Why is Hanauma Bay so popular?
Named America’s best beach in 2004, Hanauma Bay is a longtime favorite among snorkelers and marine enthusiasts. It is home to over 450 kinds of tropical fish, many of which can only be found in Hawaii. Here you can observe marine life up close, including the humuhumunukunukuapua’a, the Hawaiian state fish.
Can sharks get into Hanauma Bay?
There are some sharks in the bay, even though it is a popular tourist attraction. However, the sharks in Hanauma Bay are reef sharks and are only about 4 feet long. They don’t feed on humans and there has never been any shark attack in the bay.
How many people have died at Hanauma Bay?
And of all the beaches on Maui, Puu Kekaa is the single location with the highest number of snorkeling-related fatal drownings, with 18 visitor deaths. Hanauma Bay on Oahu had 28 visitor deaths due to snorkeling during the same time period, but Puu Kekaa is still suspected to have the highest rate of death.
Is Hanauma Bay reef dead?
Coral bleaching due to global warming has affected the coral reefs in Hanauma. In 2014 and 2015, 47% of the corals at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve suffered from coral bleaching, close to 10% of the corals in the nature preserve died.
Is Hanauma Bay open yet?
The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (HBAY) is open to the public Wednesdays through Sundays, with entry allowed from 6:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. All HBAY visitors must leave the nature preserve by 4 p.m., with the beach being cleared at 3:30 p.m. This schedule is subject to change at any time.
Are there turtles in Hanauma Bay?
Green Sea Turtles: In Hanauma Bay, the turtles remain in the shallow water near the reefs. They are very comfortable around people and will swim alongside snorkelers. Even if a turtle approaches you, give it plenty of room to swim and surface for air. State law makes it illegal to touch the turtles.