Go for a snorkel at Hanauma Bay Hawaii, one of the most popular natural attractions in the world! While Hanauma Bay snorkeling you'll spot schools of colorful fish and perhaps even dolphins and turtles. The safe inner reef is perfect for children and beginners, while the more challenging outer reef will thrill advanced snorkelers on Hanauma Bay tours.
Hanauma Bay Oahu Nature Preserve is a natural crescent beach in the sunken caldera of an extinct volcano. The bay is protected by the volcanic formation and the waters are famously clear, providing the ideal environment to spot fish and other marine wildlife.
The City and County of Honolulu's Marine Educational Center at Hanauma Bay Hawaii features marine displays of wildlife in the bay, an educational video theater and other facilities. It's mandatory that you watch the video in order to be informed about the bay's geological and historical background before taking Hanauma Bay tours, and the importance of protecting Hanauma Bay for future visitors.
Please note: the listed price does not include a $7.50 USD per person entrance fee into Hanauma Bay.
This was a beautiful destination yet the long lines in 90 degree temperatures, then a long walk to the beach only to have the rocks in the water under your feet cause undue pain was a downer. Finally, the turbulent waters did not make
Review by: Rosalie R, July 2018
The staff was great, polite, and organized. They arrived on time and were courteous. I would use their services again!
Review by: Dana P, July 2018
Everything from pick up to drop off and in between was easy and smooth. The bay is beautiful and getting to swim with the fish was an amazing experience! Thank you HOP!
Review by: Mikey, April 2018
Best price and option to get to see and try a little snorkelling in Hanauma Bay with no fuss involved, hotel pick up and drop off, snorkelling, equipment and nice beach mat supplied, option to stay on if you wish and make your own way back to your hotel. Loved it!
Review by: Kimber S, March 2018
This wasn't quite as convenient as I was expecting. Not bad...but not great....with a huge crowd at the transfer point company HQ on the way back. It also wasn't at all organized leaving Hanauma Bay where we had to all fight no line or process for available taxi's. There must be a better way.
Review by: Patricia O, March 2018
Fantastic day!
Review by: Todd G, February 2018
I know people will look for a bad review but they won't find it here. HOP was fantastic to work with. Friendly, knowledgable and very prompt. When we return in August we are using them. Again and doing this excursion again. But next time it's the full day excursion!
Review by: Sharon B, February 2018
Son had a great time
Review by: Darren N, February 2018
I booked this tour for my parents and sister. My sister enjoyed the tour and found it worthwhile. However, as my parents had never snorkelled before, they did not enjoy it at all. There were no instructions on how to use the equipment, it was just given to them and then they had to figure it out on their own. Overall, good for those that know how to use a snorkel, otherwise I'd recommend going with someone who knows how to use the equipment, or just giving this a miss.
Review by: Lindsay D, January 2018
This could not have been more simple. Definitely a must see place in Oahu. The tour company provided everything necessary for a great day. Staff was very knowledgeable and helpful. I wish I would have been able to spend more time there!! Nothing but great things to say. Very easy to book on viator as well!
Review by: Neal P, January 2018
A beautiful place to snorkel and dive
Review by: Zuzana V, January 2018
The tour operators are friendly, professional and on time. Snorkel gear was clean and in good condition! I highly recommend this tour. My husband and daughter loved it!
Review by: Richard L, December 2017
Drop off at bay was changed due to paving of parking lot -- making it for an arduous walk to get to the destination. Snorkeling was great!
Review by: pattid, November 2017
great snorkeling adventure. Beautiful spot!
Review by: adrienne p, November 2017
Hanauma Bay is beautiful for sure. We enjoyed our stay there. The problem it wasn't long enough. By the time we were picked up, then went to the company's office to get our snorkeling equipment and from there taken to the Bay, precious time seem to be wasted. When we get to Hanauma Bay we were informed that we had to watch a short movie before we could enter to go down to the Bay. OK fine. However the movie runs for 12 or 15 minutes and there were many people ahead of us. In short we were at theupper level of the Bay for at least an hour before we could actually head down to the water below. In effect that only left us an 1 1/2hrs to snorkel/swim. We were expecting to be there twice as long. The water was warm, the beach and the surrounding scenery was beautiful but in my opinion the snorkeling itself was only OK and again we were disappointed in the amount of time we actually spent on the beach.
Review by: Melissa B, October 2017
was a great thing to do but when they say they have showers, they only have outdoor showers so that you can rinse off not closed showers to allow you to clean up and change. also we went on a very wet day it was not ideal conditions.
Review by: marktuck, October 2017
Food was expensive and not worth the price. I'd suggest bringing your own snacks.
Review by: Nicholas N, October 2017
Good excursion and service provider. Unfortunately, we went on a day that was windy so the water was choppy and water visibility was not good. The park fee was not included in the price.
Review by: Dave D, September 2017
Really enjoyed our day! Excellent staff and they took the time to ensure I had the right sized flippers I have wide feet. Water was nicely warm, Note: pay the tram fee. 2.50 each person gets you up and down as much as you need. Plastic bracelet. It would be a TOUGH walk up. Almost no shade at the beach, so wear sunscreen. Snacks are available but only at the top, so use the tram.
