In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a FULL guide on how to get to the BEST Hanauma Bay Lookout Point.
BE AWARE: you will need to hike to get to the most beautiful point on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.
Let’s get started.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Hiking Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail or the Hanauma Bay LOOKOUT POINT: The Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail is an easy, 1.5-mile hike with a 500-foot elevation gain. The trail is mostly paved and offers an excellent opportunity for photography.
- Breathtaking Views and Free Access: Hanauma Bay Lookout offers stunning panoramic views of the bay, Koko Head Crater, and the surrounding coastline. Unlike the Hanauma Bay Marine Reserve, the lookout point is free to visit and does not require a reservation.
- Practical Tips for Visitors: Arrive early to secure parking and avoid peak crowds. Bring sun protection, water, and snacks, and respect the environment by following the Leave No Trace principle.
Overview of Hanauma Bay Lookout
Hanauma Bay, located on the beautiful island of Oahu in Hawaii, offers stunning panoramic views of the bay and its turquoise waters.
Formed within a volcanic cone, Hanauma Bay itself is a rare marine ecosystem that is a popular spot for snorkeling and hiking.
Despite the popularity of the bay, the lookout point often gets overlooked. However, it offers a fantastic view of the bay FOR FREE (you do not need to enter the Hanauma Bay Marine Reserve).
DID YOU KNOW: Hawaii is famous for its pristine beaches, such as Hukilau Beach Park, and the amazing natural beauty of the region, which you can experience via North Shore Oahu hikes. Hanauma Bay Lookout in Oahu is no exception.
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How to get to Hanauma Bay Parking Lot?
Hanauma Bay is located at 7455 Kalanianʻaole Highway in East Honolulu, about 10 miles east of Waikīkī. The entrance is at the top of the hill, just past the neighborhood of Hawaiʻi Kai.
There are several ways to get to the Hanauma Bay Parking Lot. Let’s take a closer look.
By Car
Unless you’re booking a scuba or snorkel tour, you’ll likely need a car to get here. You need to head east from Honolulu on the H1 Highway. Continue onto HI-72 S, following signs for Koko Head/Hanauma Bay. The entrance to Hanauma Bay will be on the right side of the road.
Some people opt to park in the nearest NEIGBORHOOD to the west of the bay and walk up Kalanianaʻole Highway to the park. We would NOT recommend parking at nearby Lānaʻi Lookout (which some do) and walking west on Kalanianaʻole Highway; there are no sidewalks—or even shoulder lanes—and it’s very dangerous.
TIP: Parking at Hanauma Bay is $3 for a single vehicle or $1 for residents (CASH ONLY).
By Public Transit – UPDATE: The city bus service into Hanauma Bay has been permanently discontinued.
Make sure you have travel insurance to avoid the burden of EXPENSIVE medical bills in case of an injury at Hanauma Bay! You can check out below how expensive it would be for your holiday! Lucky for you, we partner with VisitorsCoverage who offer the lowest medical insurance!
HIKING Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail to the Lookout Point
- Length: 1.5MI/ 2.4KM (1HRMIN-1.5HR)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation gain: 500ft/180m
- Parking: Easiest to park on Nawiliwili St. However, you can park at Hanauma Bay (if the lot isn’t already full).
- What to expect: The Hanauma Bay Ridge trail is an easy, but long uphill hike on a paved asphalt road to the Hanauma Bay rock. The Hanauma Bay Ridge hike begins just West of the parking lot for Hanuama Bay, it’s a dirt path right by the road. You’ll hike up this path for about 5 minutes before meeting the concrete paved trail that goes along the ridge. Beginning of the hike trailhead This is the short 5-minute hike up the trail, and you’ll follow this until you meet the paved path at the top of the hill. Once you are out of the dirt path area, take a look behind you, and you’ll see beautiful views of the town of Hawaii Kai. Continue along this paved path towards the top until you can see the telephone towers, then make a left on this little dirt path, taking you closer to the bay lookout. Then you are nearly there!
DOWNLOAD THE TRAIL HERE FOR FREE!
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Do I need to make a reservation for Hanauma Bay Lookout?
No, you do not need a reservation for Hanauma Bay Lookout. However, if you wish to visit the Hanauma Bay Nature Reserve, you need to have a 48-hour advanced reservation. Visit the Honolulu Parks & Recreation website for ticket reservations.
Highlights of Hanauma Bay Trail
Here are some photos of the highlights you will experience during the hike:
- Breathtaking Views: The lookout offers panoramic views of Hanauma Bay, Koko Head Crater, and the surrounding coastline. It’s also an excellent spot for Instagram-worthy pictures.
- Trails: There are several hiking trails around the lookout. The Hanauma Bay Ridge Hike is a short trail that provides fantastic views of the bay with Koko Head Crater as the backdrop. As a hike extension option, the Hanauma Bay Rock Bridge is a natural formation creating an arched bridge over the ocean on the cliffside, though caution is advised due to potential hazards from waves sweeping over the rock bridge.
