Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a City and County of Honolulu marine preserve on O‘ahu, known for its protected bay and reef. Plan ahead: admission reservations, entry windows, and visitor rules shape how you access the shoreline.
- Public entry: Wednesday through Sunday, from 6:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
- Admission-only reservations open two days before your visit.
- Non-Hawai‘i residents age 13 and older pay $25, plus an online service fee when paying online.
- Route 22 serves a bus stop above the preserve on Kalaniana‘ole Highway.
How the preserve visit works
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve combines timed admission with an educational video and access to the beach and reef. The preserve became Hawai‘i’s first Marine Life Conservation District in 1967.
On each visit, every visitor must watch the educational video in the theatre, even if they have seen it before. From the upper entry area, a tramway runs down to the beach. Bathrooms, freshwater showers, lifeguards, educational volunteers, and biologists are also available in the preserve.
Build time for the required video and the walk or tram ride between the upper entry area and the beach. Keep the entry window and the beach-clearing time in mind when planning how long to stay.
Reservations, hours, and entry rules
- Admission
- only reservations open two days before the visit date at 7 a
For general public visits, visitors must leave by 4 p.m., and the beach is cleared at 3:30 p.m. The preserve closes on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Opening hours
- Wednesday to Sunday: 6:45 AM–4 PM
- Monday and Tuesday: closed
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
Admission-only reservations open two days before the visit date at 7 a.m. Hawai‘i Standard Time. The City says they close when spaces fill or at 11:59 p.m. the day before the visit. Reservations for admission with transportation can be made up to one month ahead through Roberts Hawai‘i.
Reservations and payments cover up to 10 people at a time, with a maximum of five adults and five children. A valid photo ID matching the reservation name and a printed or digital confirmation are required at entry.
Reservations cannot be transferred, and sales are final with no cancellations or exchanges. Online payments are non-refundable unless the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation closes the preserve because of unforeseen circumstances.
Non-Hawai‘i residents age 13 and older pay a $25 entry fee, plus a 2.35% online service fee for online payments. Children age 12 and younger enter free; the City recommends reserving for them.
Hawai‘i residents with valid Hawai‘i photo identification may enter free without a reservation during public operating hours. Accepted identification includes a current Hawai‘i driver’s license, Hawai‘i State ID, or Hawai‘i school student ID. U.S. military servicemembers and their dependents receive free entry with military identification.
About one-quarter of walk-in or drive-in access is set aside for visitors without computer or internet access. Your whole party must be present to obtain a walk-in ticket.
How do you get from Waikīkī to Hanauma Bay?
Route 22 serves a bus stop above the preserve on Kalaniana‘ole Highway, but bus service into Hanauma Bay has been discontinued, according to the City. If you drive, parking costs $3 for nonresidents and $1 for Hawai‘i residents with valid Hawai‘i identification.
Pay on site in cash; the residential-vehicle fee is refundable if the vehicle leaves within 15 minutes. For a different stretch of shore, a guide to Waikīkī Beach access and swimming can help you compare shoreline options.
An admission reservation does not reserve a parking stall. If the lot is full, you may wait for it to reopen or park legally nearby and walk into the preserve. Check the City and County of Honolulu’s official site before you go, since entry, transport, and parking details can change.
Hanauma Bay is about 8.9 miles from Halekulani - NO RESORT FEE; the resort offers rooms for your Honolulu stay.
Reef protection and visitor preparation
Hanauma Bay’s protected status makes reef care part of planning a visit. Follow preserve instructions while on the beach and in the water, and give yourself enough time to watch the required educational video before heading down to the shoreline.
Food concessions are listed as open from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., the gift shop from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., and snorkel rentals from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Check current operating details before setting out, especially if you plan to rely on an on-site service. For another coastal outing, Kailua day-trip routes and beach planning cover a different stretch of shore.
FAQs
Can children enter Hanauma Bay for free?
Yes. Children age 12 and younger enter free, and the City recommends making a reservation for them.
Can you visit without booking online?
Yes. About one-quarter of walk-in or drive-in access is set aside for visitors without computer or internet access. Everyone in the party must be present to get a walk-in ticket.
Does an admission reservation include parking?
No. Reservations for admission do not reserve a parking stall, and the lot may be full when you arrive.