OP
OP
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- Dec 5, 2017
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I am on Oahu several times a year for work. (unfortunately; I would rather my work was on the Big Island)
I stop by Hanauma every time I go; it's the most daytrip friendly snorkeling place I know of if you're in Honolulu proper.
First, OP, recommend if you're interested go to the Barnes and Noble this evening (it's now 5:30 Hawaii time) at Ala Moana and get this book:
https://www.amazon.com/Exploring-Ha...e=UTF8&qid=1538533625&sr=1-1&keywords=hanauma
It's pretty good.
Second, there's a good amount of fish live inside the reef at Hanauma. At the edges (where 95% of tourists do not go) of the inner reef area are two back reef areas: Key Hole Lagoon and the Back Reef lagoon. You'll see a few Porites lobata and lutea (encrusting and brain forms), Montipora capitata (brownish), Porites cylindrica (branching) and both Pocillopora damicornis and eydouxi (former does not look much like the ones in the hobby, and in shallower areas. Latter is big and loaded with antlers). If you're a decent swimmer you'll have no problems with them.
On the way you'll pass a large, like 6 foot diameter "mini-atoll" style coral. This is a 500 year old Porites lutea, supposedly the largest coral on Oahu.
Second, Hanauma bay has awesome coral growth. However, none of it is in the reef zone; there are too many tourists and there's not enough flow. (!!!) Go outside the reef, to the upper fore reef and there's loads, mostly of the Porites species. (the Hawaiian islands are actually quite poor in coral species, especially the inhabited southern ones. If they find one Acropora it's huge news, because they went extinct in the main islands tens of thousands of years ago).
But, DO NOT go to out to the upper fore reef unless you are a very strong swimmer. Except on perfectly calm days, it's not a pleasant swim, and ONE MANY DAYS ITS VERY DANGEROUS. Check with the lifeguards. It's always best to go early in the mornings; 7AM is best.
General remarks for those interested in visiting:
IMO,Waikiki and Ala Moana where all the tourists stay is boring. Just big hotels, bars, and generally chain restaurants. (the mall has the same stores you see in every mall in the US mainland. Though, I am told that women who are looking for winter weight suits should hit up the ala Moana Ann Taylor: they are forced to receive the same stuff every store gets, and so are always discounting winter suits) The good restaurants are all outside Waikiki, unless you're talking about four star places. If you stay in Waikiki, don't get anything at any of the stores; walk up to the Wal-Mart at Ala Moana and save tons of money.
Recommend one rent a car and stay at an AirBnB, either in Hawaii Kai, Kailua or Kaneohe, or the North Shore - car rental rates at the airport are VERY competitive. You will save a lot of money on hotels that way, you won't be trapped in tourist land, and you'll have the ability to go drive where you like. (Costo members will save a lot of money filling up at any of the Costcos; one of them is conveniently at Hawaii Kai). Hawaii Kai is a rich suburb; it's my favorite part of the island. Kaneohe and Kailua are almost as good, but a Kanoehe much less ritzy area. The North Shore is a surfer place, and relative isolated - small mom and pop places all around. (but might be my favorite place to drive around and hang out). Unfortunately, I would avoid Haleiwa during the afternoons because of traffic.
Those who like guide books would find "Oahu Revealed" to be well worth their money.
https://www.amazon.com/Oahu-Reveale...&qid=1538534640&sr=1-1&keywords=oahu+revealed
Finally, for places to scuba or snorkel. As someone mentioned, don't bother with the Waikiki SCUBA companies. Go with the dive operators on the west coast (check Oahu revealed). Hanauma is a great place to snorkel - and the easiest again to do a 2 hour-half day trip - but again to get to the good coral areas can be hard. Kailua/Lanikai beach is an awesome place to rent a kayak and snorkel from your Kayak - they'll give you a few areas to kayak around, and if you follow them you'll find plenty of patch reefs to explore. Kaneohe bay is also a great place to kayak/snorkel, but fewer rental options are available. Finally I find the North shore generally bad for SCUBA/snorkeling - little coral life at Sharks Cove (I've dove and SCUBA'd there several times).
Finally, this book (now out of print) is the best book on Hanauma Bay, bar none - much better than the other one I recommended which is in print. They have a copy at the information stand at the bay.
https://www.amazon.com/Hanauma-Bay-Hawaiis-Popular-Preserve/dp/1566475317
YMMV
Thank you for the information! Very helpful
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