ALOHA!
For more updated information on how to get to Hanauma Bay in 2022 and beyond, please see this post: How to get to Hanauma Bay by bus
There are a lot of things that have changed on Oahu since the world travel shutdown, and the Hanauma Bay bus is one of them!
Isn’t it SO annoying when you arrive to a website to find old info that’s no longer relevant?
I am very sorry, but the information below is outdated.
I know, it’s so annoying.
And I also know it’s annoying to be told to click away when you’ve just arrived on a website!
But please, click away to this post: Waikiki to Hanauma Bay bus
MAHALO!!!
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Waikiki to Hanauma Bay by bus

Hanauma Bay is one of the best snorkeling destinations in the world.
And with island-wide public transportation, getting to Hanauma Bay by bus from Waikiki or Honolulu is pretty easy!
First, have a look at tips for taking the bus on Oahu.
faq: snorkeling at hanauma bay – snorkel rental prices – snack bar prices
Looking for an adventure on Oahu? Here’s how to get to Hanauma Bay by bike!
Now, here’s a bit more about getting to Hanauma Bay by bus.
No transfers necessary
You can take a single city bus to Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve from Waikiki without any bus transfers. This makes it pretty convenient!
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
How long does the bus to Hanauma Bay take?
The bus to Hanauma Bay you’ll want to take is on the 22 bus route. The bus ride from Waikiki to Hanauma Bay is around 45 minutes, depending on where in Waikiki you board the bus.
Waikiki Travel Guide:
- 2 mile walk on Waikiki Beach
- Best snorkeling spot in Waikiki
- Best hike near Waikiki
- Bike rental in Waikiki
- Free hula show in Waikiki
- Getting around by bus from Waikiki
Which bus stop do you get off at?
There are 2 bus stops that have âHanauma Bayâ in their bus stop name. There is one called âKalanianaole Hwy + Hanauma Bay Rdâ and there is another is called âHanauma Bay Nature Park.â
You will want to get off at the bus stop called Hanauma Bay Nature Park… because that’s your destination! đ
The first bus stop is right at the Hanauma Bay sign. And even though you see that sign, that’s not where you want to get off, because that’s not the closest bus stop to reach Hanauma Bay.
You’ll want to stay on the bus, and the bus will go further down the road to get you close to the entrance of the park.
It can be a crowded bus ride
Because of the popularity of Hanauma Bay as a snorkeling destination, the 22 bus can be a popular route among tourists.
So if you get on the bus at a later bus stop in Waikiki, it’s possible that you may be standing the whole way to Hanauma Bay, if you’re catching the bus when a lot of other people are headed to Hanauma Bay.
Also consider that on the way back to Waikiki, you may have to wait for the bus to come. And if you are leaving Hanauma Bay when everyone else is leaving in the afternoon, this could also mean a crowded bus ride on the way back too.
Use Google Maps to plan your trip!
Google Maps public transit directions are reliable when it comes to getting around Oahu by bus.
For Hanauma Bay, you’ll want to make sure you list Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve as your destination. (Or departure point if you want to check directions to get back to Waikiki!) If you just type in Hanauma Bay without the Nature Preserve part, the search results may tell you that there are no public transportation options available… and that’s just not true. đ
Waikiki to Hanauma Bay: Directions on Google Maps
When you’re looking at the Google Maps directions, be sure to change the “leave now” to “depart at” some time in the morning. Weekday vs weekend may also make a difference in bus timings available. Changing the departure time will make for better planning and give you a better idea of what your options are!
Things you might want for your Hanauma Bay snorkeling trip
Now, here are some things you just may want to consider adding to your Hawaii packing list so youâre ready for the sun when youâre snorkeling at Hanauma Bay!
- A standard snorkel set like this one or a full face snorkeling mask like this one
- This type of case so you can take pristine underwater pictures with your phone. (Itâs cheap!)
- This type of pouch so you can take your valuables with you in the water!
- These types of UV protection shirts to wear so you donât burn under the strong tropical sun rays when youâre in the water! If youâre on a desktop, use the far left column to filter by women, men, girls, or boys! Look at these types of swim shorts too, for women and men!
For a more in-depth look at what to bring for snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, have a look at what to wear snorkeling!
More things to do in Oahu
Nearby Hanauma Bay are 2 hiking trails, the Koko Head Hike and Makapuu Lighthouse Trail.
But, if bus is the way you’re getting around Oahu, you might want to save these hikes for another day. Unless you don’t mind hitting the trails with your snorkeling gear! If you decide to do this, just be sure that you have a good daypack to carry your gear on your back, instead of a beach bag on your shoulder.
Or, if you’re renting snorkeling gear at Hanauma Bay, it could make it easier to do these hiking trails!
Hanauma Bay is on the east side of Oahu!
thing to do in oahu >> east oahu – north shore – central oahu – waikiki
HAPPY HANAUMA BAY SNORKELING!
FAQ: Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
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đ Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling
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