- Flora and Fauna: The area is rich in biodiversity. The trail is often filled with beautiful wildflowers, and the bay itself is a pristine marine ecosystem, teeming with colorful fish and coral reefs.
- Snorkeling: Hanauma Bay is one of the best places in Oahu for snorkeling. Formed within a volcanic cone, the bay offers crystal-clear waters that are home to a variety of marine life.
- Educational Experience: Before heading down to the beach, you are required to watch a video about preserving the nature reserve and its marine life.
- Accessibility: The area is accessible without a reservation, making it easy for you to enjoy the scenic views at your convenience.
- Proximity to Other Attractions: Hanauma Bay Lookout is close to other attractions like the Halona Blowhole and Lanai Lookout, allowing you to explore multiple sites in one trip.
Best time to visit Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail
The best moment for visits is…ANY TIME! It is a wonderful thing to have Hawaii with constant temperatures.
If you come in the winter months, the forest is greener. It looks stale, like a desert, when visited in the summer. We left in early June, so the place looked desert-like.
The best times are the early hours for a visit. The first trailhead here is completely shadeless, so you can walk in direct sunlight. Bring sun protection, a visor, and sunscreen.
The famous Hawaii Magazine gives some tips on how to spend your day at Hanauma Bay.
Things to keep in mind: Hanauma Bay Trail
When planning a visit to Hanauma Bay Lookout, there are several things to keep in mind:
- Operating Hours: Hanauma Bay is open from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM but is closed every Tuesday to allow the marine life a day of rest.
- Parking: Parking can be limited (300 spots), especially during peak tourist season. Arriving early in the day can help ensure you find a spot. There is a small parking fee of 3 USD.
- Admission Fee: There is an admission fee of 25 USD for Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. However, the lookout point itself is free to visit.
- Snorkeling Gear: If you plan on snorkeling, you can rent gear at the beach park. Bringing your own equipment is also an option.
- Food and Beverages: A snack bar is available at the location. However, it’s often a good idea to bring your own water and snacks, especially if you plan on hiking or snorkeling.
- Sun Protection: The sun can be intense, so don’t forget your sunblock, hat, and sunglasses.
- Respect the Environment: Remember that Hanauma Bay is a nature preserve, so treat it with respect. This means not touching or disturbing marine life or picking up any trash. Stick to the Leave No Trace Principle.
- Stay Safe: Always prioritize safety, especially when swimming or snorkeling. Stay within designated areas and follow all posted guidelines.
- Weather Conditions: Weather can change quickly in Hawaii. Check the forecast before you go and be prepared for changing conditions.
Where to stay
When you plan a visit to Hanauma Bay in Hawaii, there are several accommodation and camping options to consider that cater to different budgets. We stayed at the Kahala Hotel & Resort, but for your convenience, we have added other recommended places. CHECK THEM OUT BELOW!
To book all our accommodations when we travel, we always use Booking.com. They have the best prices and very flexible cancellation policies, depending on the accommodation you choose.
Luxury
The Kahala Hotel & Resort: Known for its world-class service, this resort offers luxurious and spacious rooms, a private beach, a spa, and several dining options.
Mid-Budget
Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort: Located about 9 miles from Hanauma Bay, this resort offers comfortable accommodations and multiple dining options.
Budget
Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Waikiki: A more budget-friendly option, this hotel offers basic amenities and is located around 9 miles from Hanauma Bay Lookout.
Photo Opportunities
Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail offers several picturesque spots that are perfect for photography.
- Hanauma Bay Panorama: The Hanauma Bay Ridge Trail provides an elevated view of the bay’s turquoise waters, contrasting against the darker blue of the ocean. This panoramic view is a must-capture!
- Sunrise and Sunset: Arriving early in the morning or staying till evening can offer stunning sunrise or sunset shots. The changing colors of the sky provide a beautiful backdrop to the bay.
- Marine Life: If you’re into underwater photography, Hanauma Bay’s clear waters are teeming with vibrant coral reefs and colorful tropical fish.
- Trail Shots: The hiking and dirt trail around the lookout offer lush greenery and unique perspectives of the bay and the surrounding landscape.
- Koko Head Crater: A photo featuring the massive Koko Crater in the background can be quite dramatic.
- Flora and Fauna: Capture close-up shots of the local plants and birds you may encounter on your visit.
- Portraits: The scenic beauty of the lookout makes it an ideal location for portrait photography, whether it’s a solo shot, couple photo, or a group picture.
Conclusion
Hanauma Bay Lookout is an incredible place, perfect for nature lovers, hikers and photographers.
With its stunning views, great hike, safe trails, and nearby accommodations, it’s no wonder that this lookout point is one of Hawaii’s most popular attractions.
We hope that our guide has provided you with all the necessary information to make your upcoming trip to Hanauma Bay a success!
Let us know in the comments!
