I have a question about Hanauma Bay. Is there a limit for the number of people on the beach or is it a limit on cars in the lot? I was thinking of taking a cab or catching the bus as I won't have a car and I wouldn't want to get out there and not be able to get to the beach. I don't mind getting there early and I keep noticing that everyone says to get there really early! I am staying at the Aqua Lotus near Diamond Head . I thought I would get up early and run/hike to Diamond Head and then go over to the beach. Now I am thinking that I should perhaps go snorkeling first and do the run in the afternoon. Thanks for any advice!

It's better to go to HB early as the water gets more and more crowded as the day goes on.

It's been so long since I went later in the day that I have no idea if they have a limit on the # of people, but I don't think so. The bus will drop you off by the parking lot - and then it's a walk down to the entrance - maybe a half mile?

Best advice again: Go early before the crowds show up and when the water is the clearest/least surf/wind. Check the schedule - as they close it some days.

Thank you all so much! You have really helped me plan this trip....I have read back over so many trip reports and I have gotten great responses every time I have asked a question. Again, thanks!

And check the coupons/deals in the tourist mags you can find all over the airport, etc - as they may have some deals on renting snorkeling gear - and also use Snorkel Bob's as a baseline. http://www.snorkelbob.com/

Last time I went to HB I took a pkg deal which included all
the gear. i always bring my own snorkel but not fins. It was reasonable (found coupon in Honolulu This Week) worked out great as far as transportation but the time was limited and with the new regulations that you go through a safety video/orientation it was limited even more. the orentation is limited on how many they allow inside the auditorium so we had to wait a bit for our turn. go early is the best advice if you are driving. AND I think they are closed 1 day a week - maybe Tuesday? check online for that....

When in doubt, do an internet search:

http://www1.honolulu.gov/parks/facil...bay/index1.htm
http://www1.honolulu.gov/parks/facil...nformation.htm

The place is closed on Tuesdays. When the parking lot is full, IT'S FULL -- and you can NOT park nearby. Go early or take the #22 bus.

You can rent snorkel gear at the beach, but it's probably cheaper to rent before you get there. And, if you're going to snorkel more than a couple times, it's probably cheapest to buy your stuff at a discount sports store before you fly to the islands.

IMO - Snorkel Bob's (and others like that) has better snorkel gear and more of it than what they rent at Hanauma Bay. They sure used to anyway. Get it for the week - try it out at the Hotel pool or at the ocean in front of your hotel to make sure it all fits right and you are comfortable with it, etc.

And as noted - go early, go early, go early. Not only is it the calmest with best visibility - there are many less people.