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Hiking Trails near Hanauma Bay

by admin March 22, 2023

The surrounding area around Hanauma Bay offers spectacular hiking trails that showcase the breathtaking beauty of the island. Lets explore some of them.

Koko Crater Trail

The Koko Crater Trail, also known as the Koko Head Stairs, is an exhilarating hike that provides panoramic views of Hanauma Bay and the southeastern coast of O’ahu. The trail consists of 1,048 repurposed railroad ties that lead to the summit of Koko Crater, an extinct volcanic tuff cone. This challenging hike rewards climbers with unobstructed, 360-degree views of the island and the ocean.

Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail

The Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail is a moderately challenging hike that follows the ridge above the bay, providing impressive views of Hanauma Bay, Koko Crater, and the surrounding coastline. This 3-mile round trip hike offers a variety of terrains, including rocky paths and sections of exposed ridges. The trailhead is located near the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve entrance and parking area.

Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail

A short drive from Hanauma Bay, the Makapu’u Lighthouse Trail is a family-friendly, paved path that leads to the historic Makapu’u Lighthouse. The 2-mile round trip hike features stunning vistas of the southeastern coast, including views of the nearby islands of Moloka’i and Lana’i on clear days. The trailhead is located just off Kalanianaole Highway near the Makapu’u Lookout.

Kaupo Beach Park to Pele’s Chair

This lesser-known coastal trail begins at Kaupo Beach Park and leads to the unique volcanic formation known as Pele’s Chair. The 2.5-mile round trip hike takes you along the shoreline, offering beautiful ocean views and opportunities for spotting marine life. The trailhead can be found at the end of Kaupo Beach Park’s parking lot.

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Pearl Harbor Tour

by admin June 27, 2017

Skip the line
Small-group tour
Exclusive to Viator
Free drinks included
Free hotel pickup and drop-off included

Get an insider’s look at Pearl Harbor on this 4.5-hour small-group guided tour of the area, including the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument and the USS Arizona. See archived film footage of the 1941 Japanese attack, learn about the history of Pearl Harbor. After the tour, get chauffeured around downtown Honolulu to see the sites and learn about the history and culture of this fascinating city.

After getting picked at your hotel and driven in the comfortable car to Pearl Harbor, get briefed by the tour supervisor and receive your tickets for the tour. Then head off to the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument and the USS Arizona Memorial, learning about the history of the monuments and ships as you go and getting a vivid portrait of that infamous day in December 1941 when the Japanese attacked. Watch historical footage of the attack on archived film clips.

When the tour is complete, hop back in the comfortable car and take a tour around downtown Honolulu. Learn about the history of this Hawaiian metropolis and see some legendary landmarks such as the statue of King Kamehameha and the renowned Iolani Palace, State Capitol, Washington Place and then return you to your original pickup location.

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Paradise Cove Luau Cultural Tour

by admin June 27, 2017

This classic Hawaiian Luau stands out for its variety of options, so you can choose everything from your lei preference to the seating to the sorts of souvenirs you’d like to take home. Make sure to select the hotel option at check-out if transport to and from the luau is needed.

Highlights

5.5-hour sunset dinner and show at Paradise Cove Luau
Three Oahu luau packages to suit your preferences
Welcome Mai Tai followed by Polynesian activities
Extensive menu blending Hawaiian and continental cuisine
Luau Paradise Cove Extravaganza
Songs and dances from across Polynesia
Pickup and drop-off from selected Waikiki hotels

Experience a traditional Hawaiian luau with sunset coastal views at Paradise Cove. Enjoy a welcome Mai Tai and authentic Hawaiian fare, including fresh seafood, kalua pork, and tropical fruit during this 5.5-hour experience. Watch the sunset and enjoy entertainment from Hawaiian musicians, hula dancers, and fire twirlers. Three dining packages are available to customize your experience, and round-trip transportation from Waikiki hotels is available.

What You Can Expect

Following evening pickup at your Waikiki hotel (if option selected), board a comfortable coach for short ride to the Paradise Cove Luau.

