Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay is a beautiful curved marine life conservation area and underwater park that provides an unforgettable snorkeling experience to its visitors. We recommend arriving early as parking fills up quickly and lines for the snorkel equipment can grow as the day wears on.

There is a 1.00$ parking fee and admission cost of 7.50$ Children 13 and under, Hawaii State residents, and active duty military are free. There is a small concession stand to grab a bite to eat at the main entrance. If it is your first time visiting Hanauma Bay or its been over 1 year since visiting the bay, the family is required to watch a  brief conservation video explaining the park rules.

After exiting the theater there is a paved hill visitors must trek down to get to the beach. There is a shuttle that takes people down for 1.00$ each. If the family has a ton of beach gear, I recommend going on the shuttle to make the trip a more pleasant experience. If not , the walk down gives visitors and opportunity to take in a the gorgeous view of the Bay.

Once the family arrives at the beach there is plenty of shaded areas under palm trees or out in the on the sand to relax.

There are locker facilities, visitor information booths, showers, and snorkel gear rental right on the beach.

Since the reef is a conservation area and the natural curvature of the bay provides exceptional protection, snorkeling here is like jumping into an aquarium.

Need transportation from your hotel or rental? Click the following link for the:  Oahu Hanauma Bay Shuttle.

Directions:


Take Kalaniana'ole Highway east from Waikiki for approximately 10 miles. Entrance to the preserve is on the right.

Helpful tips and info:

The water in the bay is a little chilly, so a rash guard like the ones mentioned on the recommended gear tab at the top of this page would be helpful to keep warm while providing sun protection.

Call 808-396-4229 for recorded message with all current fees, times, conditions


OPEN from 6am - 6pm (winter - October thru March) and 6am - 7pm (summer - April thru September)

OPEN every Saturday from 6am - 10pm throughout the year

CLOSED every Tuesday

Enjoy and share your family experience and tips below.

Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail

 

The start of the path to Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail begins at the end of the free parking lot and transverses for about 1 mile to the peak. Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail is great for parents with babies and toddlers because the entire trail is paved. We brought our Trendsport Lite Stroller and it was perfect for this trail.

Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail is also easy to find. Just take H1 east from Waikiki until it turns into Highway 72. Once you pass Hawaii Kai, Hanauma Bay and Sandy Beach Park you will see the parking lot signs for Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail.




You and the family can decide between going up to the peak with the smooth trail, or choosing one of the natural paths to the the tidal pools seen in the photo above. 

The stroller is not an option on the natural paths, but it looked like a short distance should you choose to carry your little one unless they are big enough to hoof it themselves. If you have the time, why not try both? I definately recommend the Chicco Smart Support Backpack, Red Its a backsaver and even supplies some shade for your baby.

Further up the Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail, your family will have plenty of scenic photo ops and even the possibility of Humpback Whale sightings during their migration.  Make sure to bring a pair of binoculars, sunscreen, and water.

Your children will have fun climbing on all the rocks surrounding breathtaking views. Parents make sure your cameras are charged and ready to shoot for some once in a lifetime pictures.




The view at the peak of Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail will make your family feel blessed.

Last stop on the trail ends with a view of Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse. Built in 1909, Makapu‘u Lighthouse makes for an amazing picture with the deep blue Pacific as a backdrop. Unfortunately, this is close as you can get as the light house is off limits to visitors.

Make sure your little ones have their afternoon nap as well.  We learned this lesson the hard way when our daughter got cranky towards the end. Lucky for us the trail was all down hill on the way back.

We highly recommend your family adds the Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail to your list of activities while in Oahu. If you have any questions about Makapu‘u Point Lighthouse Trail, let us know in the comment section below. Mahalo and enjoy!

The Halona Blowhole

The Halona blowhole is about a 10-15 minute drive south of Waikiki along scenic highway 71. The drive through the mountains is simpy jaw dropping.  Here are directions. 

In between the cliffs there is a small cove that you and the family can hike to. This is a great place for the kids to play and parents to enjoy the scenery.

Pictured above is the path that leads down to the Halona Blowhole Cove. Exercise caution and watch the kids closely because the path isn't paved.

There are also mini lots to park with various view points of the Pacific. On a clear day you can see the surrounding islands of  Molokai and Lanai. Winter time visitors can spot  Humpback Whales during their migration from the Artic Sea.

Here is the blowhole in the summertime. As you can see the waves are not high, hence why there is not much action going on there.

 Another picture of the blowhole in the winter time when the surf is higher provides a geyser  like effect that provides visitors an entertaining spectacle of nature's raw power.

  The Halona Blowhole is highly recommended to add to your list of things to do with family in Oahu.