Hanauma Bay just east of Hawaii Kai
Hanauma Bay, with its beautiful half circle shape, could be a stand-in for paradise. The white sand beach is framed by swaying palm trees. The bay is actually an extinct volcanic crater; after an exterior wall collapsed, the ocean waters entered and formed the bay. It has a large coral reef and supports a variety of marine species. Snorkelers at Hanauma Bay may encounter turtles and tropical fish including the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a (the reef triggerfish), Hawaii’s state fish.
In 1967, Hanauma Bay became a protected marine life conservation area and underwater park. According to the City and County of Honolulu site on Hanauma Bay, recognition of the damage caused by neglect and by too many visitors (three million annually), engendered a plan to restore Hanauma by reducing the number of visitors allowed into the area, setting up an education program, and using other supportive restrictions. The result has been a cleaner, healthier Hanauma Bay.
Beyond “just” scuba diving or snorkeling, visitors to Hanauma Bay can also enjoy great swimming. The bay is usually pretty well protected from big waves and rough surf. Once out of the water, the beach is great for sunbathing and relaxing. Many people also enjoy a picnic whilst on the beach. There is also hiking available on trails that both hug the water and go up ridges that provide great views of the area.
Hanauma Bay was once the local “fishing hole” for Hawaiian royalty. Fish that are commonly found in Hanauma Bay include Blue Pacific Marlin or A`u, which, legend has it, could use its heavy bill to poke holes in the ancient Hawaiians’ fishing canoes. Another popular eating fish found in Hanauma Bay is the Ono (“delicious” in Hawaiian is “`ono”) which has white, delicate and flaky meat. Both of these fish appear in a Hawaiian take on sashimi, which is called poke: pieces of raw fish marinated in Hawaiian salt, seaweed, soy sauce, sesame oil, kukui and chilies. Of course, the exact recipe varies from chef to chef!
Contemporary residents can still enjoy the tastes and beauty of Hanauma Bay’s bounty. Finding homes very close to Hanauma Bay may prove to be difficult. However, there are nearby communities such as Portlock and other upscale Hawaii Kai communities that are very convenient to Hanauma Bay. The community of Koko Kai, which sits along the rise of KoKo Head, lies just to the west of the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve Park. Koko Kai homes have good-sized lots and most were custom built about 35 to 40 years ago. Best of all, the homes in Koko Kai have panoramic views where both the ocean and the mountains can be seen.
The Koko Marina Center is a nearby establishment of retailers, water sports activity agents and a variety of restaurants. There is also an eight-theater cinema. The nearest guest accommodations are at the Kahala Hotel and Resort (less than 5 miles away), or else at any of the numerous bed and breakfast establishments in the area.
