Is Hanauma Bay worth it?

Skip itOverhyped · −29Protected reef bay in a volcanic crater with reservation-only snorkeling and a beach

Usually not worth it. 4.6 Google but 4.4 Tripadvisor (17,283) — lower than peers; many love it, but repeat visitors cite dead coral and fewer fish.

Hype74How famous and hyped it is

Reality45Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in

The gap−29OverhypedHow we score

4.6 ★ Google · 2,118 reviews4.4 Tripadvisor · 17,283— hypegap votes · be one of the first

Been to Hanauma Bay? Was it worth it?

One tap. No account. Your vote moves the Reality score.

Is it worth it for you?

Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 families with kids vote

Kids 12 and under are free and the protected bay suits beginner snorkelers; just plan around the 2-day booking window.

Why Reality is 45

Lives up to its fame3/54.6 Google but 4.4 Tripadvisor (17,283) — lower than peers; many love it, but repeat visitors cite dead coral and fewer fish.

Value for money3/5$25 per adult non-resident plus parking is fair for a managed preserve, and kids are free, but reef-condition complaints dent it.

Can’t get it elsewhere3/5Most sheltered, beginner-friendly snorkel bay on Oʻahu, though free spots like Shark's Cove compete in calm conditions.

Easy to do2/5Slots sell out in minutes 2 days ahead; closed Mon/Tue; entry ends 1:30 p.m.; cash-only limited parking; mandatory video.

What people loved

Clear, calm water and a protected reef make it beginner-friendly snorkelingBeautiful crater-bay setting and beach, well-maintained facilitiesFriendly staff and an organized check-in with an education focusKids 12 and under enter free

What wore them down

Reservations sell out within minutes of release 2 days aheadReef damage and fewer fish than in past decades, per some returning visitorsClosed two days a week and entry ends at 1:30 p.m.Limited, cash-only parking; a reservation does not guarantee a parking spotSome recent reviews describe strict or unwelcoming staff at check-in (ID must match the reservation)

Know before you go

See something out of date? Fix it right here.

Reservation required. Non-residents need a timed reservation, released 2 days ahead at 7:00 a.m. HST (e.g., Wednesday slots open Monday); popular slots sell out fast. Limited first-come walk-ins are issued at 6:45 a.m. with the whole party present. Transport-inclusive bookings via Roberts Hawaiʻi open up to a month ahead.

Entry$25 non-residents 13+ (plus 2.35% online fee); free for kids 12 and under, Hawaiʻi residents with ID, and active U.S. militarySource · Checked Oct 16, 2026

Parking$3 per non-resident vehicle, $1 residents; cash only at the boothSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026

ReservationOpens 2 days ahead at 7:00 a.m. HST; up to 10 people per booking. Limited walk-ins at 6:45 a.m.Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026

ClosedMondays and Tuesdays, plus Dec 25 and Jan 1Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026

HoursEntry 6:45 a.m.–1:30 p.m.; beach cleared 3:30 p.m., all out by 4 p.m.Source · Checked Oct 16, 2026

Mandatory videoEvery visitor must watch the educational video on every visitSource · Checked Oct 16, 2026

Opening hours (Google)

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 6:45 AM – 1:30 PM
Thursday: 6:45 AM – 1:30 PM
Friday: 6:45 AM – 1:30 PM
Saturday: 6:45 AM – 1:30 PM
Sunday: 6:45 AM – 1:30 PM

In their words

“The snorkeling was fantastic, it's everything you imagine when you think of Hawaii.”

Dave Morris · Google review · 4 months ago

“Snorkeling wise, I was disappointed to see so few fish in the ocean. The corals are mostly dead. Reef bleached.”

S X · Google review · 10 months ago

“Be sure to take "reef safe" sunscreen or buy it there. And be sure to wear sunscreen! Make a reservation.”

Ivan Randall Orndorff Jr. · Google review · 5 months ago

“Absolutely beautiful place! We went for the fish diversity/snorkeling which was amazing but we enjoyed the park overall.”

Holly Blackwood · Google review · 4 months ago

Tips from people who went

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One thing people should know

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Questions people ask

Do you need a reservation for Hanauma Bay?

Non-residents should book; reservations open 2 days ahead at 7:00 a.m. HST. A limited number of first-come walk-ins are issued at 6:45 a.m. Hawaiʻi residents with ID need no reservation.

How much does Hanauma Bay cost?

$25 per non-resident aged 13+ (plus a 2.35% online fee); kids 12 and under, Hawaiʻi residents and active U.S. military enter free. Parking is $3 per non-resident vehicle, cash only.

What days is Hanauma Bay closed?

Mondays and Tuesdays, plus December 25 and January 1.

What are Hanauma Bay's hours?

Entry runs 6:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The beach is cleared at 3:30 p.m. and everyone must leave by 4 p.m.

Do you have to watch a video at Hanauma Bay?

Yes. Every visitor must watch the educational video in the theatre on each visit, even if they have seen it before.