What does a humuhumunu- kunukuāpua‘a have to do with SNORKELING ? Hint: One may very well cross your path out among on the reef!
If you want to see this long- named creature, which turns out to be Hawai‘i’s brightly striped state fidsh, visit HANAUMA BAY NATURE PRESERVE, O‘ahu’s most popular snorkeling spot and an underwater park and conservation district.
Protected by the state for its valuable reef ecosystem, Hanauma Bay actually is a sunken volcanic crater ringed with 2,000 feet of golden sand and open to the ocean on one side. A fidligree of inner reefs separates the novice snorkeler from the open ocean, and thousands of fidsh and other sea life from their natural predators. The bay abounds with colorful schools of striped manini , silvery needlefidsh, buttercup yellow tang, the large and quick palani , stunning Moorish idols, opalescent parrotfidsh and more.
Hanauma Bay offers incredible snorkeling, a short welcome video highlights the importance of this marine preserve and how to best experience it while being mindful as its role as a precious resource for the island.
Located a short 20-minute drive east of Waikīkī on Kalaniana‘ole Highway, Hanauma Bay has an online reservation system (pros8.hnl.info/ hanauma-bay) that allows visitors to secure a time to view the intro video and may be made two days ahead of their visit to the preserve. Reservations are non-transferable and can be made for groups of up to 10 people. There are a limited number of walk-in or drive-in tickets available for those without online access. Admission is $25 per person. Children under 12 years of age, active- duty military members and Hawai‘i residents (both with valid IDs) get in free. There is a $3 parking fee and $1 fee for Hawai‘i residents (parking fees are refunded if vehicle leaves within 15 minutes of entry). Call 808-768-6861 or visit honolulu.gov/parks-hbay for updates. DIVE O‘AHU 808-922-3483 (DIVE)
