ALOHA!
Parking at Hanauma Bay is $1.
And the Hanauma Bay parking lot will always be closed on Tuesdays, because the entire beach park is closed then.
But other than that…
If you’re doing your research into snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, you’ve probably read over and over again stories about people being turned away from the Hanauma Bay parking lot.
But you’ve heard that it’s one of the best snorkeling spots on Oahu, so you really don’t want this happening to you!
Just know that your Hawaii vacation is not ruined if you aren’t able to park at Hanauma Bay. 😉
Just expect that you won’t be able to park, and then when the parking lot is open, you will be so happy and have the best day ever! And if the lot is closed, well, you can’t be too disappointed because you expected it anyway. It’s all about adjusting expectations. 😉
Okay, so now that you’ve adjusted your expectations on the parking situation…
First, here’s what you need to know about snorkeling at Hanauma Bay… and do you know what type of sunscreen will soon be ILLEGAL in Hawaii? (And it’s a good reason for you to NOT wear it at Hanauma Bay!)
Now…
What to do if Hanauma Bay parking lot is full
Here on this page are a couple of alternatives with tips for you in case the Hanauma Bay parking lot is closed so you can still have a good day!
- Park at the nearby district park, then walk over to Hanauma Bay
- Do nearby activities in the morning, and try Hanauma Bay again in the afternoon
Each of these options are explained in detail below.
Bus to Hanauma Bay
Another option if you want to make sure you are able to go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay without extra walking is to take the bus to Hanauma Bay.
Depending on where in Waikiki you catch the bus, this will likely be around a 40 minute bus ride with no transfers necessary.
Also depending on the time you go, it could be a crowded bus ride, and you may end up standing the whole ride. (Crowded with people headed to Hanauma Bay!)
The bus can also get crowded in the opposite direction in the late afternoon, from Hanauma Bay to Waikiki. There is a bus stop located within the Hanauma Bay park itself.
Here’s the best way to take the bus to Hanauma Bay.
Here’s a beginner’s guide to getting around Oahu by bus.
Biking to Hanauma Bay
Looking to add to your snorkeling adventure on Oahu?! How about biking to Hanauma Bay!
Things to pack for your Hanauma Bay snorkeling trip!
And here are some things that you may want to add to your Hawaii packing list for what to wear in Hawaii for snorkeling at Hanauma Bay!
- A standard snorkel set like this one or a full face snorkeling mask like this one that’s beginner friendly
- This type of case so you can take pristine underwater pictures with your camera. (It’s 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 don’t burn under the strong tropical sun rays when you’re in the water! Look at these types of swim shorts too!
- For more traditional beachwear, for women look at these swimsuits and these cover-ups, and for men look at these swimsuits
- These types of beach shoes so you can protect your feet from sharp rocks hidden under the sand!
- This type of beach bag that’s open air to start the drying of your beach gear after you’re done snorkeling to get ready for the next beach day! Otherwise, also take a look at some of these affordable daypacks that will be convenient for your entire Hawaii vacation.
For a more in-depth look at what to bring snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, have a look at what to bring to Hanauma Bay snorkeling and snorkeling with kids!
Now…
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!
Alternate parking for Hanauma Bay when you don’t mind a little walking with your beach and snorkeling gear
In short: Drive over to the parking lot at the base of Koko Crater
For where the Koko Crater district parking lot is located on a map compared to Hanauma Bay, see here.
For what the walk is like between the 2 parking lots, see here. It’s about 10-15 minutes. You won’t be walking the same route as driving. There’s a path that’s off limits to cars that you’ll go on.
If you’re on Pinterest mobile and you’re getting a blank screen when you click for the maps, open this page up in your web browser and try again.
There’s no overflow parking lot for Hanauma Bay, and this lot would be the closest thing that could be considered an overflow lot.
This “alternate” parking lot means that you’ll be walking this distance carrying all of your beach gear, so consider that in deciding whether or not to do this.
And the walk to and from this other parking lot is on top of the walk down to the bay itself (and back up).
So just know that it might be a little bit of extra walking if you park over at Koko Crater. No complaints allowed! 😉
When you get to Hanauma Bay, you also have the option of taking a shuttle down to the bay. You can take this shuttle after you’ve bought your admission tickets, as it’ll take you from the entry area to the beach. It’s $1.25 per person each way.
Where this “alternate” parking lot is
The Koko Head District Park is just across the street from Hanauma Bay. This is where people park when they are off to do the Koko Head Hike.
The drive might take a few extra minutes when you consider the time it takes to find a place to turn around.
That will probably be a few minutes up the road when you’re coming from Waikiki and Honolulu, but you’ll also get the scenic coastal view!
For spots to turn around, there’s the Koko Head Shooting Complex up the road, but a better spot might be the Lanai lookout. See map here. Stopping at the Lanai lookout will also get you some picture-worthy scenes!
Walking from the parking lot to Hanauma Bay
If you are turned away from the Hanauma Bay parking lot, just for reference, pay attention to finding this road block that is located on the side of the road pretty much opposite to where you will find the main Hanauma Bay sign along the main road:
After you park at Koko Crater, this is the path that you will be coming from by foot to get back to Hanauma Bay. Again, this is located along the main road, so once you come out from here, you will see the main Hanauma Bay sign across the road.
