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Hanauma Bay entry procedures modified to address safety concerns

Only vehicular entry allowed, no walk-in admission

HANAMUA BAY -- In response to safety concerns resulting from the reopening pilot program for the Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, new pilot entry procedures are being implemented while an online reservation system is in development.

Beginning this Saturday, Jan. 9, only vehicular entry into Hanauma Bay will be allowed from Kalaniana‘ole Highway. Walk-in entry is not permitted.

Upon reaching the preserve entrance off of Kalaniana‘ole Highway, visitors will be directed into the bay parking area and provided tickets to determine which order they entered the nature preserve, with a pre-determined educational video show times. Visitors have the option of remaining in the parking lot and upper area of the preserve while they await their show time, or they may choose to leave the nature preserve after receiving their entry ticket. If they leave temporarily, they must return with their ticket 15 minutes before their designated show time to ensure their entry into the theatre and beach.

"Even with the daily limit of 720 people, it is apparent that Hanauma Bay continues to be one of the most popular destinations for locals and malihini," said Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation Director-Designate Laura H. Thielen. "We have heard the concerns from the neighboring community and visitors to the nature preserve regarding some of the problems with visitors parking in the residential areas, walking along the busy Kalaniana‘ole Highway, and gathering near the Hanauma Bay entrance. We hope these adjustments to the pilot reopening help to alleviate these concerns as we pursue an online reservation system and improve our management of this magnificent natural resource. Certainly, we can make further adjustments to these procedures if additional issues arise."

The Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation is currently working with the Honolulu Department of Information Technology on developing an online reservation system. We greatly appreciate the patience of the public while this unique system is developed. Its implementation is expected in this first quarter of 2021.

All face mask, physical distancing, and gathering restrictions remain in effect. The daily capacity for the nature preserve remains at 720 people, and no commercial activity is currently allowed within the nature preserve.

The Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve was reopened on Wednesday, Dec. 2 after being closed for nearly nine months due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is open to the public from 7:45 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays, with last entry into the preserve at 2 p.m.

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