Our last full day in Hawaii. Needed to make it count. The sad not so funny part is that we got off to a bad start. We went to Snorkel Bobs to pick up prescription snorkels. That went ok. Then we went to wait for bus 22, which takes you to Hanauma Bay. Silly me. The bus routes changed since I was last here 3 years before. So we missed the supposed bus stop time and made our way to the proper bus stop. The even less funny thing. When the bus showed up, it was full. The driver PA's "sorry, bus full" and kept on driving. We were horrified. It was fast approaching 11am now. The first bus to Hanauma Bay could have got us there around 9:30-10am. Now uncertain whether we would really go, we decided to pick up some BK and walked up Kalakaua Ave to the first bus stop so as not to miss the next bus. Behold, the next bus is early, and we turn and run with the bus. Luckily, the driver realizes we were waiting for him and running after him, so he arbitrarily stops over for us to board. Let me say this is rare and how lucky we were. He really didn't have to do that, so we were extraordinarily grateful. Thank you kind, sir. As we made our way down Kalakaua, the driver passed over the Kalakaua and Kapahulu stop again because the bus was pretty full by then and there were a good 12-15 people waiting to go to what appeared to also be Hanauma Bay. We realized on the bus that 22 stops along the length of Kalakaua and that because of the bus schedule, people naturally congregate at the Kalakaua and Kapahulu stop. My best advice... DO NOT WAIT AT THE KALAKAUA AND KAPAHULU BUS STOP TO GO TO HANAUMA BAY! Head towards the Kalakaua and Olohana stop. It's a bit of a walk depending on where you are starting from, but it's worth it to secure a seat. There are stops along Kalakaua, but not only are they not guaranteed as you get closer to Kapahulu, but you'll likely get a crowded standing spot. Do yourself a favor. Make the extra effort to go to the KALAKAUA and OLOHANA stop for the 22 bus. Trust me.
That being said, life was nice and pleasant as we waited for the bus. It's still Hawaii afterall.
Seriously though, the bus was getting pretty crowded pretty quickly.
But we ultimately made it to Hanauma Bay. Thank goodness. I had never been before, but was pretty glad to make it happen this time. We were greeted by some aggressive chickens upon our arrival. Be careful when feeding the chickens. Felice threw a small piece of fry for one chicken, only to realized another 4 or so saw and started to approach and stare. It got a bit awkward.
Did I mention the line? I think it was at least a 30 minute wait. Bring sunscreen. SPF 30 at least. I like SPF 45+. I'll gladly pay for that extra 2-3% cover, thank you very much. Sunscreen does really make a difference. Felice didn't apply it thoroughly and ended up with streaks of sunburn where she missed. So much for that experiment.
Once you get in, you have to wait to watch a 10 minute how not to mess up the Bay orientation video. Then it's a 5 minute walk down and you're in paradise. They have small lockers available for rent for $7. I recommend it for safekeeping your possessions. There are quite a few people and you really don't want to take chances.
You can also rent snorkels (including prescriptions), fins, and other stuff here, too. There are no boogie boards though. It's a little pricier than picking it up from Snorkel Bob's, but not so much more. I think if a person went to Hanauma Bay really early and got there before Snorkel Bob's opened, that would be okay, too.
I didn't go too far for Felice's sake, but I saw quite a few fish and some coral. The coral isn't as good as in Maui. I even saw a humuhumunukunukuapua'a. Sweet. If anyone and their buddy is a strong enough swimmer with fins and it's the morning rather than the afternoon, I would strongly recommend considering going further along the reef to the first drop off. I think you would see a lot more. The motivated soul could rent scuba gear, as well. I'm sure it would be really rewarding.
You can also rent snorkels (including prescriptions), fins, and other stuff here, too. There are no boogie boards though. It's a little pricier than picking it up from Snorkel Bob's, but not so much more. I think if a person went to Hanauma Bay really early and got there before Snorkel Bob's opened, that would be okay, too.
I didn't go too far for Felice's sake, but I saw quite a few fish and some coral. The coral isn't as good as in Maui. I even saw a humuhumunukunukuapua'a. Sweet. If anyone and their buddy is a strong enough swimmer with fins and it's the morning rather than the afternoon, I would strongly recommend considering going further along the reef to the first drop off. I think you would see a lot more. The motivated soul could rent scuba gear, as well. I'm sure it would be really rewarding.
Some finishing touches as we had dinner once again at Duke's with a sequel to the Lava Flow with a Volcano (aka virgin Lava Flow) and Hula Pie, part 2. Great way to end the trip.
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