Facts about Hanauma Bay

1. 07

   Visitors to Hanauma Bay must watch an educational video about reef protection before entering the preserve, a requirement implemented to reduce damage from sunscreen and physical contact with coral.

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2. 06

   Hanauma Bay's sandy beach floor sits approximately 10 feet below the surface at its deepest points, making it an ideal snorkeling destination for beginners and families.

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3. 05

   Approximately 50 species of reef fish swim among Hanauma Bay's coral formations, attracting snorkelers who collectively remove roughly 12 tons of sunscreen annually that damages the reef ecosystem.

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4. 04

   In 1967, Hanauma Bay was designated a Marine Life Conservation District, making it one of Hawaii's first protected underwater reserves for reef ecosystem preservation.

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5. 03

   The Hawaiian green sea turtle, listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act, frequently inhabits Hanauma Bay's shallow waters and coral reef ecosystem.

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6. 02

   Formed around 7,000 to 10,000 years ago, Hanauma Bay's crescent shape resulted from the collapse of a volcanic tuff cone on Oahu's southeastern shore.

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7. 01

   Over 450,000 visitors annually visit Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve in Oahu, Hawaii, requiring the park to implement daily capacity limits of 3,000 people.

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