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Is the Hanauma Bay snorkel reservation required?
Short answer: Yes, for most visitors. Non-Hawaii residents need a paid online ticket before they go, and the ticket is for admission to the preserve whether or not you snorkel. Hawaii residents with ID are the main group who can walk in.
The details
- Where you book. The City and County of Honolulu runs the official reservation page. It lists the adult non-resident ticket at $25. Active-duty U.S. military and children 12 and under are listed as free, and Visa, Mastercard and JCB are accepted. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
- Two ways to get in. Since late 2025, visitors can also book through Roberts Hawai‘i. Those packages include round-trip transportation from the Ala Moana/Waikīkī area and entry a month in advance. (checked Oct 12, 2026) The City said 400 tickets a day are set aside for this option, with the standard system adjusted to keep daily attendance near 1,400. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
- The standard admission-only window. Tickets have long been released about 48 hours ahead. A City release said reservations stay open until spaces fill or until midnight the day before. (checked Oct 12, 2026) The release time has typically been 7 a.m. Hawaii time. Confirm that on the booking page.
- Who can skip the reservation. Hawai‘i residents with valid photo ID can enter without a reservation or walk-in ticket. Active-duty military get in free with ID but still need a reservation. (checked Oct 12, 2026) That notice dates from 2023, so check the City page for any change.
- Days and hours. The preserve is typically open Wednesday through Sunday and closed Monday and Tuesday. Entry ran from 6:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., with closing at 4 p.m. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Hours and closure days can change, so confirm them before you pick a date.
- The video is part of entry. All entrants must watch the 10-minute educational video. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
- Refunds. If the preserve closes, refunds go to everyone with tickets for that day who bought through the official system. (checked Oct 12, 2026) Otherwise, expect tickets to be non-refundable and non-transferable. The 2021 City notice said payments are not refundable. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
Tips
- Plan around the closure days first. Don't build Monday or Tuesday into a Hanauma Bay plan.
- Choose a morning entry. Hours end earlier than a typical beach day, and the last entry is early afternoon.
- Book with the exact names on your party's IDs. The 2021 City notice said valid photo ID matching the reservation is required. (checked Oct 12, 2026)
- Treat parking as separate from your ticket. It is limited, and an entry ticket doesn't guarantee a stall. If you don't want to drive, the transport packages avoid the problem.
- Check the booking page for closure notices before you travel. Maintenance closures have happened in the past.
FAQ
Can I just show up and snorkel at Hanauma Bay?
Not as a visitor. Non-residents need a ticket, and tickets are limited by a daily attendance cap. Hawaii residents with valid ID can enter without a reservation. Everyone else should book first on the City's official reservation page, or through the authorized transportation package.
Do I need a reservation if I'm not snorkeling?
Yes, in practice. The ticket is for entry to the preserve, not for snorkeling. The City's fee applies to non-residents age 13 and older, and everyone must watch the educational video. Children 12 and under are listed as free.
Does the $25 include snorkel gear?
Nothing we found says it does. The listed price is admission. Gear rental and parking are separate, so budget for them. Check the reservation page's description, and ask the preserve at (808) 768-6861 if you need to be sure.
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Last verified: 2026-10-12. Release times, daily ticket splits, hours and closure days are the most likely to change. Check the City's reservation page at https://web5.hnl.info/pros-ticketing/event/hbay-online-reservation.
Good to know before you go
. Confirm hours, fees, schedules and road or trail status on the official page before you book or go.
Sources
- https://web5.hnl.info/pros-ticketing/event/hbay-online-reservation
- https://www.honolulu.gov/dpr/dpr-news/new-concession-aims-to-improve-access-to-hanauma-bay/
- https://friendsofhanaumabay.org/no-reservation-required-for-kamaaina-entry-into-hanauma-bay-beginning-july/
- https://waikikigetdown.com/news/202112/29282.html
- https://waikikigetdown.com/news/202104/26048.html