Hanauma Bay
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Hanauma Bay (pronounced "ha-NOW-mah") is a marine embayment formed within a volcanic cone or crater and located along the southeast coast of the Island of O‘ahu (just east of Honolulu) in the Hawaiian Islands. Hanauma is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the Island and has suffered somewhat from overuse (at one time accommodating over three million visitors per year). The Park is open every day except Tuesday.
When the parking lot becomes full, which frequently happens by mid-morning because of tourists, no more cars are admitted. When the lot is full, a sign is placed at the turn off to the crater indicating no more visitors will be accepted. As such, there are generally two periods when it is possible to visit the bay: in the early morning, or in the mid afternoon (after the early visitors have left). There are other attractions in the area, such as Makapuu point and lighthouse, should the lot be full, and visitors need to "kill time."
It is also possible to take a bus to the crater and walk in.
Admission is free to kama'aina—those who are State residents—upon showing identification. All others are asked to pay a small fee ($5 as of June 2006).
It is required that visitors view an "educational video" before entering the park. This video instructs new visitors not to interfere with the local wildlife — especially the honu — and how the reef is sustained. Visitors who have seen the video are given a voucher indicating that they have seen it, and are not required to view the video again within a one-year period.
Private companies offer services at Hanauma Bay. There is a cafeteria at the top of the crater, offering mostly mainland-style food. Additionally, because the beach is at the bottom of a steep walk (about ten minutes' walk down), a tram service is provided for a nominal fee.
At the beach, at least one company offers rental of snorkel gear.
Hanauma is both a Nature Preserve and a Marine Life Conservation District (the first of several established in the State of Hawai‘i). Visitors are required by law to refrain from mistreating marine animals or from touching, walking, or otherwise having contact with coral heads, which appear much like large rocks on the ocean floor (here, mostly seaward of the shallow fringing reef off the beach). It is always recommended to avoid contacting coral or marine rocks as cuts to the skin can result and neglecting such wounds may bring medical problems.
Hanauma is known for its abundance of sea turtles, the honu. Visitors are often told by hotel concierges or the locals that they can go to Hanauma to see the turtles, and to swim with them. Park officials will tell visitors it is illegal to touch or otherwise harass the turtles. However, there in fact is an abundance of turtles at the bay.
On most days, Hanauma offers visitors a picturesque (if crowded) beach and view of nearshore ocean life in the Hawaiian Islands. Hanauma Bay is extremely popular spot on O‘ahu for snorkeling and diving, providing opportunities to everyone from beginning snorkelers to experienced SCUBA divers.
The Hanauma Crater is a relic of the latest (and perhaps final) burst of volcanic activity to occur on Oahu. Tens of thousands of years ago (up to 80,000) a series of volcanic vents opened along the southeast shoreline of Oahu. Unlike the gentle lava flows currently building the island of Hawaii, the late-stage eruptions on Oahu were violent explosions. The volcanic vents that formed Hanauma Crater opened on the sea floor. Upwelling magma vaporized the ocean water and steam explosions atomized the magma into fine ash. The explosions built cones of ash, which solidified into a type of rock called "tuff". The eruptions shattered the sea floor—coral reef and basalt—and scattered pieces that are now embedded in the tuff. Wave erosion eventually cut through the low, southeast wall of the crater, forming the current bay.
[edit] Toilet Bowl
Along the left point is the infamous Toilet Bowl, a natural spa tub that gently rises and falls with the tide. On days with high surf it is not gentle and can injure or kill people. The Toilet Bowl has been closed to the public since the mid 90's.
[edit] External links
- Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve – official website, City & County of Honolulu
- About Hanauma Bay – Focuses on Hanauma Bay marine life and covers topics such as the coral reef, reef fish and green sea turtle (honu).
[edit] References
- Hanauma Bay, Oahu, Hawaii. NASA Earth Observatory. Retrieved on 2006-05-19.
