Hanauma Bay- Honolulu, HI

Hanauma Bay is without a doubt one of the most stunningly scenic locations on earth. A place that lives up to its reputation, and is even more beautiful in person than in pictures. No Instagram filters required. A place whose mere memory will get you through the coldest of winter days.

Yes, it can be crowded. Sadly, the secret has been out for decades, so you will be sharing the space with hundreds, if not thousands of others. All is not a paradise lost however; take a bus, arrive early, and swim out as far as you can. You will be surprised how quickly the crowd falls away.

The same volcanic forces that brought us the Hawaiian Island chain are responsible for the bay’s creation. While the island of Oahu dates back almost 3.9 million years, the creation of Hanauma Bay is much more recent. At least in geologic time. Roughly 32,000 years ago, Oahu was undergoing a series of late stage violent volcanic eruptions along its southeast shoreline. An underwater vent in the area of today’s bay exploded, raining down a pyroclastic shower and leaving behind an impressive crater. Over the years, wave activity and erosion caused the southeast wall of the crater to collapse, creating Hanauma Bay.

While Hawaiian royalty long visited the bay to fish and entertain, access for everyone else dates to 1928, when the land passed from private to public ownership. The area was closed during World War II, but by the early 1950s the beach was back in business. Bus service was established, improvements were made, and attendance soared. By 1953 the area was already suffering from traffic congestion and overcrowding. Things only got worse after Elvis filmed “Blue Hawaii” at the bay in 1961.

Although designated as a Marine Protected Area in 1967, the bay continued to suffer from overuse for several more decades. By the early 1990s, conditions were growing dire, and regulations were put in place to protect the fragile ecosystem. In order to preserve the area, parking was scaled back, visitor numbers were limited, commercial filming was banned, and contact with marine life and coral was forbidden. Residents were also given a day off; the beach is closed on Tuesdays to allow the fish to frolic freely.

Today, Hanauma is home to over 400 species of fish, and a large community of Green Sea Turtles. Wake up early, take Bus 22 to the bay, watch the required movie, then walk down to the beach. There is a shuttle, but skip it. You would miss the fabulous views and remnants of old coral reefs embedded in the cliffs. Immediately rent snorkeling equipment and get in the water.

The protected bay makes for easy swimming. Paddle out past the shallow coral then freely float while turtles swim beneath you. It is impossible not to be impressed with the variety of colorful fish you will encounter. Swim to the point of exhaustion, then nap under a palm. On your way out, make sure to explore some of the rim hiking trails, you most likely will have those to yourself.