How to Visit Responsibly

HANAUMA BAY

Hanauma Bay, situated on the island of Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, is a hotspot for visitors seeking to explore the underwater world of a tropical reef systems. The bay, which is nestled inside a volcanic crater, holds not only aesthetic value but is also a significant site of marine biodiversity, providing a habitat for numerous species unique to the region. However, with popularity comes responsibility; the influx of visitors necessitates a conscientious approach to tourism. Visiting responsibly—by respecting local guidelines, minimizing environmental impact, and contributing to preservation efforts—ensures that the bay continues to be a thriving, vibrant ecosystem for future generations to explore and appreciate.

Visiting the Bay Responsibly

How might one navigate the enchanting environment of Hanauma Bay, ensuring a visit that both honors its profound cultural and ecological importance while also allowing for immersive enjoyment? Hanauma Bay is far more than a mere tourist spot; it symbolizes the bountiful history and marine biodiversity of Hawai'i. Visitors, therefore, bear the responsibility to approach the bay with a mindset that prioritizes both reverence and conservation. Ensuring your visit is both impactful and respectful doesn’t have to be complex. Below, we will initially explore general guidelines for near-shore snorkeling, and then delve into specific recommendations for engaging responsibly with Hanauma Bay.

General Tips for Responsibly Visiting Near Shore Reefs

Be Careful with Sunscreen

Not all sunscreens are created equal when it comes to marine life. Some contain chemicals that are harmful to coral reefs. Before you lather up, make sure your sunscreen is as safe as possible for the reefs and free from chemicals such as oxybenzone and octinoxate. Opt instead for mineral-only sunscreens. Of course, the best practice is to cover up and avoid times when the UV index is the strongest.

Maintain Distance from Marine Life

Never touch, chase, or harass marine animals. They're in their natural habitat, and we're merely visitors. Responsible snorkeling is fundamentally about respecting marine life and the fragile ecosystems of coral reefs. These reefs house a vast array of marine species, serving as habitats, breeding areas, and food sources. We should approach marine creatures cautiously, avoiding touching or pursuing them to prevent disrupting their routines. Instead, it's best to observe passively, taking away only photographs and memories.

Swim Mindfully

Make sure to swim with a slow, gentle motion to minimize any disturbances to marine life and their habitats. By moving gracefully and respecting their space, you can observe and appreciate their natural behavior without causing stress or harm.

Avoid Contact with Coral

Similarly, coral reefs are delicate and easily damaged. Even the slightest touch or kick can harm the delicate coral polyps, which are the building blocks of the reef. Avoid standing or stepping on coral, as this can lead to irreversible damage. A gentle touch can cause significant harm, so it's best to admire these living structures from a distance, allowing them to thrive and flourish undisturbed.

While it's tempting to get as close as possible for a better view or a perfect photograph, remember to maintain a safe distance from the coral. Fins, in particular, can cause damage if you're not aware of your spatial surroundings. Practice your buoyancy control before snorkeling near a coral reef to avoid accidentally brushing against the coral.

Don't Feed the Fish

While it might seem like a kind gesture, feeding fish or other marine life can disrupt their natural feeding habits and encourage dependence on human interaction. This can impact the ecosystem's balance and negatively affect the health of the reefs.

Snorkel Skillfully

Snorkeling is not just about diving into the water and exploring the reef; it requires a certain level of skill and technique to do so responsibly. Proper snorkeling techniques not only allow us to observe marine life in a natural setting, but also prevent unintentional harm to the delicate ecosystem.

First and foremost, if we are inexperienced snorkeling and/or unfamiliar with the area, we want to choose a spot in front of a lifeguard tower and let a lifeguard on duty know where we intend to snorkel. Seriously, swimming and snorkeling in Hawaiʻi can be dangerous business if proper respect for the ocean is not observed, and a high percentage of drownings occur in shallow water. A seasoned volunteer at the bay suggested that we strengthen this paragraph by adding the warning “If you cannot swim, you should not snorkel.”
It is crucial to maintain a relaxed and horizontal position in the water. Keeping our body parallel to the surface reduces the risk of accidentally touching or disturbing corals, which can be fragile and easily damaged. By remaining buoyant and avoiding contact with the reef, we can navigate through the underwater world without causing harm.
Additionally, mastering our breathing technique is essential for an enjoyable snorkeling experience. Breathing through the snorkel tube in a slow and controlled manner helps us conserve energy and maintain a calm and steady presence in the water. This not only allows us to fully appreciate the beauty of the reef but also minimizes any disturbances that could alarm or stress the marine life.
Furthermore, it is important to be mindful of our fins and their placement in the water. Gentle kicks from the hips, rather than using forceful. splashing strokes, enable us to move gracefully without creating excessive waves or stirring up sediment. By being aware of our surroundings and moving with intention, we can avoid accidentally harming marine organisms or disrupting their natural habitats.
Lastly, let’s ensure that our equipment is not only in good working condition, but also free from anything that may harm the environment. Removing any loose items, such as loose jewelry or dangling straps, mitigates the risk of entanglement or damage to the coral reef and its inhabitants.

