Coral reef
Close to shore.
Prayitno / Thank you for (12 millions +) view from Los Angeles, USA — CC BY 2.0 · Tigerhawkvok — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Jason Jacobs from Honolulu, USA — CC BY 2.0 · Akos Kokai — CC BY 2.0 · Eric Tessmer — CC BY 3.0
Hanauma Bay is a marine bay formed inside a volcanic tuff ring on the southeast coast of Oahu, Hawaii, in the Hawaii Kai area of East Honolulu, about 18 km east of downtown Honolulu in a straight line. It is one of the island's best-known destinations. The bay is a nature preserve and was the first Marine Life Conservation District in the State of Hawaii. About 400 species of fish live here, along with many young green sea turtles that use it as a nursery and plenty of parrotfish. At one time it received more than 3 million visitors a year, so entry is now limited by reservation to protect the reef. The green walls of the crater curve around the bay in a half circle, with a golden sand beach lined with palms at its centre. Coral reef runs close to the shore, showing from above as dark patches in the clear turquoise water. Visitors snorkel over the reef. Touching or standing on coral and disturbing the fish and turtles are not allowed. Reservations limit entry to about 1,000 visitors a day, and the bay is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays to give the reef a rest, so book early.
Close to shore.
Young ones.
Green walls.
Hawaii Kai, East Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, United States
Yes, entry is by advance online booking.
No, touching or standing on it is not allowed.