Hanauma Bay and the Southeast Coast Drive

Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, at 100 Hanauma Bay Road in Hawaii Kai, is a curved volcanic crater bay on Oahu's southeast shore, about 10 miles (16 km) east of Waikiki in Hawaii, United States. The drive along Kalanianaole Highway (Route 72) takes about 25-35 minutes, and rideshare costs about $25-40 each way. Snorkel tours with hotel pickup run about $50-100 per person, and the entry inclusion should be confirmed at booking. Hanauma Bay is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Non-resident adult admission is $25, children 12 and under are free, and parking costs about $3 in cash. Visitors watch a short educational video about protecting the reef before heading down to the beach, and snorkel gear can be rented on site. The shallow, sheltered reef is home to many reef fish and occasional green sea turtles, and conditions are calmest from April to September. Beyond the bay, the southeast coast drive continues along Kalanianaole Highway past the Halona Blowhole lookout, Sandy Beach Park (known for powerful shore-break waves) and Makapuu Point lookout, where a paved trail climbs to a lighthouse view. Further along, Waimanalo Beach and Makapuu offer long stretches of sand. A suggested one-day arc is to arrive at Hanauma Bay at opening for the best visibility and smaller crowds, snorkel for a couple of hours, then continue the coastal drive for lookouts and a beach stop. Lunch can be found in Hawaii Kai or in Waimanalo, which has local plate-lunch spots and fruit stands. Visitors should use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching coral and never feed fish. Parking fills quickly, and the lot may close once full, so early arrival is important.