Oahu · HANAUMA BAY SNORKELING TOURS
Hanauma Bay runs on reservations and closes two days a week, so a tour that holds the entry is worth having. These 8 differ on transport, gear and how much time you get on the reef.
Travel from Waikiki to Hanauma Bay with Kaimana Tours, using provided snorkel gear to explore the shallow reef and look for tropical fish. The 6-to-7-hour outing includes round-trip transport, but not the $25 cash park fee. Pickup times and points vary, so confirm yours after booking.
“Was great !!! Prompt upon arrival and pickup and clear organised instructions. Loved the sunrise before hand.”
Go Hanauma takes a group of up to five from Waikiki to Hanauma Bay for a guided snorkel, with gear, fins, flotation vests, water, and downloadable photos included. Guides such as Fumio and Tran help beginners get comfortable and lead the group to fish-rich spots. The four-hour tour does not include the $25 bay admission fee.
“Coach is really helpful, she help my wife in the whole snorkeling process. Amazing view as well! Truly impressive tour.”
This one-day package combines Hanauma Bay admission with a mask, snorkel, fins, and flotation belt. You pick up the gear at the Watumull Building in Waikiki, then make your own way to the bay. You must request an admission time and provide your email address, and book at least 60 hours ahead.
“Costó mucho encontrar el sitio donde alquilaban el equipo de snorkel. Las instucciones no eran claras”
Meet a local guide at Hanauma Bay’s entrance for guaranteed entry and one hour of shore-based snorkeling. Gear is included, and groups are capped at five. Guides such as Nyle and Eva help you spot reef fish and look for turtles, though sightings are not promised. Non-swimmers cannot join, and a $25 per-person fee is due to the operator after booking.
“We had a great time and we saw a lot of fish on a very challenging, windy day. Most importantly, we felt very safe and we would do this excursion again!”
At Hanauma Bay, a guide leads a group of no more than five through a short snorkel lesson and one hour in the water, looking for reef fish, sea turtles, and less crowded spots. Gear and flotation devices are included. The $104 tour price does not cover the $25 entrance fee, payable on arrival.
“The guide was really nice and taught us well, and he took us around even though we couldn't swim, so we had a really fun experience~~^”
Ride from your hotel to Hanauma Bay with Big Kahuna Adventures, then snorkel from shore at your own pace. You’ll watch a short conservation video, explore the bay without a guide or boat, and have time to relax on the beach. The outing lasts about four hours. Non-Hawaii residents pay a separate $25 park admission fee.
“Fabulous day!! Thanks to our driver who was really communicative, funny and nice. We loved snorkeling in the bay. It really is a natural treasure. And we learned a lot!”
At Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve, Honolulu Snorkel Company offers an approximately one-hour snorkel lesson for up to five people. You get snorkel equipment and the entrance fee, plus guidance in the water. No swimming skills are required, and children of all ages are welcome. Brittany is a named guide, though guide assignments are not guaranteed.
“This was my first ocean snorkeling experience and it was just amazing. Brittany helped me feel comfortable and safe. She was very familiar with the bay and guided me to some great spots where I saw so many beautiful fish. Highly recommended!”
Spend about five hours at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, with admission and a mask, snorkel, fins, and flotation belt included. Staff arrange the admission booking, but you travel to the Honolulu meeting point yourself. Expect a protected marine area, turquoise water, coral, and tropical fish, with entry subject to regulated access.
“I was told it included transpiration, it did not! But even worse is when I "Uber" my trip the officials at Hanauma Bay did not recognize the registration I printed from Viator. The only good experience was the officials at the Park did allow us to enter but I had to prove I had ID. Very disappointed !!!”
Choose a reef, a crater trail or a luau lawn.
