Plan Your Visit

with friends and family

Individuals and Families should expect delays as a nine minute film is required to see to be granted beach access in the nature preserve. The duration of delay is dependent on the time of day and year. August and the holiday season are our busiest times. To avoid long waits come early in the morning. The Nature Preserve opens at 6am. The orientation film covers formation of the bay, some animals you will encounter, what you can do to protect the reef, and how to protect yourself, so you can make the most of your visit. The admission fee to enter the Nature Preserve is $5 for non-residents 13 years of age or older, and free for everyone else. The cashiers only take cash, traveler's checks, MasterCard and Visa. The fee does not include the rental of snorkeling equipment. You can rent snorkeling equipment on the beach for $6 for a basic set of mask, fins and snorkel. The snorkel concession takes only cash and requires a deposit in the form of a credit card, cash, or rental car key. Once paying your admission fee or presenting your local identification you will receive a movie ticket. The ticket has a time on it which corresponds to your viewing time; this guarantees you a place in the theater for this viewing. You need not stand outside in line for the theater in the hot sun. At this time you should take advantage of the displays in the education center to familiarize yourself with this majestic place, just be sure to be at the theater entrance a few minutes before the time shown on the ticket. There is little shade at Hanauma Bay so bringing a hat and sunscreen is wise. Make sure to drink lots of water to prevent dehydration, heat stroke and heat exhaustion.