Hanauma Bay, Island of Oahu, Hawaii

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Hanauma Bay, Oahu

 

The Hanauma Bay lies along the southeaste coast of Oahu, Hawaii. It is a marine embayment within a volcanic cone. As one of the most famous tourist attractions on the island, Hanauma has suffered from overuse. At one time, over three million visitors flocked to the Hanauma every year. During the 1950s, portions of the reef were blown up with dynamite to make more room available from swimming.

Hanauma is the first of several Marine Life Conservation Districts in the state of Hawaii. It is also a

Nature Preserve. It used to be called the Hanauma Bay Beach Park. Now, it is known as the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, but locals simply refer to it as Hanauma.

Visitors are prohibited from maltreating marine animals. Touching and walking on coral heads, which

look like large rocks on the ocean’s bottom, is also not allowed. Swimmers are highly discouraged from coming onto contact with marine rocks and corals because they can cut skin and cause infections and other medical problems.

Hanauma is well known as a sanctuary for parrotfish and green sea turtles called Chelonia mydas or Honu. The island serves as a nursery for young turtles, and the French Frigate Shoals is where their nesting grounds are located.