Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Hanauma Bay at a Glance
Hanauma is a marine embayment created inside a tuff circle and lies along the southeast coast of Oahu in East Honolulu. It's one of Hawaii's most popular destinations for tourists.
6 Top Popular Activities to Do Near Hanauma Bay
1. Hike
Fitness freaks love the Koko Head Hike. There, you'll be climbing up some stairs transformed from a former railway line, which makes it somewhat challenging!
The hiking trail lies only across the street from Hanauma Bay. It can be ideal to begin this hike in the morning, and next recover with either swimming or snorkeling. If you're using the bus, know that you can always rent snorkel gear at Hanauma Bay, and carry your beach stuff in a backpack.
2. Whale Watching
The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail is another hiking trail close to Hanauma Bay. If you're visiting Oahu during whale season, consider whale watching. It's a coastal trail where whale sightings are quite common. Although it may not be whale season, it's still worth a visit due to those coastal vistas.
This is a mere 10-minute drive from Hanauma Bay. The bus stop that you come off at for this trail happens also to be just a 10-minute bus ride. From the bus stop, it's around a 15-minute stroll to the beginning of the trail.
3. Beach
If you're renting a boogie board on Oahu, know that Makapuu Beach can be a perfect spot to surf some great waves.
This is between 10 to 15 minute drive from Hanauma Bay. The bus travel time is similar, except considering the bus wait time. When you get off the bus, it's around a 5-minute walk across the street to reach the beach.
This beach lies across the street from Sea Life Park, which is yet another thing you might consider doing later.
4. Sea Life Park
Sea Life Park is a marine mammal park, bird sanctuary and aquarium located in Waimanalo, north of Hanauma Bay. Here, the park offers the unique opportunity to interact with exotic sea animals.
5. Hanauma Bay Snorkeling
If you're seriously thinking of snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, here is a must-have list of items to pack for this adventure: a standard snorkel set; a special case for taking underwater pictures; a special pouch for taking your valuables while underwater; UV protection shirts to wear so the strong tropical sun rays won't fry you in the water; beach shoes to protect your feet from sharp rocks concealed under the sand; an open-air beach bag to begin the drying of your beach gear after completing your snorkeling adventure.
6. Eateries Near Hanauma Bay
The Koko Marina Center is located only down the road from Hanauma Bay. So, chances are you'll be passing by it on your route to Hanauma Bay if you're driving from Waikiki.
It's around a 20-minute walk, and it's a 5-minute drive. Or you can always wait for the bus to get you down the road.
There are a couple of different restaurants at this shopping center.
If you want a sample of Hawaiian food, consider a poke bowl at the Paina Cafe.
