Hanauma Bay is undeniably stunning, whether you're standing on the beach or admiring the view from above. The water is truly breathtaking. However, our visit didn't quite meet our expectations. Although the beach was immaculate and had multiple lifeguards on duty, it was incredibly crowded. Even with timed reservations, it felt like there were too many people in one place. The day we went, the water was choppy and the current was strong, which made it difficult to see underwater. The water was also packed with people, and I even mistook someone else for my wife at one point.
There's a concession stand at the main entrance, and you can either shuttle or walk up to it. The food is similar to what you'd find at a tavern. The tickets cost $25 per person (unless you're a Hawaii resident), which I thought was a bit steep.
I'm grateful for the hardworking people who maintain the land and coral at Hanauma Bay, but if you want a better snorkeling experience where you can see lots of fish and sea turtles, I recommend heading north to Shakes Cove.