Minimize Plastic Use

Carry reusable items to reduce plastic waste and ensure you take any trash with you when you leave. Furthermore, it is crucial to protect the marine environment by not littering or leaving any trace behind. Too many single-use plastics end up in the ocean. Dispose of any trash appropriately when back home if there are no trash cans or if they are overly full.

Practice Respectful Behavior

Whether it's towards marine life, the coral, or other snorkelers, always be respectful and considerate. Respect and consideration are contagious! :)

Guide Your Travel Companions in Responsible Exploration of Coral Reefs

Finally, by guiding your fellow travelers in understanding the ecological significance of reefs and adopting non-invasive exploration techniques, you not only enhance their overall experience but also contribute to the conservation of underwater treasures for future generations. Simple acts like sharing informative articles, watching environmental videos, or even starting conversations about marine conservation can have a ripple effect, inspiring others to make a positive difference.

Specific Tips for Visiting Hanauma Bay in Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi

Respect the Significance

Hanauma Bay is not merely a visual gem, but a locale deeply woven into the cultural and ecological tapestry of Hawaiʻi. Its significance extends beyond its popular snorkeling spots and scenic views, embodying a rich history of Native Hawaiian culture and natural splendor. With its uniquely shaped bay formed from a volcanic crater, Hanauma Bay is home to a diverse array of marine life, including approximately 450 species of fish and at least 25 different coral species. Since approximately 25% of the fish and 20% of the coral species are endemic to Hawaiʻi, Hanauma’s delicate ecosystem demands mindful interaction. Its ease of access and popularity among visitors had led to significant ecological strains, making conscientious visitation pivotal to ensuring that this cherished site is not irreparably compromised.

Respect the Sea Turtles and Hawaiian Monk Seals

Hanauma Bay is enjoyed by Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles and Hawaiian Monk Seals as well as human visitors. US NOAA has a great guide for viewing marine wildlife in Hawaiʻi, but we’ll give you a quick summary here:

Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles (honu)

While it's an exciting experience to swim with these peaceful honu, remember that they are protected under the Endangered Species Act. Maintain a safe distance and never touch or harass the turtles, ensuring they can rest and feed undisturbed. Attention to proper swimming and snorkeling techniques offered above also helps decrease the disturbance to these slow and gentle creatures.

NOAA and the State of Hawaiʻi Division of Aquatic Resources (DLNR) recommend, "for your safety and the animals’ protection, that everyone stay at least 10 feet (3 meters) from all sea turtles. If maintaining this distance isn’t possible, keep safety in mind and move away from the animal as carefully as possible, avoiding sudden movements and other actions that might disturb the animal." We recommend staying more than 10 feet away because turtles feed on the reef and are easily distracted away from their food by snorkelers getting too close.

The Endemic Hawaiian Monk Seal (‘ilio holo i ka uaua)

According to Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural and Natural Resources, "The Hawaiian Monk seal (‘ilio holo i ka uaua) is found only in Hawaiʻi, with most of the population frequenting the remote, nearly uninhabited Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Monk Seals are critically endangered, and are the second rarest seal species on earth… Only about 100 of these solitary mammals frequent the main Hawaiian Islands, occasionally coming to shore to bask, rest, or give birth."

“Lucky visitors may catch a glimpse of one basking on a beach or shoreline... If you are so fortunate, remember that these animals are protected by law and persons are strongly advised to maintain adequate distance (minimum 50 yards/45 meters) so as not to disturb them. Resting alone out of the water is normal and necessary Monk Seal behavior. They sleep soundly when ashore, and might seem docile, but they can and do bite when disturbed. Approaching too closely can cause them to abandon favored locations, and disrupt resting adults and nursing pups, who are particularly vulnerable.”

Hawaiian Monk seals on the beach at Hanauma Bay in 2018. Image kindly donated to the Digital Coral Ark historical collection by Bob Kern.

Attending the Mandatory Visitor Education Program

Ensuring a responsible and enjoyable visit to Hanauma Bay begins with adequately preparing oneself with vital information about the bay and its specific guidelines. All visitors to Hanauma Bay are required to watch a mandatory educational video, which serves to provide a foundational understanding of the bay’s cultural and ecological significance and convey crucial guidelines for ocean safety and interaction with its delicate ecosystems. This brief but informative video emphasizes key aspects such as the importance of not touching the coral or harassing the marine life and introduces visitors to the historical and cultural context of the bay.

Moreover, the education program underscores how individual actions during the visit can have a cumulative impact on the health and sustainability of the bay. For instance, respecting demarcated zones, avoiding stepping on coral formations, and maintaining a safe distance from marine animals are highlighted as essential practices to ensure that the ecological balance is maintained. It's worth noting that Hanauma Bay aims to provide not only a recreational space but also an educational experience that fosters appreciation and respect towards the natural world and indigenous cultures. Consequently, equipping oneself with this knowledge beforehand not only adheres to the bay’s regulations but also enhances the visitor's experience by fostering a deeper understanding and connection with the bay and its vibrant life forms.