You will also have to cross the main road, so be careful! It’s usually not that busy, so it wouldn’t be considered that dangerous. But it is a main “highway” so use caution when crossing.
Directions from the alternate parking lot to Hanauma Bay
You will be passing through a residential neighborhood in Hawaii Kai to get to the Koko Crater parking lot.
Once you turn onto the road to the parking lot, keep driving until you reach the last parking lot. There are several parking lots you’ll pass by.
Since you won’t be following a main road to get from the Koko Head parking lot to Hanauma Bay, the walking directions might feel a bit confusing.
The easiest way to make sure you’re following the right path is probably just opening up the Google Maps app!
Type in for your directions:
- Start: Koko Crater Trailhead Parking
- End: Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
- Travel mode: Walking (icon)
And this is what you should get!
And then you can start walking!
You will walk in the same direction that you were driving. Past the parking lot, there’s a road that’s deemed off limits. It’s up a hill, and that’s the road you’ll take.
Then once you get up this short hill, you’ll see the ocean! The shooting range is down below.
Once here, you turn right to get on the road that will take you to the highway.
Once at the highway, across the street you’ll see the Hanauma Bay sign!
You will turn onto the road to Hanauma Bay. You’ll soon see a sign that tells you to use the crosswalk to take a set of stairs further down to the bay.
This picture is at the bottom of the stairs, by the parking lot:
You may not be able to read the sign quite clearly, but it reads that it’s the walkway to Kalanianaole Highway, which is the main road.
So parking at this other parking lot will add time to your day, so again, just make sure you adjust your expectations so you won’t be starting your Hanauma Bay snorkeling with a negative attitude!
Nearby activities when the Hanauma Bay parking lot is full
If you’re not really feeling it with having to walk from this other parking lot with all your beach gear, instead consider doing some nearby activities!
These are some worthy alternatives for activities to do near Hanauma Bay. Each will take a couple of hours, so once you’re done with one activity, you can check back in to Hanauma Bay to see if you can park. If you still can’t park, do another activity! 😉
Koko Head Hike
So that alternate parking lot for Hanauma Bay? Instead of using it as an alternative, use it for what it’s intended! 😉 And that would be for hiking the Koko Crater Railway Trail! This is a strenuous hike, so it may be a good idea to consider doing this only if you’re a fitness enthusiast!
And take PLENTY of water! This water bottle is popular in Hawaii. But there’s no better post-workout recovery than snorkeling with marine life!
Directions: Hanauma Bay to Koko Crater – 10 minute drive
more: koko head hike | what to wear hiking
Makapuu Lighthouse Trail
This is a worthy alternative to Hanauma Bay especially if it’s whale watching season on Oahu.
The coastal trail makes it one of the best spots for a chance at whale sightings without going on a tour.
But even if you’re not going in season, the views you get pretty much the entire length of this trail makes it worth it!
You have a little bit of an uphill to reach the end of the trail, so water is a good idea on this trail too.
Directions: Hanauma Bay to Makapuu Lighthouse Trail – 10 minute drive
more: makapuu lighthouse trail | whale watching in oahu
Diamond Head Trail
You can also drive back in the direction that you came (assuming you’re staying in Waikiki!), and head on over to the hiking trail that will give you those iconic views of Waikiki and downtown Honolulu.
This may end up working out well so you’re doing the hike in the morning when it’s not as hot with the afternoon sun.
And if after the hike you decide that you don’t want to drive back to Hanauma Bay, you can stay close to your Waikiki vacation rental or hotel with some Waikiki snorkeling.
It might not be as good as Hanauma Bay but as long as you have a few days left in your vacation, you can decide to give Hanauma Bay a try on another day.
Directions: Hanauma Bay to Diamond Head – 20 minute drive
more: diamond head hike – what to wear hiking diamond head | waikiki snorkeling
More alternatives of things to do on the east side of Oahu
The first 2 hiking trails mentioned above are among the best things to do in the immediate vicinity of Hanauma Bay.
But if you don’t want to turn it into a hiking day, or you don’t want to dress for hiking in Hawaii, then there are a few more worthy things to do if you don’t mind driving a little further out while you are on the Hanauma Bay side of the island.
But consider wearing hiking sandals like these that may be more versatile too if you don’t want to deal with shoes on a hot day!
Hanauma Bay is on the southeast side of Oahu, so have a look at these things to do in East Oahu for more ideas.
Places to eat near Hanauma Bay
With all this time that’s passing, you’ll need to get some food in you. The most budget-friendly Hawaii vacation tip is to pack along some picnic food and snacks. But otherwise, down the road from Hanauma Bay in the direction of Waikiki is the Koko Marina Center. Here you will find a number of places to eat.
Give a try to Paina Cafe and the Hawaiian dish called the poke bowl. Here’s a menu.
HAPPY PARKING AT HANAUMA BAY!
faq: hanauma bay snorkeling | hanauma bay snorkel rental | hanauma bay by bus
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🐠 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