The staff will greet you with a traditional Hawaiian lei and a Mai Tai cocktail. Take in the views of downtown Honolulu, Pearl Harbor, Waikiki and Diamond Head as you find your table. Take some time to peruse the Hawaiian Village to see traditional arts, crafts and games.

After the Shower of Flowers, participate in the Hukilau on the beach and learn the net fishing techniques of old Hawaii. Following the pageantry of the Royal Court Procession and imu (earth oven) ceremony, your evening continues with a Hawaiian feast.

Taste traditional Hawaiian dishes, typically roasted in an underground oven or imu. There are three dinner packages to choose from; please see Itinerary section below for a sample menu and full list of activities. After dinner, enjoy live music, songs and dancing from across Polynesia as you witness the Paradise Cove Extravaganza. After the 3-hour evening of entertainment and dining, enjoy transportation back to your Waikiki hotel for drop-off (if option selected).

Itinerary

Activities at Paradise Cove include:

Arts and Crafts

The arts and crafts of old Hawaii are as beautiful as they are intricate and complex. During your visit to Paradise Cove, be sure to visit the Hawaiian Village and take part in arts and crafts demonstrations. Learn how to make a traditional Hawaiian lei or leave with a slightly more permanent memory, temporary Polynesian tattoos.

Hawaiian Games

In ancient Hawaii, games were created as a form of entertainment, but also to develop the skills of the warriors. At Paradise Cove you can take part in some of the more popular traditional Hawaiian games. To test your skills try ‘O’o ihe (Spear throwing), ‘Ulu maika (Rolling stone disks) and Moa pahe’e (Dart sliding).

Shower of Flowers

Imagine standing on a beautiful white sand beach gently showered by fragrant island flowers. Witness skilled tree-climbers ascend the highest of palm trees and spread the aloha of the islands with a floral cascade, making this dream-like scene into an experience you will remember forever.

Hukilau on the Beach

Paradise Cove keeps the traditions of old Hawaii alive with a nightly Hukilau on the beach. You are invited to participate in the ceremonial pulling of the fish nets to the rhythms of the conch shell and Hawaiian chant.

Imu Ceremony

At Hawaii’s only Imu Amphitheater, take a seat to view the elaborate process of traditional cooking in the Hawaiian underground oven. In a ceremony following the practices and rituals of ancient times, you will see exactly how your delicious Hawaiian meal is prepared.

Paradise Cove Extravaganza

With the most spectacular Hawaiian sunset as a backdrop, the Paradise Cove Main Stage explodes with the beauty and excitement of the traditional songs and dances of Hawaii and Polynesia. Award-winning dancers will entertain and amaze you with a performance that is as unforgettable as the perfect setting of Paradise Cove itself.

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Waianae Snorkel Tour – Dolphin Swim and Whale Watching

by admin June 23, 2017

Snorkel and swim with dolphins off the west shore of Oahu during this full-day excursion. Sail up the Waianae Coast, then hop in the water to commune with green sea turtles, schools of tropical fish and dolphins. From January to March, you may get an up-close look at the migrating humpback whales. All necessary snorkel gear, lunch after the cruise and round-trip hotel transportation from Waikiki hotels are provided.

Highlights

Waianae Coast snorkel cruise, dolphin swim and seasonal humpback whale-watching adventure
Snorkel along Leeward Coast and see spinner dolphins fly through the air!
Spot massive humpback whales during the winter months (January to March)
Lunch and use of snorkeling gear included
Complimentary Waikiki hotel pickup and drop-off

Waianae Snorkel Tour is all-inclusive and makes it easy to get up close to friendly dolphins in their natural habitat. It’s even more awesome in the winter when the humpback whales come through!

