Is Hanauma Bay still good for snorkeling?

Yes — Hanauma Bay is still one of Hawaii's best snorkeling spots and has actually improved since its 2020-2022 closure. The extended shutdown allowed the reef and fish populations to recover noticeably. The bay now enforces a stricter visitor cap, mandatory educational video, and reservation system at hanauma-bay.org — all of which have reduced overcrowding and improved the experience. Fish density, particularly humuhumunukunukuapuaa (Hawaii's state fish), parrotfish, and surgeonfish, is excellent near the reef edge 50-75 yards from shore. The water remains exceptionally calm and clear most mornings. Entry costs 5 per non-resident adult. The main limitation is the reservation system — plan at least 3-5 days ahead. Hawaii Nautical snorkel tours (0–150) are an alternative if Hanauma Bay is fully booked.