Location
Key Information
| 0.27 km2 | MARINE AREA |
| 0.42 km2 | TOTAL AREA i |
Regulations: Hawaii Administrative Rules
Boundary: Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of Aquatic Resources (Unmodified)
2.0
June 2024
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Purpose
To preserve and protect Hanauma Bay's marine life and habitat. Hanauma Bay was formed by two of the many craters which created Koko Head. The bay's outer part is the result of one crater, and the inner part is what remains of the second. The craters' seaward rims were eventually eroded by wave action. A shallow fringing reef lies just offshore and extends about 100 yards offshore, and has several large sandy-bottomed areas. Fish are abundant along the reef edges surrounding these sandy areas.
Species of Concern: Coral
Regulations Summary
Restrictions
It is unlawful to:
1. Fish, take or injure any marine life (including eggs), or possessing any device that may be used for the taking of marine life.
2. Take, alter, possess, remove, or destroy any sand, coral or other geological feature or specimen, or possess in the water any equipment that may be used for taking or altering a geological feature or specimen.
3. Have or possess any fishing gear or device, including but not limited to any hook-and-line, rod, reel, spear, trap, net, crowbar, or other device, or noxious chemical that may be used for the taking, injuring, or killing of marine life, or the altering of geological feature or specimen, the possession of which shall be considered prima facie evidence in violation of this rule.
4. Introduce any food or other substance into the water to feed or attract marine life.
5. Operate any watercraft in the restricted zone.
Allowed
The marine preserve is open to the public at designated times on specific days for designated recreational purposes. The number of visitors per day is limited and visitors must adhere to the rules and pay an admission fee.