What You Can Expect

Following pickup from your Waikiki hotel, transfer to the Waianae Harbor to board your boat. Find a spot in the sun or shade and enjoy the ride as you sail up the picturesque Waianae Coast. Watch for spinner dolphins playing and jumping in the waves, and in the winter months (January through March), keep an eye out for the migrating majestic humpback whales. Your captain will stop at a calm, shallow spot for snorkeling. Don your mask and snorkel gear and jump in, asking your crew for any tips or instructions if you need them. Float in the tropical waters and watch as schools of tropical fish swim through the beautiful coral reefs. After 3 hours on the boat, return to the Waianae Harbor for a filling lunch that includes sandwiches and hot dishes; vegetarian options are available, and all meals come with a choice of beverage. At the end of the day, board a vehicle for drop-off at your Waikiki hotel.

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Snorkeling

by admin February 22, 2017

Dancing with the fish is an amazing experience, but there are some basic safety rules that must be respected.

If you can not swim, do not try to snorkel! It is not that you can’t put your feet in the water, but If you want to see more things you have to be sure in your swimming skills. Snorkeling is not a joke and if you go deeper, you should be aware of undercurrents and other hazards.

If this is your first time snorkeling, you can do a few lessons in shallow waters. You can learn under the guidance of a friend who is experienced, but if you do not have such, you can always sign up for a snorkeling course.

Do not dive alone, no matter what a professional you think you are. Even the best divers drown. Leave the high self-esteem for some other time. It is mandatory to dive with a friend. So if you find yourself in a stream or there is some other trouble, your friend will be able to help you. Most accidents happen to divers who dive on their own. There is something else. You always have to choose the more experienced one of you as a leader. The leader must be listened – if he says “Get out of the water”, you go out, if he makes a stop sign, you stop. No mumbling, no pretensions!

Forget about the fear. In deeper waters your heart can beat fast and you can get the feeling that you sweat. It can be scary. When you’re in deep waters do not let your fears to emerge. Even if you find yourself in an emergency – a current, waves or you get a cramp, try to remain calm, breathе and take it easy. If you remain calm, everything will be fine.

Keep your energy. Plan so that you can return to shore without a problem. When you snorkel you forget about the world and you may go far away in search of new or underwater landscapes, or try to dive among a shoal of fish. There is a danger to hardly return to the place from which you started. It is important to have proper assessment of your physical endurance and to plan your dives so that you do not have to exhaust completely. If you get exhausted in the water, you will become too weak to deal with underwater currents or cramps.

Get familiar with the place. It is good to have preliminary information and plan. It will be much more interesting if you know what to look for. Also consider what kind of sea creatures you can see, what sights there are underwater – niches, caves and reefs. Ask locals or those who know the area in which you are diving, what possible dangers there are – currents, passing boats, jet skis or other. Ask yourself where are the convenient approaches for entry into the water.

Dealings with marine life. When snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, you must have one thing in mind. Most animals do not think you are a threat, but there are certain species that are poisonous, stinging and biting. So the best for you is just to watch and do not touch anything. Dealing with some fish, jellyfish from those who swim in the Pacific, can be fatal, if you try to touch them.

Beware of sea urchins. Meeting with such a sea creature is not particularly pleasant.

In conclusion, you will enjoy the most wonderful experience that Hanauma Bay has to offer – to swim with the fish and feel the beauty and freedom of the underwater world. Just know these 3 things:

Follow the basic safety rules.
Have a clear idea of the place where you are heading to.
Be aware of your physical and swimming abilities.

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Hours of Operation

by admin February 22, 2017

Summer Hours of Operation

April through September

Open – 6am.
Close – 7pm.

Saturday

Open – 6am.
Close – 10pm.

During the summer days, considered to be between April through September, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is open every day from 6:00a.m. until 7:00p.m. Tuesdays are an exception, because Hanauma Bay is closed every Tuesday.

Winter Hours of Operation

October through March

Open – 6am.
Close – 6pm.

Saturday

Open – 6am.
Close – 10pm.

Winter days are considered to be October through March. During the winter, Hanauma Bay is open every day from 6:00a.m. until 6:00p.m. And again it is closed every Tuesday.

Closed

Every Tuesday

On Christmas Day

On New Year’s Day

Note: Changes are possible at any time. For the latest information call the recorded information line at (808) 396-4229.