Quick Answer
Book through the reservation button on the official City & County of Honolulu Hanauma Bay page. Admission-only reservations open 2 days ahead at 7:00 AM HST. Non-Hawaii resident admission is $25/person for ages 13+, plus the online service fee; kids 12 and under enter free.
How to Book Hanauma Bay Reservations: Step by Step
Non-Hawaii residents should use the online reservation system for admission-only visits. The city links the current booking system from its official Hanauma Bay page; use that page instead of old saved booking URLs.
Step 1: Know Your Booking Window
Reservations open exactly 2 days before your visit date at 7:00 AM Hawaii Standard Time (HST is UTC-10, no daylight saving). That means:
- Visiting Wednesday? Book Monday at 7:00 AM HST
- Visiting Saturday? Book Thursday at 7:00 AM HST
- Visiting Sunday? Book Friday at 7:00 AM HST
Admission-only reservations use this short window. Authorized transportation-and-admission packages may use a different advance window, so confirm those terms directly before booking.
Step 2: Be Ready at 7:00 AM HST Sharp
Popular dates and morning slots can go quickly. Here's how to give yourself the best shot:
- Set a phone alarm a few minutes before 7:00 AM HST
- Use the reservation button from the official city Hanauma Bay page
- Have your party size, preferred time slot, and payment information ready
- Morning time slots are often the most desirable because parking and ocean conditions are usually easier earlier in the day
Step 3: Complete Your Booking
Select your date, time slot, and number of visitors. Pay online and review the current service fee and cancellation rules before checkout. Save the confirmation to your phone or print it, and bring valid identification.
Step 4: Day of Visit
- Arrive for your reserved time slot
- Show your confirmation (digital or printed) and photo ID at the gate
- Pay the parking fee if you are driving
- Watch the mandatory conservation video at the Marine Education Center
- Take the tram or walk down the steep paved path to the beach
Hanauma Bay Fees & Hours
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee (Non-Resident) | $25/person, ages 13+, plus online service fee |
| Children | Free (12 and under) |
| Parking | $3 for non-resident vehicles |
| Hawaii Residents | Free, no online reservation needed (show valid Hawaii ID) |
| Active Military | Free for U.S. military servicemembers and dependents with military ID |
| Open Days | Wednesday through Sunday |
| Hours | Entry 6:45 AM - 1:30 PM; all visitors must leave by 4:00 PM |
| Closed | Mondays, Tuesdays, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day |
What If Reservations Are Sold Out?
It happens, especially for high-demand dates and morning time slots. You have two realistic fallback options:
Option 1: Authorized Shuttle Package
Authorized transportation packages can include admission and solve the parking problem. Confirm the current pickup points, included admission, price, cancellation terms, and release window before booking.
Option 2: Walk-Up Availability
The city says a limited number of walk-in tickets are issued when the parking gate opens. They are first come, first served and not guaranteed. Treat this as a backup for flexible visitors, not the foundation of a must-do day.
Best Tips for Hanauma Bay Reservations
- Have a backup date. If your first-choice date sells out, move quickly to the next open day you can use.
- Prefer morning when possible. Parking and ocean conditions are usually easier earlier in the day.
- Do not rely only on walk-in tickets. They are limited and first come, first served.
- Check back for cancellations. Cancelled reservations return to the system. Check the booking page periodically in the 48 hours before your visit date — released slots do appear.
- Compare a shuttle package when logistics matter. It costs more than DIY, but it can be worth it if you are not renting a car or cannot risk missing the preserve.
Getting to Hanauma Bay
Location: Hanauma Bay Road off Kalanianaole Highway, Honolulu
- From Waikiki: Drive east via Kalanianaole Highway (H1 East to Highway 72), then turn onto Hanauma Bay Road.
- TheBus: Verify the current Route 22 stop and walking distance before relying on transit; DPR guidance and transit schedules may not always say the same thing.
- Taxi or rideshare: Useful from Waikiki or Honolulu, but confirm return pickup logistics before you head down to the beach.
- Rental car: Compare Oahu rental car rates. Arrive early for parking; the lot is limited and can close when full.
For the full visitor guide including snorkeling tips, what to bring, and reef safety, see our complete Hanauma Bay page.
Hanauma Bay Reservations FAQ
How do I book Hanauma Bay reservations?
Use the reservation button on the City and County of Honolulu Hanauma Bay page. Admission-only reservations open 2 days before the visit date at 7:00 AM HST. Each reservation is for one person on a specific date and time slot. Bring your confirmation and valid identification.
How far in advance can you book Hanauma Bay?
Admission-only reservations open 2 days in advance at 7:00 AM Hawaii Standard Time. Transportation-and-admission packages through an authorized provider may use a different advance window, so confirm the current terms before booking.
What happens if Hanauma Bay reservations are sold out?
If admission-only reservations are full, compare an authorized shuttle package that includes admission or try for the limited walk-in tickets released when the parking gate opens. Walk-in tickets are first come, first served and not guaranteed.
How much do Hanauma Bay reservations cost?
Entry costs $25 per person for non-Hawaii residents ages 13 and older, plus the online service fee when booking through the city reservation system. Children 12 and under enter free. Parking is $3 for non-resident vehicles.
Can Hawaii residents visit Hanauma Bay without reservations?
Hawaii residents with valid ID can enter free without an online reservation. U.S. military servicemembers and dependents with military ID also enter free. Non-Hawaii residents should use the online reservation system or an authorized admission-and-transportation package.
