Hanauma Bay, Honolulu

Hanauma Bay, situated on the southern coast of Oahu, boasts a distinctive horseshoe shape, which is the result of a volcanic eruption that formed a low cone and created this unique bay.

The origin of the name "Hanauma" is a subject of some debate. While "Hana" is known to mean bay, the meaning of "uma" in "Hanauma" remains uncertain; it could signify a curved shape or possibly be connected to an ancient hand-wrestling game. Historically, this bay served as a fishing and recreational spot for Hawaiian royalty, and archaeological evidence suggests that it was regularly used by people. However, the absence of a reliable source of potable water suggests that it was unlikely to have been a permanent settlement. Due to its bay-like configuration, Hanauma Bay also served as a convenient stopover point for travelers between Oahu and Molokai.

In the present day, Hanauma Bay has been designated as a nature preserve and conservation area. It serves as a vital nesting habitat for green sea turtles, houses an impressive collection of over 400 native fish species, and provides a refuge for diverse coral formations. The bay is now a popular destination, attracting approximately 3,000 visitors daily. Consequently, strict measures have been implemented to safeguard the native plant and animal life within the area.

Why You Should Visit:
You pay a small entrance fee of $5 to have access to this gorgeous beach bay. Everything is well organized, too, including a video explaining proper beach etiquette. After this, you do a short walk down to the beach that is just absolutely scenic. It really feels like you have your own private beach! You can then rent your snorkel gear which you should absolutely do so you can explore all the green turtles and marine life that the coral reef has to offer.

Tip:
It may take a while to get comfortable using the snorkel gear and practicing how to breathe. If you think you will have major issues with this, consider bringing some kind of floaties or life vest so that you can swim further out into the ocean and really see the beauty that lies below you.