Hanauma Bay in the Daytime

Our adventure of the day was a return visit to Hanauma Bay in the daylight. Arriving on site first thing in the morning afforded us the opportunity to snorkel in clear waters that had not yet experienced the throngs of visitors to this gorgeous marine sanctuary.

As Suzanne, Debbie, and I walked the long path down to the beach, the multi-hued dense blue water sparkled in the early morning sunlight. We quickly donned our snorkel gear and lumbered awkwardly into the waves slapping against the shore. Once in the water, the sense of weightlessness took over as we floated along, kicking our way out over the surf above the reef and rock. Below us, the most interesting wildlife came into view as we paddled along. Schools of fish of various colors and sizes moved away from us as we swam, seemingly curious and cautious. Spotted, box-like puffer fish scooted along the bottom, while plate-sized blue/green parrot fish swam in front of us as if to lead us to better areas. Foot-long sea cucumbers blended in with the sandy bottom as sea urchins peered from their holes in the lava rock. Debbie and Suzanne stopped to investigate a baby moray eel, but being terrified of snakes, I had no interest at all. Traveling on, we came across a significant section of brain coral that stretched out across the rock.

Although we stayed along the perimeter of the enormous cove, as the morning wore on the ocean swells became larger and the water a bit murkier. The bottom sands became churned by the many snorkelers who had come to this reserve seeking to see firsthand the beauty of the world under the surface. Leaving the warm ocean surf, we trudged to our beach blankets to relax in the sun before reluctantly making the long trek back up the hill and out of the bay. This was definitely an experience to remember!