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Hanauma Bay
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PHOTOS |
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Click on a thumbnail to
see a larger version of the photo |
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OVERVIEW |
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Located on
the southeast coast of Oahu (about 10 miles
east of Waikiki), Hanauma Bay Nature
Preserve is one of Hawaii’s most popular
natural attractions. Some 3,000 people visit
this beautiful preserve each day for
swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing and
picnicking.
In May 2004, Hanauma Bay was named
"America's Best Beach" by Doctor Stephen
Leatherman, a respected environmental
scientist.
Believed to be 35,000 years old, the bay
itself is actually the floor of a volcanic
crater that opened up to the ocean when its
exterior wall collapsed. Declared a marine
life conservation area and underwater park
in 1967, Hanauma Bay ("Hanauma" literally
means "curved bay") is sheltered from strong
currents and waves, making it an ideal spot
for swimming and snorkeling. A large sandy
beach is flanked by several hiking trails
that lead to breathtaking lookouts. On clear
days, you can see the islands of Molokai and
Lanai across the channel, and during the
winter and early spring months, breaching
humpback whales can be spotted from shore.
Hanauma Bay is renowned as one of Hawaii’s
favorite beaches for snorkeling. Swimmers
are often greeted by a rainbow of reef
inhabitants, including tangs, parrotfish,
butterfly fish, moorish idols, surgeonfish
and more.
The popularity of Hanauma Bay has had its
negative side, namely its impact on marine
life. This necessitated the implementation
of conservation measures. Parking and access
to the beach, for example, is now
controlled. The feeding of fish, once a
favorite activity, is now strictly
prohibited. And volunteers educate visitors
so that additional damage to the preserve’s
environment is avoided. Thankfully, these
and other efforts have proven successful in
restoring Hanauma Bay to its original
beauty.
In recent years, facilities were added to
enhance the Hanauma Bay experience,
including an award-winning Marine Education
Center that opened in August 2002. Visitors
can enjoy a short video of the preserve and
learn the different ways they can help
protect its fragile living reef environment.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is open daily
except Tuesday. Admission is $5 for
visitors, plus $1 parking per vehicle.
Facilities include changing rooms and
showers, food concessions and snorkeling
equipment rentals. Arrive early, as parking
is limited and fills up quickly. |
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DIRECTIONS |
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Take
Kalaniana'ole Highway east from Waikiki for
approximately 10 miles. Entrance to the
preserve is on the right. |
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