A group of 10 of us got up real early to head to Hanauma Bay on a Saturday and had a spectacular day. The parking lot closes once it hits capacity, so getting there early is imperative. We arrived extra early in order to get out into the water before it got crowded--and boy, does it get crowded. After watching the required educational video, we parked ourselves on the beach and got right in the water.

The water is incredibly clear and plants and animals are plentiful. We saw many varieties of tropical fish, and the coral is beautiful. The bay is protected by a natural rock/coral barrier, but if you go past the rocks, there are opportunities to go deeper and see different species of fish.

The one 'danger' to be aware of is that coral hurts! Several guys in our group went beyond the coral barrier, and on the way back, got slammed into the coral by waves and came back a little scraped up and bloody. It doesn't look bad, but in some shallow areas, you have to carefully crawl over the coral in order to get to a different area. It can be tricky and painful if you're not careful! There are many, many areas that don't require you to get near the sharp coral, though, so no worries!

The waters are clear, and you don't have to go far before you start seeing fish and turtles. It's a magical experience swimming with the fishes feeding off the corals. The bay itself is beautiful and perfect for those wishing to just relax on the sand. You can go early to avoid the crowds, but the waters are a bit colder then. This is a must go for anyone travelling to Oahu. No regrets.

Everyone must view the video/education program about the bay and its rules for protecting the reef. Afterward, a walk downhill and snorkel gear is all that's needed to get you swimming with plenty of gorgeous sea life. Bring your own snorkel gear if you plan to arrive before 8am since the equipment rental will not be opened yet.

The sandy beach is a beautiful spot for relaxing and safe for children. This was a first attempt at snorkeling and I absolutely loved it! It was a bit awkward maneuvering through the rocky ocean floor with swim fins at first, but after a few moments, I was sharing the waters with a variety of tang fish, parrotfish, sea turtles and much more.Pack a waterproof camera, snacks, drinks and plenty of sunblock.

Around the corner from the bay is a path that leads you to the Toilet Bowl. It is a circular carving in the lava rock. If you stand in the carving when the waves come in, they lift you up to the top and swirl you around, like a toilet bowl. Although this is a very popular activity, it can be pretty dangerous if the waves are very strong. I've tried it once or twice.