Hanauma Bay Snorkeling
Hanauma Bay, By waffries, flickr.com
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is an ocean crater with fantastic blue water and many turtles, coral, fish, octopus, eels, crabs and rays, none of which are fearful of people. Take an underwater camera with you for unparalleled photography opportunities. You'll need your own equipment to experience this adventure free, but if you don't have snorkel gear, you can always rent some. Never touch the marine life, as you will damage the ecosystem. The parking lot fills early; the hours begin at 6 a.m., but closing time varies, depending on the schedule for summer or winter hours. The preserve is closed on Tuesdays.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve
Just off the Kalaniana'ole Highway (Route 72)
Oahu, Hawaii
(808) 396-4229 (recorded information line)
http://www.honolulu.gov/parks/facility/hanaumabay/welcome.htm
Ahupua'a O Kahana State Park
Kahana State Park, By jdnx, flickr.com
Go hiking on one of the trails in in Ahupua'a O Kahana State Park. You'll see cultural sites, have views of the bay and be able to pick fruit if you're lucky enough to go when it's in season. You don't need a permit; the park provides trail maps. You can also camp at the park for $5 per night. Drinking water is available, as are restrooms, showers and tables for your picnic. You'll be able to see schools of fish in Kahana Bay on the ridges. Visit the Huilua Fishpond, which is a National Historic Landmark and one of the few remaining in Hawaii. Fish are grown there.
Ahupua'a O Kahana State Park
Kahana Valley State Park
1151 Punchbowl Street, 131
Honolulu, Hawaii 96809
(808) 237-7766
http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/oahu/index.cfm?park_id=13
Waimanalo Bay Beach Park
Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, By cliff1066, flickr.com
Plan to camp at one of the 10 campsites at Waimanalo Bay Beach Park, which features clean sand and long, uncrowded beaches for walking. Watch out for the Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish; the stings are painful. Lifeguards are available should you get stung. The park has restrooms, showers and pay phones. Go there for bodysurfing, swimming or bodyboarding. You'll need a permit, which is free; however, the city of Honolulu allows camping only on weekdays.
Waimanalo Bay Beach Park
41-741 Kalanianaole Hwy. (Huli St.)
Waimanalo, HI 96795.
(800) 464-2924
