Hanauma Beach

Hanauma Bay (pronounced “ha-NOW-mah”, in Hawaiian) is a marine embayment formed within a volcanic cone or volcanic caldera and located along the southeast coast of the Island of Oahu (just east of Honolulu) in the Hawaiian Islands.

This is THE BEST protected cove if you are new to scuba diving or snorkeling with a diverse population of marine life and a large, rich coral reef. Advanced snorkelers and divers can also enjoy the beauty of this bay as the reef extends throughout the cove into deeper water.

There is a large sandy beach perfect for sunbathing, relaxing and picnicking. Several hiking trails extend along coastline and along the ridge overlooking the bay providing breathtaking lookouts. The curvature of the bay usually provides protection from large ocean waves and allows swimmers a terrific opportunity to view the marine and reef life in a safer, protected environment.

Hanauma Bay is another of Hawaii’s most beautiful bays, but to enjoy its treasures you’ll have to plan ahead and arrive early for a visit.