Review by: Helen R, September 2017
The weather was a bit windy, but enjoyed the snorkeling very much. The bay is really beautiful and full of fish, not a lot of coral. The walk down was ok and we didn't realise we had to pay for the tram. I think this is a bit too much after paying US7.50 each to get into the bay. Not a lot of sun cover unless you take your umbrella which is a bit pointless as you have to carry it.
Review by: Tony H, September 2017
This tour is good but it can be better
Review by: carolyn075, September 2017
The tour operators were fine and the snorkel gear was good but the bay itself was a disappointment. It's a nice little beach for a swim and there were several varieties of fish but the coral is all brown and not worth the long lines to get in when you've snorkelled on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia!
Review by: Rose S, September 2017
They contacted me the day before because I had not scheduled a pick up. I explained we had our own car and the guy sent me directions on how to get to their location. It was easy and they were waiting for us to give us our gear. They drove us to Hanauma Bay and the driver was very knowledgeable in the area and gave us some good recommendations. He was prompt on the time he gave us for pick up. I would totally use this again. Mahalo.
Review by: Margaret J, September 2017
Great day snorkeling, and such a beautiful beach
Review by: annette b, August 2017
Not a lot to see and it wasn't a guided trip just transport.
Review by: rdemchuk181, August 2017
just do it, no regrets. simple amazing. great for the novice snorkeler and pro's
Review by: Wayne S, August 2017
Hanauma Bay is a must . As soon as you walk in the water and glide away ,you start see fish. It was the best day I've had in Hawaii. Just take water and food from you hotel.
Review by: Lewis G, August 2017
We had previously tried to self-drive to Hanauma Bay, but we weren't early enough as they close the road after allowing so many visitors in, so this time we were assured of getting in. The staff/drivers etc were friendly and helpful. It was a beautiful spot and we were able to see a lot, snorkelling on the reef, although we never saw any turtles on this half day tour as we had hoped. Plenty of colourful fish and it was a great way to spend half a day. We felt though, after going to Maui and seeing the same sort of things for free, that it was a bit expensive for basically being driven to the spot and hiring our snorkelling equipment. However, a great thing to do if you are staying on Ohau.
Review by: Therese C, August 2017
Shuttle and Taxi drivers were great. People at the snorkel shop were nice but the whole atmosphere a bit chaotic. The water on the day we went was a bit turbid - didn't see many fish. We were dropped off at the bay by 10 am for a 9:30 hotel pick up and picked up at 1:15 pm which was enough time. Bring or buy lunch and water at the snorkel shop because no food at the beach and the snack bar has a long wait. The real convenience of this tour was the shuttle to and from hotel and beach. Traffic and parking are a hassle on your own. Opt for the earliest tour available.
Review by: Shun S, July 2017
It's a nice choice if you would like to snorkel in the Hanauma Bay but neither have a car nor want to bother taking the bus. I would recommend taking the earliest pick-up time since there is a long line at the admission entrance once you get there.
Review by: Ben N, July 2017
this was awesome, I would do this again. But next time, i would plan on wearing a shirt while i snorkeled. Even though there was over cast i still got sun burned.
Review by: Michael H, July 2017
This adventure to Hanauma Bay was well organised and the ladies at HOP Hawaii Ocean Promotions were extremely friendly and helpful. My 3 star rating is solely a reflection of the current state of Hanauma Bay, which I had last visited some 27 years ago. At that time there were significantly more fish of many varieties to view but this time the number was significantly depleted. Also, most of the coral is now covered with a grey like dust and is not has colourful as before.
Review by: Arleen F, June 2017
The tour group was very polite and accommodating. The wait to get into the parking area and drop us off and other inconveniences were out of their control. It might have been good to have a heads up on how long it would take from pick up time to actually get into the water.
Review by: Simon D, May 2017
Im not sure why this tour required two vehicles gor transport- one from the hotel to the rental store and the other feom the store to the Bay. It made it very difficult with travelling with young children
Review by: Erin G, April 2017
The snorkelling in Hanauma Bay is incredible. I would recommend staying the whole day here, I myself would have liked to have stayed longer...
Review by: Carl H, March 2017
Viator did an outstanding job of making our day trip to Haunama a success. We were picked up promptly not far from our hotel Hale Koa and dropped off at the hotel at the conclusion of our trip. We were transferred to a different van in Hawaii Kai for the trip to the bay. On the return trip, we had a slight delay at the Hawaii Kai office, where the office staff provided snacks AND a charger for my phone I would highly recommend Viator to my friends and family.
Review by: Bpntc, March 2017
Great day snorkelling!! We were picked up without any hassles and all staff were helpful and friendly. _br/_ The snorkelling was great fun, lots of fish and we got lucky seeing a turtle feeding and swimming for quite a while.
