Hawaii · HANAUMA BAY SNORKELING TOURS
The bay takes reservations two days ahead and shuts on Mondays and Tuesdays, which is why so many people go with a tour that carries the entry. These 9 compare transport, gear hire and what the price actually includes.
Travel from Waikiki to Hanauma Bay with Kaimana Tours, using provided snorkel gear and round-trip shuttle service. Guides such as Felipe, Philippe, Luiz, Marco, Diogo, and Martha have helped with park entry, equipment, and local tips. Plan on an early start, a $25 cash admission fee, and several hours in the bay.
“Really wonderful experience. The snorkeling equipment was top notch- had zero issues with it. Would definitely recommend!”
Go Hanauma takes you from Waikiki or Kahala to Hanauma Bay in a group of up to five. Guides such as Fumio and Tran provide gear, safety help, fish-spotting tips, and downloadable photos. Choose an early or late start, and plan for about one hour in the water.
“A great excursion! Everything went without a glitch starting from a booking point to drop off back at the hotel. Fumio was a wonderful guide.”
Reserve your Hanauma Bay entry and collect a mask, snorkel, fins, and flotation belt in Waikiki. You choose your admission time, arrange your own transportation, and return the gear to the Watumull Building after exploring Oahu’s protected volcanic bay.
“Costó mucho encontrar el sitio donde alquilaban el equipo de snorkel. Las instucciones no eran claras”
Meet your guide at Hanauma Bay’s admission center for guaranteed entry, fitted snorkel gear, and one hour in the water. Groups are capped at five. Guides such as Nyle and Eva focus on reef fish, turtles, and safe routes. You must swim, and a separate entrance fee is due after booking.
“This tour doesn't live up to the advertisements. On top of the cost of the tour, you also pay the 1 parking which is mentioned in the description, you also pay the 7.50 pp for admission to the preserve. The tour is advertised to be 3 hours. After 1 hour in the water the tour guide said we were done. The preserve has a 15 minute informational video, for the preserve. It took us about 15 minutes to get down to the water and get out our snorkeling gear, and then 1 hour in the water. Not sure where the 3 hours comes from. The description says the dive instructors…”
Pick up a mask, dry-top snorkel, and life vest from Kaimana Tours at 7192 Kalanianaʻole Highway, about five minutes from Hanauma Bay. You can keep the gear until closing time, ask staff about other Oahu beaches, and return to the same shop. Hanauma Bay admission is separate.
“very friendly and nice staff. was a little difficult to find the location through waze once its an open mall with different entrances.”
Meet your English-speaking guide at Hanauma Bay, receive a short lesson and all gear, then spend one hour snorkeling in a group of no more than five. Search for green sea turtles, reef fish, and coral gardens while your guide keeps watch. Entrance is guaranteed, but the $25 bay fee is extra.
“Nyle was our guide! She was absolutely amazing! The coral is pretty damaged but still has amazing amount and variety of fish. Nyle was very informative about all of them. We saw a sea turtle and a moray eel....just a wonderful time!!”
Visit Hanauma Bay from Honolulu with hotel pickup, a short conservation video, and shore snorkeling in calm, shallow water. You’ll explore without a boat or personal guide, with park staff nearby. Sergio is one driver named in guest feedback, but pickup reliability has been uneven.
“Great tour and great tour company to deal with, they explain you everything up front, pick you up on time and communication at all the times, they speak Spanish as well! Appreciate you SERGIO for everything you are the heart of the company.”
Learn to snorkel at Hanauma Bay with a guide from Honolulu Snorkel Company. The one-hour lesson includes park admission and equipment, welcomes children of all ages, and needs no swimming skills. Groups are capped at five, with Brittany praised for calm, safe instruction.
“This was my first ocean snorkeling experience and it was just amazing. Brittany helped me feel comfortable and safe. She was very familiar with the bay and guided me to some great spots where I saw so many beautiful fish. Highly recommended!”
Spend about five hours at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve with admission and snorkeling gear included. You meet in Waikiki, arrange your own transport, then swim among coral and tropical fish in a protected volcanic bay. Access is limited, so booking accuracy matters.
“I was told it included transpiration, it did not! But even worse is when I "Uber" my trip the officials at Hanauma Bay did not recognize the registration I printed from Viator. The only good experience was the officials at the Park did allow us to enter but I had to prove I had ID. Very disappointed !!!”
Pick a coast, a reef or a ridge.
