FAQ

  1. I have my own transportation, where should I meet you at the bay?

    If you have your own transportation and would simply like to rent snorkeling gear, you can meet us at our storefront in Koko Marina (See our address in FAQ #3). We do suggest that you purchase the transportation package as this will greatly reduced the risk of driving a personal vehicle to the Bay only to be turned away at the entrance because the parking lot is already full; the lot often fills up before 9 A.M. and possibly earlier during peak tourist seasons.

  2. Do I need to make a reservation?

    We suggest that you make your reservation 48 hours in advance. However, we accept walk-ins to our storefront where we are able to assist you with renting snorkel equipment or booking transportation to the bay. If you decide to walk in, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to get into the bay that same day. Click here to make your reservation now!

  3. Where are you located?
    We are located at the following address:
    7192 Kalanianaole Hwy #C120
    Honolulu, Hawaii 96825

  4. Where is Hanauma Bay Located?

    Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Park is administered by City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Parks and Recreation and it is located at 100 Hanauma Bay Road, Honolulu, HI 96825. For additional information, call the park information line at (808) 396-4229.

  5. Can I rent snorkeling equipment from you?

    Yes. We have a variety of snorkel equipment as well as other beach items to help you enjoy your day at Hanauma Bay. You can reserve your equipment by booking online, calling us or visiting our storefront.

  6. Why is the $25 park admission fee not included in the cost of your snorkeling excursion package?

    The $25 park admission/entrance fee is collected on site by the City and County of Honolulu’s Department of Parks and Recreation for the care and conservation of Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. However, park admission fee is waived for persons 12 years and younger. Click here for more information about admission and other fees.

  7. What do I need to bring with me?

    Each person should bring a towel, swimwear, sunscreen, and the park entrance fee of $25. You may consider bringing your own snacks and beverages since there is only one snack bar at Hanauma Bay, located near the entrance to the park, and not on the beach.

  8. Where do I store my belongings? Do they have lockers down at the beach?

    Cubby-style storage lockers for storing small items are available at beach level ($7.00 fee).

  9. How much time can I spend snorkeling and/or enjoying the beach?

    Generally, you can plan on approximately three (3) hours of actual beach time (snorkeling included) once you take into account time for transportation, learning how to use the snorkeling gear, purchasing tickets to the park, mandatory viewing of the 9-minute video about Hanauma Bay, and time walking or riding the tram to and from the beach for a small fee.

  10. Not everyone in our party will snorkel. Can a person come along for the ride?

    Yes! If someone in your party is planning to come along, but not snorkel, there is a reduced fee option for $39.95 (plus the $25 park entrance fee). However, there is NO charge for children 3 years and younger.

  11. How far in advance should I make reservations?

    We recommend that you book your snorkeling excursion at least two (2) days in advance. However, because Hanauma Bay is a popular destination, reservations can book out quickly, We therefore suggest that you book as far in advance as possible. If you’re unable to make your reservation at least two days in advance, then we suggest calling us to see how we can assist you.Click here to make your reservation now!

  12. Do I get any refund if I cancel my reservation?

    Cancel your reservation 48 hours in advance to receive a full refund by calling us at (808) 306-3393. For snorkel gear rentals only, 50% refunds are given for cancellations or changes made with less than 48 hours advance notice. For the transportation package, if you cancel after the 48 hour window, you will be charged the full price of the excursion.

  13. If my snorkeling excursion is cancelled due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, do I get a full refund?

    Yes, you will receive a full refund.

  14. Do I need to know how to swim in order to snorkel?

    For safety reasons, we recommend that non-swimmers refrain from snorkeling. Please check with a lifeguard at the beach for further recommendations about whether or not to enter the water, and other water safety information. When in doubt, don’t go out! Click here to visit Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve’s official website for additional water safety tips.

  15. What is the age limit for snorkeling?

    General health and swimming skills are the more important factors to consider anytime you enter the water. For children already trained to swim, our snorkel gear generally fits children 4 years old and above. Floatation vests are available for $5; children should always be supervised by an adult swimmer. As snorkeling involves some measure of physical exertion, check with your physician about whether swimming and snorkeling are safe for you.

  16. Are corrective lens masks available?

    Yes. You can rent -1.5 to – 7 corrective lens masks for a $3 fee.

  17. Is this a guided tour?

    No. Guided tours cost much more than $49.95. Our snorkeling excursion package includes transportation to and from Hanauma Bay; snorkeling equipment; equipment demonstration (how to use, how to adjust, how to breathe through the snorkel, etc.); and snorkeling tips.

  18. How safe is snorkeling at Hanauma Bay?

    Generally speaking, Hanauma Bay is one of Hawaii’s safest snorkeling locations. However, ocean safety can never be over emphasized. Snorkel with someone if possible; stay close to the shore and within the shallow sand pools for optimum safety. Lifeguards are on duty at the bay, but please exercise extra caution when swimming or snorkeling with children. Whenever in doubt, check with the lifeguard.

  19. I am not staying in Waikiki. Where can you pick me up?

    We pick up customers only from hotels in Waikiki. If you wish to come to Waikiki, we will pick you up at the main lobby entrance at the following hotels only: Ala Moana Hotel or Queen Kapiolani Hotel. When you make your on-line reservation, select one of these two hotels as your pick-up/return locations and meet us there. You can also choose to meet us at our storefront where we will transport you to the Bay. Call us at (808) 306-3393 if you have additional questions.

  20. I am staying in Waikiki, but my hotel is not listed. What should I do?

    If you wish, you could select one of the following two hotels; Ala Moana Hotel or Queen Kapiolani Hotel, whichever is more convenient for you, and meet us there. We will pick you up at the main lobby entrance. No discounts offered. You may also choose to meet us at our storefront in Koko Marina and we will transport you to the bay.

  21. Are there any food/beverage establishments at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve?

    Yes, minimally speaking. There is only one snack bar located at the upper level area of the park, right across from cashiers’ window. Another option is to bring your own refreshments to the beach.

  22. Do you have snorkeling accessories like dry snorkels*, floatation vests, and underwater cameras available for renting and/or purchasing?

    Yes, upon availability you can purchase underwater cameras, rent dry snorkels and floatation/life vests, wetsuits, chairs, umbrellas, etc. Check our website for all of our available gear.

    *dry snorkel – a small device that prevents (most) water from entering the snorkel

For more information, click here to visit Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve’s official website.