One of my first memories of Hawaii, and in particular Oahu, back from my visit in 2006 was randomly stumbling on the remarkable Hanauma Bay on the southeastern side of the island. During my first visit, I had very little plans and would drive around until I found something new to explore. Traveling uninhibited is quite a way to travel.
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Traveling in 2012 involves not only taking my wife and two young boys, but also my in-laws who were along for the adventure. I wanted everything to be ideal for all, and I knew Hanauma Bay was right at the top of the list of places I wanted to take the family. We got up early and arrived at the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, only to be presented with a substantial line waiting to get in.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve costs $1 per vehicle for parking, and $7.50 per adult. After purchasing your tickets for entry, you are required to watch a historical and informational video highlighting your role in preserving the coral reef and associated sea life.
Once complete with the orientation, guest can choose to either walk down the steep decent to the beach or ride the tram. The cost of the tram is $0.50 going down and $1 going back up. It is well worth it to pay the fee to go back up, especially when trying to push strollers.
The beach is pristine and the waters calm and beautiful. Hanauma Bay is a great place for guests to get reacclimated to snorkeling if they have not done it in awhile or are new to the hobby.
As soon as we found our spot on the beach, my father-in-law and I were off and into the ocean. This was one of the first moments where I was alone with my father-in-law out in the ocean, and I came back unscathed. He could have easily thrown me to the sharks or used me as bait. However, no attempts to drown me were made. It might have been his way of thanking me for bringing him along thanks to miles! After coming back to shore, I was able to take my lovely Mrs. out with me for a snorkeling adventure.
As my wife and I were perusing around the Bay looking for fish, the movement of my hands through the water perfectly slid my wedding ring off as I was attempting to clear out my snorkel mask. Down, down, down it went to the sandy bottom below. I panicked because my wedding ring holds an important symbolism to me.
I kept my eye on the prize at the bottom of the fish tank while attempting to recompose myself. Fortunately, Mrs. InACents immediately caught on that something was wrong, and seeing my ring shine in the sunlight, she plugged her snorkel and dove to the bottom of the ocean (approximately 6 feet deep at the time) and grabbed my ring.
While it was not the tarpon trying to take away my ring, the ocean was still trying to take away my precious. I was fortunate to have recovered it as it would have started off a very long vacation on a bad note.
While we did not see any turtles or major species of fish during this dive, snorkeling at Hanauma Bay allowed us both to remember how to use our equipment (not that it is that difficult) and allow the grandparents a moment to enjoy the boys on the beach.
By this point in the trip, neither boy wanted anything to do with the water, which was rather surprising considering they love the pool at home. The waters were calm and perfect for little kids at Hanauma Bay. That would all change in the weeks ahead.
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You’re just playing with fire aren’t you? You might want to get your ring made a little tighter or fatten up your fingers a little. I used to forget about my ring all the time until Lori threatened to tattoo the ring onto my finger. I’m much better at keeping track of it now.
@Steve: Sure, just rub the salt water into the wound. 🙂
Wow..that would have been a very long vacation and a long plane ride home for you. Way to save the day Mrs. In A Cents 🙂 I have always wanted to go to Hanauma Bay but it’s always too crowded by the time we get there. These pictures are beautiful. We need to wake up earlier the next time we visit. My kids are beginner snorkelers so this area is perfect. Great landscape shot!
@Mary: Fortunately, my wife isn’t the type to get upset by that sort of thing should it have happened. I would have been the one more distraught. Definitely check it out when you make it back to the islands though!
That’s a relief you didn’t lose the ring! What gorgeous scenery! I can’t wait to finally visit Hawaii 🙂
@Nomadic Samuel: For sure, and thanks for stopping by!
Bullet dodged! If the bay did claim your precious at least it would have been lost in a nice place and with plenty of witnesses to the fact that you were not up to no good!
@Average Traveller: Yes, but I would have been so depressed and would have figured out some way to retrieve it (i.e. if it had fallen between some rocks, etc.).
I also lost my wedding ring on the beach soon after getting married… took me forever to find it again in the sand, cursing the whole time. I almost forgot about that, thanks for the reminder. 🙂
@Jonathan: And now look what that love has blossomed into. While it would have sucked, it is only a material thing that could always be replaced if needed.