The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is located on the south east shore of the island of Oahu. This beautiful bay is one of the most popular snorkeling locations in the State of Hawaii. Hanauma Bay is a nature preserve that is now managed by the State of Hawaii and visitors to the Bay currently number around one million per year. During a visit to Hanauma Bay, snorkelers often see tropical fish, Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles and other varieties of marine life that live in the area's abundant coral reef ecosystems.
Hanauma Bay was formed approximately 30,000 years ago during the Honolulu series of volcanic eruptions in the Hawaiian Island Chain. This amazing landscape took it shape as the violent explosions of gasses and magma made their way up from the bottom of the ocean. The resulting caldera was formed as fine volcanic ash from the explosions finally settled and cooled creating the tuff cone that we see today. In addition, after thousands of years of ocean erosion, one side of the caldera collapsed allowing ocean water to fill the space and create the bay.
Hanauma Bay was formed approximately 30,000 years ago during the Honolulu series of volcanic eruptions in the Hawaiian Island Chain. This amazing landscape took it shape as the violent explosions of gasses and magma made their way up from the bottom of the ocean. The resulting caldera was formed as fine volcanic ash from the explosions finally settled and cooled creating the tuff cone that we see today. In addition, after thousands of years of ocean erosion, one side of the caldera collapsed allowing ocean water to fill the space and create the bay.
 A snorkeler viewing coral reef. |  Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve aerial view. |
The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve is open to the public from 6:00am to 6:00pm HST, six days a week. Hanauma Bay is closed on Tuesdays. For additional information about the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, please visit their website http://hanaumabaystatepark.com.
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