Hanauma Bay is a real icon among the dive sites in Oahu. In this marine life kingdom live various species of tropical fish – over 450. And you can swim along with them. Some of them are can be seen only in this region of Hawaii. Besides amazing coral reef teeming with hundreds of colorful passages of fish.
In fact, Hanauma Bay is a Nature Preserve and a beach park. Its role and aim is to protect the beautiful and fragile ecosystem of the bay.
Entering the park and before going down to the magnificent beach along the steep road, every single visitor must watch a 10 minute educational film about the bay. If you do not like to walk down to the beach, there is a shuttle that transports tourists up and down for a small price.
If you are going there, know that the busiest seasons with many tourists are summer and winter.
The tropical paradise Hanauma Bay consist of lush vegetation and white beach, and complemented by the richness of the coral reefs and the marine life. Long time ago, in the 18th century, the bay was a favorite fishing spot of the Hawaiian kings. And nowadays it is protected by the government. And there is a reason – a lot of unique tropical fish is living there. One of them is considered a symbol of Hawaii – Humuhumunukunukuapua’a fish.
The Natural Preserve is under the strict project management for environmental protection. Once Hanauma Bay had being visited by about 3 million tourists a year, but their number is drastically reduced.
Today the beach park is visited by about a million people annually or around 3000 per day. In 1967 here was established the organization that deals with the protection of rare marine life.
While snorkeling in Hanauma Bay you can encounter rare turtles, including the rarely seen Green Sea turtles. The hiking trails along the ridge and along the coast offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Hanauma Bay. People can learn more about protecting this beautiful place, at the recent discoveries Marine Education Center.
Hanauma Bay Snorkeling
The Hawaiian Islands are visited by about 8 million tourists from around the world, each year. And while some prefer the exotic comfort and luxury of Waikiki in the southern part of Oahu, others prefer a little paradise in the southeast of the island called Hanauma Bay. This place is for those who really want to enjoy scuba diving and snorkeling. In 2004 Hanauma Bay was named the best beach in America. This is one of the best places in the world for diving and snorkeling.