Do you know how to say Humuhumunukunukuapua'a? Don't worry, even locals stumble over all those vowels. Fortunately, it's definitely easier to see Hawaii's state fish (yes, that's its yard-long name) than it is to pronounce it. Just put on your snorkel and go to Hanauma Bay Nature Park, Oahu's most popular snorkeling spot.
Hanauma Bay is a sunken volcanic crater ringed with 2,000 feet of golden sand and open to the ocean on one side. Formerly a playground for Hawaiian royalty, the bay is now a State Underwater Park and Conservation District. A filigree of inner reefs protect the novice snorkeler from the open ocean and, in turn, protect thousands of fish and other sealife from their natural predators. The bay abounds with colorful schools of striped Manini, silvery needlefish, buttercup Yellow Tang, the large and quick Palani, the stunning Moorish Idols and the opalescent Parrotfish.
The park is open every day but Tuesday. Summer hours are 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month, the park is open until 10 p.m. During the winter, Hanauma Bay is open 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on the second Saturday of each month, it remains open until 10 p.m. Entrance fee is $5 with a $1 parking fee. There is no entrance fee for children under 13 nor for Hawaii residents with proof of residency.
There are many other snorkel spots on Oahu. Try Kailua Beach Park on Tuesdays when Hanauma is closed. Equipment is available from Kailua Sailboards & Kayaks. Shark's Cove on the North Shore, between Hale'iwa and Pupukea. is another good spot. (Contrary to the name, no sharks have been spotted there.) Malaekahana Beach Park, just north of La'ie town, and Kuilima Cove at Turtle Bay are also good choices.
Another way to get in some good snorkeling is to sign up for a boat cruise.
