Hanauma Bay Education Center

The Marine Education Center was opened to the public on August 16, 2002 following extensive improvements to the grounds and facilities at Hanauma Bay.  The 8,100 square foot facility features a theater, an education alcove, gift shop and food concession at the upper level of the Bay.  Rest room facilities, outdoor showers, snorkeling concession, and a new information center are located in the lower Bay area.  Together, these improvements help protect the environment and stimulate the local economy by showcasing the popular visitor attraction.  The new center also provides educational opportunities for Hawaii’s visitors and Hawaii's school children. Group 70 International designed the Center and provided the master plan for the improvements.  The lower Bay improvements were designed by INK Architects, Inc.

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Five Points to Protect Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

1. Stand only on sand.

2. Observe but don't touch the reef.

3. Watch the fish but don't feed them.

4. Do not litter.

5. Use the restrooms before you swim.

Remember...

Take only pictures and leave only swirling eddies!

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Learn about Hawaii's coral and early history at the Hanauma Bay Marine Education Center.

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Enjoy the inter active marine life displays!

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Hanauma Bay gift shop and information booth.

Hawaii is located in the north central Pacific Ocean. Hawaii is made up of a string of 137 islands, including a land area of 6,423.4 square miles.  Recognized as the most geographically isolated population center on earth, Hawaii is 2,390 miles from California, 2,850 miles from Japan, and 4,900 miles from China.

The major islands of Hawaii extend from northwest to southeast and from the oldest to youngest are; Niihau, Kauai, Oahu, Molokai, Lanai, Hahoolawe, Maui and Hawaii. Kauai is estimated to be around 5 million years old and Hawaii less than 1 million years old. A new island, Loihi, is being formed 20 miles (32km) offshore of the Big Island of Hawaii. Still located about 3,000 feet (915m) below sea level, it is expected to rise above the water in approximately 60,000 years.

The first Polynesians settled on this island chain between 500 and 600 AD. Initially, it was a kingdom until 1775 when Captain James Cook discovered and named it the Sandwich Islands, in honor of the Earl of Sandwich. Great Britain granted the Islands their independence in 1843. Hawaii officially became the 50th state in the American Union on August 21, 1959.

Considered one of the most beautiful places on earth, the stunning physical beauty of Hawaii is incomparable. Magnificent mountains were created millions of years ago by volcanic activity creating the archipelago, which emerged from the ocean. Wave action and erosion over the centuries formed coral reefs and miles of sand beaches.

Hawaii enjoys favorable weather with mild temperatures ranging from 60-90 degrees Fahrenheit all year long, making it ideal for any outdoor activity. Often compared to Paradise, it is said that the most beautiful part of Hawaii is the genuine warmth and welcoming disposition of its people, called the spirit of Aloha.

Hanauma Bay Education Program

Visitng schools and community groups are required to obtain a permit prior to visiting Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve. The permit is for 2 hours, of which about 1/2 an hour is devoted to a mandatory educational orientation. The permit is free. Please read the following information to ensure an enjoyable visit.

Permit Instructions

*A one week notice is required

1) Contact Hanauma Bay Education Program by phone (808) 397-5840 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

2) Be prepared to give: name of group, group contact person, date of visitation, time of visitation, number in group, age or grade level of group, grop phone numbers and email address

3) Confirm date and time of visitation.

4) Hanauma Bay's Recreation Specialist will call the City Parks and Permit office to confirm your reservation and a permit will be issued for your group.

5) Pick up your permit at the City Parks and Recreation Office on the first floor of the Honolulu Municipal Building at 650 South King Street. (808) 523-4523

For out of town visitors, a representative of your group must pick up the permit prior to visiting the nature preserve. The permit office is not able to mail permits and is not allowed to release the permit to any individual other than the group representative.

After arriving at Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, your group will be met by a staff member of Hanauma Bay Education Program who will conduct an orientation of the preserve lasting 30 minutes. Topics covered in the orientation may include

* reef ecology

* marine life identification

* conservation

* cultural history

* geology

* Regulations of protected areas

Some groups that visit may choose to have a land based program. If this is the case, please let us know and a more in-depth program can be arranged. Programs are also available focusing on one or more of the above topics.

Please consult the Lifeguards regarding ocean safety questions for your group and before entering the water.

The followings are prohibited:

* taking or altering any coral, sand, shell or rock

* taking or injuring of marine life

* feeding of fish or birds

* walking on the living coral

Hanauma Bay is the home to many animals including the threatened green sea turtle. The green sea turtle is protected by the federal Endangered Species Act, as well as Hawaii State laws. It is illegal to harass, chase, touch, or feed sea turtles.