Oahu, Hawaii

Hanauma Bay

A flooded volcanic crater turned nature preserve, Hanauma is effectively a giant natural aquarium: parrotfish, tangs and green turtles cruising coral heads in water rarely deeper than a snorkeller needs.

Best forBeach · Tropical
Approx. flying time~5h 30m from Los Angeles
Nearest airportHonolulu, Oahu (HNL)

Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii Open in Google Maps

Why go

A flooded volcanic crater on Oahu's south-east corner, Hanauma Bay is nature's own beginner pool: a reef-sheltered curve of turquoise where green sea turtles and parrotfish cruise water that rarely tops shoulder depth. It's a protected nature preserve, so numbers are capped — reserve your slot online two days ahead, arrive early and watch the orientation video without grumbling. Mornings bring the clearest water; the bay closes Mondays and Tuesdays so the fish get weekends too.

Featured in Ten snorkelling beaches with reefs right off the sand and Ten tropical snorkel and dive spots perfect for first-timers

When to go

Daytime highs run from about 25°C in February to 28°C in September. Driest in June and July and September; wettest in March, with rain on about 9 days. The sea is warmest in October at around 27°C, coolest at 25°C.

The year at a glance — pick a month for detail

August28° · rain 3 days · sea 27°Warm with the odd shower.

Monthly figures averaged from daily records for 2020–2024 at this location (ERA5 reanalysis). Highlighted months are warm and mostly dry — May to December.

Where to stay

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Flights

Los Angeles Oahu, Hawaii

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Roughly 5h 30m in the air from Los Angeles (LAX), estimated from the distance — check for a direct route. Pick a month to see every available flight with live prices.

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