Heading to Oahu, Hawaii? Go to Hanauma Bay

While it might be a little touristy for some people’s tastes, the island of Oahu is undeniably beautiful. Sometimes when you are somewhere new and special, it can be easy to become too content. Even is a place like Oahu, it is still worth exploring to find the best places.

Think of it this way. If you were wandering in the forest and found a bag with $10,000 in it, with a note saying “Our gift to explorers, enjoy!”, you would be thrilled. Maybe you take the bag and run straight to the bank. Later you find out that someone else was walking in the area, and found a similar treasure, but with $1,000,000 in it. Now you are less happy. Still happy, but some part of you will always wish you had wandered around a little before heading out.

To me, Hanauma bay is that million dollar bag of money. This is where good research (or a good travel adviser) proves worthwhile. The whole island of Oahu is beautiful, and if you want to just enjoy the beach near town and relax, you will have a very good time. But if you explore around a little more, and go to Hanauma Bay, you will be telling friends for years about this amazing place you visited.

I love swimming with turtles. Usually it involves scuba gear, but not here!

There is a fee (for non-residents) to enter, and we had to sit through a little message about preserving the natural environment. Well worth it. The beach was gorgeous, the views amazing, and the snorkeling fantastic. Even people who can barely swim can snorkel with tropical fish. There are places where you are in only a few feet of water, and among the coral are all variety of fish. Venture out a little further, where the depth drops down to 10’-15’ and you may find yourself swimming with sea turtles.

Do you have your own favorite spot on Oahu? Let me know in the comments.