If you go to Oahu you have to go snorkeling at Hanauma Bay! The bay is protected from large waves and the reef is just a few feet from the water's edge. The water here is shallow and crystal clear.

There is a required informational movie that you view before you are allowed to snorkel. It tells you about how the bay was formed and about how to protect the fish and wildlife that you might see.

You can rent snorkel gear of take your own. If you are new to snorkeling they suggest renting a "dry set" for $9 a person. They do not take credit cards so make sure you take enough cash. The nearest ATM is in Hawaii Kai, a few minutes drive from Hanauma Bay. You can also rent a locker for $5.

There are lifeguards on duty and and information area down at the beach. It is a long and steep walk down to the beach but there are shuttles that go up and down for a few dollars. The Bay is closed one day each week to give the wildlife some rest. It is currently Tuesday but double check this before you go!

When the parking lot fills up they do not let anyone else into the park so get there as early as possible. Parking is about a dollar and I think admission was under $10 per person. Around $5 or $7. Take an underwater disposable camera to catch pictures of the coral and fish you'll see!

I had read to arrive early, but it took longer than we expected to reach the park. We arrived at 9:45am and did not have a problem parking. The parking fee is $1, which is refundable if you are only stopping to take photos (you have 15 minutes to exit). If you opt to stay at the beach ($5 admission/pp), you are required to view a mandatory video to access the beach.

The video is 8 minutes long and is repeated every 15 minutes. We waited about 25 minutes to watch the video, and the room was very crowded. I flashed back to a recent visit to WDW. When the film broke out into song to the tune of "Under the Sea", that idea was confirmed.

After leaving the theater, you have the option of walking down the hill or taking the tram for an additional 50 cents. Even with the hoards of people descending the hill every 15 minutes the beach remained relatively uncrowed.

If you didn't bring snorkeling gear, no worries--you can rent a face mask and fins right on the beach.

While snorkeling, you must be careful not to step on any of the reefs, but you are rewarded by the beautiful fish that will swim right up to you. It is not uncommon to feel them nibbling on your bathing suit. It is a wonderful experience.

Hanauma Bay is open 6am to 7pm daily and closed Tuesday. If you plan to return, be sure to sign a log book, and you will not have to view the video a second time. Parking is limited, so arrive early.

We drove further on, got out at some scenic points further along the road, and when we returned, they were letting a few cars in again. If it's full when you get there, don't lose hope; try again in a little while and it should be fine.

If you are planning on staying for the day, it's probably worth it to take one of the cheap bus tours that drops you off and picks you up to save the hassle and parking cost.

If you climb up the cement stairs from the parking lot, you will get some great views and photo opportunities. This is a fantastic chance to use a polarizing filter if you have one, as it emphasises the color of the water and makes the clouds look pronounced.

Hanauma Bay is closed on Tuesdays, and there is an admission fee of $5 for those 13 and above. There also is a parking fee of $1 per car, but like I said before, the lot fills up really quickly. You are able to rent masks, snorkels, and fins at the beach.