Amazing panoramic view of Hanauma Bay on island of Oahu, Hawaii. Click for VERY large photo. Credit: Dave Tonnes of Panaviz. Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii is one of my favorite life activities. The water is warm, clean, shallow and in many areas – safe. There is a natural coral reef that blocks large animals (sharks) from coming into the bay so it’s safe for everyone.
[ See my newest Hanauma Bay post which includes heaps of information not found in this article: Maps, new photos, videos, weather, history, snorkeling info, etc. ]
There are rental fins, masks and snorkels available at bottom of the path on the beach. There are showers and restrooms and places to buy food to eat, including Hawaiian shaved ice. This is a favorite for Japanese and US citizens alike.
Tip 1: If you want to feed the fish (you should, you’ll have a great time), stop by the supermarket on your left before you go up the hill to Hanauma Bay and buy some bags of frozen peas. UPDATE – I haven’t been to Hanauma to feed the fish for a very long time. Someone just wrote a comment that it is forbidden to feed the fish. That is likely correct. Read the rules on the signs when you arrive so you stay within the law. 
Tip 2: There are some amazing paths to explore up above the bay and that lead down to rocky cliffs on the right side. There is a Jeep stuck down there that could not make the trip back up the hill. It’s treacherous for vehicles (and illegal I believe), but, if you’re walking its a fun walk and you’ll get some great photos. The photo on the right was taken from the path on the southeast side of Hanauma bay looking North toward Koko Head and Oahu’s windward side. Go snorkeling! Best of Life! Vern If you are interested in seeing a COMPLETE rundown on Hanauma Bay – click below: Hanauma Bay- the ultimate snorkeling spot in the world with maps, new photos, videos, weather, history, snorkeling info, etc.
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About Vern Lovic
Aloha! I'm "Vern". I created this site to focus on Hawaii - all the islands - Oahu, Maui, Kauai, Big Island and even Molokai and Lanai and Kahoolawe when I can find information on them. I love living in Hawaii, and I think you would too. I hope you come away with something positive as a result of visiting Aim for Awesome. Feel free to add comments or contact me through email. All written content on this site by Vern Lovic. Contact me at Google+. Best of Life to You in 2013 - Aloha!
I’m glad I ran across this article. I’m taking my daughter to Hawaii as we lived thr with the military for 3 years. Since when can’t u feed the fish. The frozen peas and swarm of fish ensured you got to see them all. Why did they stop?
Probably too many people getting bitten by the parrot fish. My friend Wally, was a clown… he and I were under with a bag of peas. He held one pea in his thumb and forefinger – a parrot fish took a chunk of his finger with the pea! Sure it was his fault, but, I’m sure many people were nipped by the beaks on those fish. Maybe that’s why – just a guess!
Update – don’t feed the fish at Hanauma Bay!
Yeah, I kinda wondered about your statment when I read it today about “feel free to feed the fish”. I was glad to read your posted update to “not” feed the fish. I was born on Oahu and spent many days at the bay. So beautiful, and still love it so much to this day. But I don’t live there any more…just in my heart :-)
Regards,
Edie
Hi Edie,
Thanks for writing your comment. Is this the Edie I know that moved from Oahu to Big Island back in 2003 with Classic Resorts? :) Vern