Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay is legendary, a shallow Bay with zillions of colorful fish, like swimming in a salt water aquarium.  In the old days, we would buy bags of frozen peas to feed the fish, who will eat right from your hand.

Hanauma Bay is one of the world's best snorkeling spots for feeding fish

Today, however, frozen peas are now prohibited, but you can use “trout chow” to feed the fish at Hanauma bay.  Hanauma Bay is just a 10 minute ride from Waikiki beach, and it's fun to rent a scooter for the short ride to the bay.  Here is what to expert, a snorkeling paradise:

The Sandbar at Kaneohe Bay

We were hosted by Byron Bush, his wife Lisa, and their adorable kids, son Hague and daughter Sagel, nice folks who know the real meaning of hospitality.

"The Sandbar" is a natural shallow at the mouth of Kaneohe Bay, nearly a mile away from the inner harbor.



Since Lisa is an Army physician, we got access to the Marine base and Byron showed us all of the amazing splendor. Natural beauty is almost unheard-of on most Marine bases! Here is a shot of me and Lisa:



I grew-up as an Army brat, and I always remembered how friendly the GI's are. It was refreshing to see that nothing has changed, and Byron and family welcomed us with open arms:



One of the great benefits of serving in the armed forces is the cheap recreation, and Byron and Lisa rented a cool pontoon boat for a tour of the harbor.



From the boat in Kaneohe bay we also got a great view of Coconut Island, the filming location for the 1960’s hit comedy “Gilligan’s Island” The Sandbar is in the upper-left of this photo.






Janet decided to try-out the snorkeling.



Me, I just walked about in the shallows and take-in the amazing scenery.





The water was crawling with sea critters and you didn't really need a snorkel to see them.




A Picnic in the Ocean!

The water gets shallow right at the entrance to Kaneohe bay, and "The Sandbar" is shallow enough for picnic's in the sea! People set-up tents, deck chairs and charcoal grills, right-out in the open ocean:



Byron's Mom came along for a walk in the warm shallow water:





The scenery at the sandbar is amazing because it is at an area where the mountains meet the shore.



We cannot wait to come-back and we will always remember our wonderful day at the Sandbar and the hospitality of Lisa and Byron Bush.