HONOLULU (KHON2) — Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve will close for two weeks starting Monday, Sept. 8, through Tuesday, Sept. 23, to allow for a parking lot repaving project.
The closure will give Seal Pros LLC time to repave and restripe the preserve’s two main public parking lots, which together provide about 280 stalls. The work totals nearly $840,000 and is scheduled to be completed weather permitting.
“The main roadway into Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve was last repaved in October 2019, with the commercial vehicle parking lot repaved in September 2017,” according to the City.
Hanauma Bay remains a place of cultural and environmental importance. It was once a fishing ground for Hawaiian aliʻi (royalty) and remains a significant site for Native Hawaiian paddlers.
In 1967, the bay became the first Marine Life Conservation District in the state.
By the 1980s, daily attendance reached an estimated 10,000 visitors. In 1990, the City introduced a plan to reduce human impact through education, facility upgrades and a fish feeding ban.
In 2019, the bay recorded 845,000 visitors. By 2024, that number dropped to 400,776, averaging around 1,400 people daily.
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of regular nature preserve visitors and first-time guests while the bay is closed for this necessary work,” City officials said.
You can click here to learn more about Hanauma Bay.
For accessibility services or other accommodations, contact the Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation at (808) 768-3003 on weekdays from 7:45 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or email parks@honolulu.gov at least three business days in advance.