One of the best drives on the island of Oahu is east out of Honolulu-Waikiki area past Diamond Head (a former volcano) through Hawaii Kai and along the coast from there to Waimanalo.  Your first stop is a must – Hanauma Bay.  Located along the East Oahu coastline, it was declared a protected marine life conservation area and underwater park in 1967. This natural crescent beach is tucked inside the walls of an extinct volcano. This is the best protected cove if you are new to snorkeling (and even if you’re not!), with a diverse population of marine life and a large, rich coral reef. Visitors  and islanders can swim with over 450 species of colorful tropical fish. In fact, approximately 25% of the species found in the bay are indigenous to Hawaii. Kaimana Tours’ Hanauma Bay Snorkeling Adventures provides quality service, round trip transportation from Waikiki to Hanauma Bay; sanitized cutting edge snorkel equipment including a silicone tempered glass mask, ‘j’ type snorkels, and endurance vinyl acetate fins; a defog solution provided for masks; instructions on use of equipment; and an audio and DVD presentation on Hawaiian Marine Life en-route to Hanauma Bay.

Hanauma Bay is closed on Tuesdays, but open every other day of the week.  It has beautiful park like grounds with many trails leading to scenic points overlooking the bay and looking east into the Pacific Ocean towards Maui.  Lots of grassy areas, restrooms, and picnic tables make this spot a fabulous place to spend an entire day.  There is no lack of cheap parking here as well. 

If the surfs up, and the seas are white-capping – end your day by driving just a little further to newly renovated “Blow Hole” look out point – and watch the salt water spew into the skies from the blow hole found there.  Sort of natures own water fountain.  Again – the surf must be up to enjoy this.

Hanauma Bay - Snorkel this Historic Volcano of Sea Life