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Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
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Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is a protected marine life conservation area located on the Island of Oahu, about 10 miles east of Waikiki. Formed within a volcanic cone, today Hanauma Bay offers a pristine marine ecosystem after the City and County of Honolulu laid out a plan in 1990 to restore the "curved bay," after years of neglect and abuse from the millions of visitors who visited the bay. Part of this plan requires first-time visitors to watch a video before entering the park so they can learn about the marine life, preservation, conservation, and safety rules for the preserve. All visitors are required by law to refrain from mistreating the marine animals and from touching or walking on the coral heads.
Hanauma Bay is known for its abundance of marine life, especially Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapua'a'; green sea turtles; trumpet fish; yellow tangs; parrotfish; surgeonfish; and living coral. Since the bay has a wide variety of species and crystal clear and calm waters, Hanauma Bay provides ideal conditions for snorkeling and swimming. The shallow areas are perfect for beginners and the bay also offers easy access to deep waters for those who are more experienced. Purchasing an underwater camera will allow you to capture the amazing subaquatic scenery of colorful fish, sea creatures, and coral.
Since 1998, Honolulu began charging for admission and parking in order to reduce the high number of visitors. Accessibility is limited and therefore you need to plan your visit to Hanauma Bay in advance. You may park your car in the parking lot, although the lot is generally full by mid-morning so you need to arrive early if you want to park in that area. Other alternatives to getting to the entrance are taking a shuttle, a bus or walking.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is must in your Oahu itinerary. It is one of the safest destinations if you want to get acquainted with a plethora of fish and marine life and offers an overall great experience for people of all ages. |
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| Oct. 6, 2007 - Elsa, we returned home late yesterday after a wonderful trip. Thank you for the recemmendations and handling the details, all was excellent. Fred More... |
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