More access to Hawaii tourist spot: Hanauma Bay

Following the successful implementation of the in-person reservation system at the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) will be further adjusting Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve entry procedures by opening the preserve an hour earlier and making additional educational video show times available.

“With our pilot ticketing system providing smoother entry into Hanauma Bay, we found that most beach-goers were arriving earlier in the day with attendance decreasing in the afternoon,”  said DPR Director-designate Laura H. Thielen. “These new adjustments aim to meet that demand as we continue to look at ways to improve the experience for visitors and kama‘āina. We appreciate everyone’s patience and flexibility as we continue our pilot program to improve Hanauma Bay’s operations, while balancing the fiscal sustainability of the nature preserve with its conservation goals.”

First entry into the bay will begin at 6:45 a.m. and an additional showing of the educational video will be provided each hour, increasing the number of show times per hour to five. Visitors will continue to be provided a designated educational showtime ticket upon entry into the bay, at which time they can wait for their showtime in the upper area of the nature preserve or leave and return to the bay.

All other pilot program opening procedures remain in place, including the mandatory wearing of masks in accordance with local regulations and final daily entry into the nature preserve at 2 p.m. Hanauma Bay will also continue to be closed to the public on Mondays and Tuesdays. DPR continues to work with the Honolulu Department of Information Technology on developing an online reservation system. We will provide updates on that system as they become available.