Review by: Michelle H, March 2017
The actual snorkeling was wonderful, however, had I not had at least 1 previous experience, this tour could have been intimidating and terrible because there is 0 instructions for snorkeling other than 2 minutes of a 9 minute mandatory video before getting to the beach. the tram worth it but unsure how they know who paid or not. The beach was crowded but not oppressive. Definitely worth the HOP transportation. We were picked up at hotel at 8:30am, estimated actually at the beach at 10:30am, done with plenty of time to enjoy, back at hotel at 2p with time for something else in the day. Most warning no food or drink allowed but no one checked bags, we could have brought waters answer small snacks no problem.
Review by: Kat, March 2017
Amazing!!!! I highly recommend this tour!
Review by: Roberta E, February 2017
This was really a stress-out and I had booked a hour to Hanauma Bay to avoid this. The company had told us that they would pick us up at our hotel between 8:15am and 8:30am. I called them the evening before and it was very difficult to get anyone. Eventually the Hotel activities desk man got hold of someone and they said no pickup at our hotel and we would have to go to another one to be picked up and to be there at 8:15am which we were. We waited curb-side as instructed and waited and waited and went inside to see if there was any word. I called and called with no luck and at 8:45 they called the hotel to tell us they would be there at 9:00am - of course that meant 9:20am. The snorkeling made up for the mix-up as it is a spectacular place to snorkel. Great fish and extremely beautiful bay. Loved that part of it. They would not take us a few blocks from the pick up back to our hotel. I thought that was a bit mean as I could see how it could even be done on the way back. Would not use this tour again as they were not helpful or forthcoming on snorkeling tips either.
Review by: momwitsend, February 2017
This was the most amazing snorkeling adventure. I recommend if you choose snorkeling choose Hanauma Bay it is beautiful. Lots of fish to see!!!! Some turtle too!!!!
Review by: Kylie P, February 2017
This tour was amazing!
Review by: Christina M, February 2017
Great and efficient company, but definitely not enough beach time. By the time we arrived and had to leave, we were only able to spend about 2 hours snorkeling and that's with the maximum latest pick-up time. It was disappointing, and I wish there were later pick up options with the later morning drop-offs.
Review by: Melanie B, January 2017
Everyone was very nice. You really only need this if you are unable to get to Hanauma Bay by yourself. If you can get there you can rent your own equipment. This tour facilitates hotel pick up and rental.
Review by: Ron M, January 2017
The actual trip was very good. Going through Viator booking was very problematic. My confirmatory email never said I had to confirm. When I printed out my voucher--the night before my 7 am trip---I saw that I needed to confirm 24 hours before the trip. I called the 1-800 number and talked with Viator representative--when she tried to call the trip provider it was 8 pm Hawaii time and closed. Fortunately I got up early--called the company myself and was able to take the trip--which was very nice. I would use them again but would book it directly mysef and not go through Viator. I usually never go through a booking company but contact the actual provider when I take tours---beacaue of sanfus like this. On your confirmatory email you should let customers know that even though they paid for the trip they may need to confirm and should print oiut the voucher 24 hours before hand. I would be very hesitatnt to use Viator in the future. I'd love to see that your company would have the integrity and transparency to post this review---it's about Viator's central processes---not the end provider company experience. Thank you
Review by: ledford, December 2016
Wow! Nice surprise that you can actually select your return trip time, so we could snorkel for a while, rest, and do it again! Go to the left side of the bay for coral ridges closer to the shore.
Review by: Sandra F, November 2016
We were not staying in Waikiki, so we had to drive through rush hour traffic to meet at the office to get our equipment. It was a nightmare drive. As far as I could tell we paid the same as those that were in Waikiki hotels and got picked up at their hotels. Since we wanted to avoid the rush hour traffic coming back, we did not snorkel for very long, maybe an hour. The snorkeling was fine, I just would not recommend this to anyone not staying near the bay.
Review by: Paulahigdon64, November 2016
A very relaxing time. Beautiful to see all the fish! We would do this again in a heartbeat.
Review by: Duane B, October 2016
About the most I can say is that they got us to the park and back, but not without some issues. Our 7AM reservations clearly stated the hotel pick up location and we arrived well before the departure time. When the driver failed to arrive on time I tried calling the vendor but couldn't get an answer, so I called Viator who set up a 3 way call with the vendor who stated that they couldn't pick us up at that location because there was no room for the bus however there were much larger tour buses that were picking up parties for other excursions from this location. We were then told to walk to another location where they would pick us up. I wondered if I misunderstood the original meeting location, but there was another couple there for the excursion who were not informed of the change in location. Once the driver arrived, we found out that they had to take us to the business office first not disclosed where we were fitted for fins and given the snorkel equipment. From there they had a taxi drop us off at the park. I did enjoy my conversation with the taxi driver though. Needless to say we were not at the park early enough to have the clearer water for snorkeling. I felt the vendor was trying to cut corners to save expense. I would have gladly paid more for a better experience. In good conscience I cannot recommend this vendor.
Review by: Vivek A, October 2016
Good tour, long process, pickup, take to office, get gear and get dropped at bay. Should just hand over gear in the van itself. Otherwise tour was good.
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