It’s Not Just a Rock!

The back reef (or inner reef) of Hanauma Bay is a reef flat covered by layers of limestone deposited by crustose coralline algae that form hard rocky crusts in tan, pinkish, or purplish colors. This crustose coralline algae is interspersed with living coral heads [see Hoover, J. (2002) for more information]. Many visitors mistake the coralline algae-covered reef for rock, or because they don’t see many bright colors or a lot of coral, they think the reef is dead. But it is very much alive. The inner reef is often referred to as a living reef because the coralline algae that covers it provides food and shelter for the marine life that inhabit it. It is a critical live foundational species of Hanauma Bay’s reef ecosystems and should not be walked on. We should respect and protect it like all other wildlife in the bay.

Avoid The Outer Reef Unless You Are a Very Experienced Open Ocean Swimmer

Swimming and snorkeling at Hanauma Bay can be dangerous even when conditions seem great from the shore. Although visitors to Hanauma Bay see a calm and tranquil snorkeling environment as they walk down the path, the bay has historically been the site of numerous drownings, with many drownings occurring in under 5 feet of water. The Outer Reef is particularly challenging— even when it’s relatively easy to get out, it can be nearly impossible for some to swim back in. Check with a lifeguard first if you plan to head out. If you’re not sure, here or anywhere, always speak with a lifeguard to make sure you’re not inadvertently placing yourself in danger.

An Informed Visit: Pre-Embracing Hanauma Bay's Multifaceted Narrative

Prioritizing comprehensive pre-visit education enhances the visitor experience at Hanauma Bay, ensuring engagement is both respectful and enriching. An exploration beyond its stunning surface reveals a vibrant ecosystem, a significant cultural locale in Hawaiian history, and a marvel of geological transformation, epitomized by its distinctive horseshoe shape formed through ancient volcanic activity. The bay served a pivotal role in navigation and ocean voyaging, was revered as a sacred place, and was an early Hawaiian conservation area deeply interwoven into their cultural tapestry, acknowledged in chants (Oli), stories (Moʻolelo) and hula. Furthermore, its underwater world, abounding with a vivid array of marine life, epitomizes a delicate ecological balance, necessitating mindful visitor interaction to preserve its vitality. Delving into its rich history, understanding its crucial role in Hawaiian culture, and comprehending the intrinsic value of its ecosystems ahead of a visit ensures that visitors not only embody a spirit of respectful engagement but also become active participants in safeguarding its unique and vital attributes for future explorers. This proactive educational approach thereby not only amplifies the personal connection and appreciation visitors forge with Hanauma Bay but also intertwines their experiences with the ongoing collective efforts aimed at its preservation and conservation.

Be Mindful of Sunscreen Use

Hanauma Bay, containing an inner shallow reef system, is particularly sensitive to the effects of certain sunscreens- even when you wash them off in the showers at the facilities! Sunscreens containing chemicals like oxybenzone, octinoxate, and other petrochemicals can damage these fragile ecosystems. When visiting Hanauma Bay, we choose mineral-only sunscreens, specifically those with ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. As of this writing, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has listed only two active sunscreen ingredients, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as "generally recognized as safe and effective" (GRASE). An even more eco-friendly approach we employ is wearing protective clothing and curtailing exposure during peak UV times, ensuring both our safety and the bay's preservation. Keep in mind that many sunscreens will advertise "MINERAL SUNSCREEN" prominently on the front of their packaging, but also include petrochemical sunscreens in the active ingredient list. It's important to go the extra step to ensure that the sunscreen you purchase is "mineral only" by reading the back of the packaging.

Volunteer

Hanauma Bay has active stewardship programs. One of them is Friends of Hanauma Bay who are looking for energetic individuals to carry the bay’s conservation efforts forward for future generations. The Hanauma Bay Education Program trains volunteer docents to engage with visitors and educate them about the marine wildlife at the Bay. Consider volunteering with them as a win-win endeavor!

Encourage Responsible Behavior

Lastly, lead by example and encourage others to do the same. Spread awareness about the challenges facing Hanauma Bay, inform others about the importance of responsible snorkeling, and inspire them to become ocean stewards themselves!

Final Thoughts

Embarking on a journey as mindful and responsible explorers, each of us harnesses the capability to morph into guardians of Hanauma Bay, playing a pivotal role in its enduring conservation. The collective actions we take today not only act as a catalyst for transformative change but also weave us into the larger narrative of environmental stewardship. It's crucial that our engagement with nature transitions from mere appreciation to an active commitment to its protection. Let our interactions with Hanauma Bay be guided not only by awe, but also by a profound respect and active participation in safeguarding its vibrant life and serene beauty for generations to come.

“The truth is: the natural world is changing. And we are totally dependent on that world. It provides our food, water and air. It is the most precious thing we have and we need to defend it.”

― Sir David Attenborough

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