘i residents and US$3 for nonresidents.

What is the usual itinerary of a Hanauma Bay day tour in Oahu?

Kickstarting the day with pickup from your accommodation in Honolulu, you'll be whisked away towards Hanauma Bay in a small air-conditioned van or bus. After arriving at Hanauma Bay, you'll have some free time to relax on the golden sand, explore the coral reef and nearby rock pools or take a swim.

As a protected marine conservation area, there are plenty of fish and turtles to spot in the crystal-clear water. Your guide will supply your snorkeling equipment for the day. There are also a few different hiking trails that wind through the area with panoramic views of the coastline.

You will enjoy a picnic lunch on the beach, before heading back to Honolulu in the early afternoon. On the journey back, your tour guide will provide commentary about Oahu's history and culture, pointing out landmarks and sharing local knowledge.

Which tours can you take to Hanauma Bay in Oahu?

You have a handful of different options to choose from when it comes to Hanauma Bay day tours in Oahu. All tours typically follow the same route from Honolulu, with additional stops at landmarks or towns.

Guided tours to the Hanauma Bay

Starting with convenient hotel pickup, your tour tour provider will take care of all transportation and any extra needed equipment. With a friendly knowledgeable guide at the helm, you're bound to hear some interesting commentary about Oahu's history and culture along the way.

Shuttle transfer without guide to Hanauma Bay

This is a great option if you're on a budget or short on time. You'll still get to enjoy all the highlights of Hanauma Bay but without a helpful knowledgeable guide.

Private tour to the Hanauma Bay

Oahu visitors have access to several companies that allow you to customize your Hanauma Bay experience with a private charter. This is the perfect option for those who want to avoid large groups or have specific requests, such as stops at other Oahu attractions.

Day trip to Hanauma Bay plus North Shore

This type of tour is ideal if you want to experience two iconic Oahu attractions in one day. Hanauma Bay and the North Shore are quite far apart, so this option will generally be a full-day tour, close to 9 hours.

You can expect to spend a few hours at Hanauma Bay in the morning before heading up the coast to the North Shore in the afternoon. You will have the opportunity to see the famous Banzai Pipeline, Waimea Bay Beach Park or Waimea Falls.

These comprehensive excursions bless visitors with some of the best shrimp on the island for lunch. Then, they stop at the Dole Plantation for a serving of tasty pineapple ice cream as the final stop before returning to your Honolulu hotel before sundown.

How much do Hanauma Bay tours cost?

You can expect to pay between US$50 and US$100 per person, depending on the type of tour you choose. This includes transportation, entry fees, equipment rental and, for the most expensive option, food and drinks.

Full day tours that venture to the north shore will be more expensive, at around US$220 per person.

What will you see and do on a Hanauma Bay day trip in Oahu?

Whether you want to explore on land or sea, there's plenty to see and do in the Hanauma Bay area. On land, take in the stunning views of the bay from the lookout point or explore the nature trails that wind through the area.

To cool off on hot days, head down to the beach for a swim. The water is crystal clear, making it the perfect place to see Hawaii's vibrant marine life and colorful coral up close.

Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay

With hundreds of species of fish, Hanauma Bay is a snorkeler's paradise. The bay has gentle waves and clear water, perfect for snorkeling. Make sure to discover the Keyhole lagoon area located on the left-hand side of the bay.

Hanauma Bay Ridge Hike

Connecting to Hanauma Point, the moderate hike takes around 2 hours to complete and offers stunning views of the bay and beyond. From the lookout you'll get great views of Koko Head. The walk is about 5,6 miles long.

Koko Head District Park

This popular park is located just a short walk from Hanauma Bay and is home to numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty. For the best views, hike to the top of Koko Head Crater.

What are the opening hours of Hanauma Bay?

The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays, with entry from 6:45 AM to 1:30 PM.

Visitors must leave the nature preserve by 4:00 PM, and the beach will be cleared at 3:30 PM.

These hours do occasionally change so it's best call the official phone number at to check ahead.

When is the best time of year to visit Hanauma Bay in Oahu?

With year-round warm weather, there's really no bad time to visit Hanauma Bay.

The busiest times are definitely during summer, July and August in particular. These months are justifiably popular, as the weather is hottest and the water is at its warmest, making it for perfect swimming and snorkeling conditions.

If you want to avoid the crowds, it is recommended to start your tour in the early morning. You can also plan your trip for spring or fall when Hanauma Bay is less busy.

Know before you go

• It is essential to arrive early — only 750 visitors are allowed per day, gates open at sunrise and it can get very busy in the afternoon.
• There are no stores or restaurants in the preserve, so it's advised to pack your own food and drinks.
• Resist the urge to feed or touch the fish, they are protected by law and you could be fined.
• There is little shade available so don't forget to wear sunscreen.