We're thinking of hiking the Makapuu lighthouse road to watch the sunrise (6:30am in Sept) and then heading to Hanauma Bay to beat as much of the crowds as possible for snorkeling.
Question 1: Safe to a.)park and b.)hike Makapuu at that hour?
Qestion 2: How long do you think I should allow at Hanauma before I've had my fill (of snorkeling and/or the crowds) and move on to other activities for the day?

ttt

I don't know how crowded hanauma bay is in September, but we just returned and parking was closed at 9 am. We went back the next day and there was plenty of parking at 8 am. Also, the bay is closed on Tuesdays for maintenance.

There seemed to be lots of people getting dropped off by shuttle services ( about $10 per person I think)

About 3 hours is how long we usually stay when we go...

Long enought to snorkel, eat some snacks, then snorkel again. Plus if you go at 8 am, your skin will have had enough sun by 11 or noon.

Great, 3 hours is about what I was thinking. I'm planning on getting there by 8:00am.