Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, one of Oahu’s most popular tourist destinations, will be closed for two weeks in the fall to allow for a significant infrastructure upgrade. From September 8 to September 23, 2025, the iconic preserve will undergo a $840,000 repaving project aimed at improving the public parking lots and roadways. This closure is necessary to ensure the long-term upkeep of the area’s infrastructure, which will provide a better experience for future visitors.
The temporary closure will allow contractors to repave and restripe the two main public parking lots, which currently offer approximately 280 parking stalls. The repaving work will improve the quality of the parking lots and ensure they are safer and more efficient for future visitors. The repaving project is part of an ongoing effort to maintain the preserve’s infrastructure, as the last repaving of the main roadway into the preserve took place in 2019, and the commercial vehicle parking lot was last repaved in 2017.
While this repaving is critical for the preservation of the area’s infrastructure, the closure of Hanauma Bay means that visitors will temporarily be unable to access the bay for snorkeling or swimming. The goal is to complete the project within the two-week timeframe, but visitors are advised to check for any updates or changes to the schedule, which may arise depending on the progress of the construction work.
The closure of Hanauma Bay will affect those planning to visit the nature preserve for its famous snorkeling and marine life viewing. As one of Oahu’s most beloved natural attractions, the bay draws hundreds of visitors daily who come to enjoy its crystal-clear waters and the vibrant coral reef that thrives in the protected bay. This temporary closure will prevent access to the bay during the repaving work, but the improvements to the infrastructure will ultimately benefit the preserve’s future visitors.
The improved parking areas will ensure a better experience for those who visit after the project’s completion. This also includes improved access for visitors with mobility challenges, making the bay more accessible to a wider range of people in the future.
While Hanauma Bay is closed, there are many other outdoor activities and beach destinations that visitors can explore around Oahu. The island is home to numerous beautiful beaches where visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, including snorkeling, surfing, and swimming. Some of the closest alternatives to Hanauma Bay for snorkeling include Kailua Beach, Lanikai Beach, and Waimea Bay.
Visitors interested in exploring more of Oahu’s natural beauty can also head to Diamond Head State Monument, an iconic hiking destination that offers panoramic views of Honolulu and the surrounding coastline. For those who prefer less crowded spots, Makapu’u Beach and Koko Head are excellent alternatives that provide a chance to explore Oahu’s coastal beauty without the crowds.
For those interested in Oahu’s rich culture, there are many museums and historical sites to visit. The Iolani Palace, the Bishop Museum, and the Honolulu Museum of Art offer a glimpse into Hawaii’s past and cultural heritage.
Hanauma Bay is one of Oahu’s most famous attractions, and its temporary closure for the repaving project will be a brief interruption for the many visitors who flock to the area each year. The goal of the project is to ensure that the preserve’s parking and access infrastructure is maintained for the long-term enjoyment of future visitors.
The project will also help prevent future wear and tear on the parking areas and increase their overall efficiency. Improved traffic flow and additional safety measures in the parking lot will make the bay more accessible and reduce any congestion that can occur during peak tourist season.
For visitors planning to visit Hanauma Bay during its closure, it is important to stay updated with the City and County of Honolulu for any changes to the closure schedule. Notifications will be provided on the official government website, and any adjustments to the project timeline will be communicated to the public as needed.
While the temporary closure of Hanauma Bay for the repaving project may be inconvenient for those planning a visit, it is a necessary step in maintaining the preserve for future generations. Visitors can explore other beaches and natural attractions on Oahu while the work is underway, and the improvements to the parking lot will enhance the experience when the bay reopens. Those who wish to explore the iconic bay in the future can rest assured that the project will contribute to a better, safer, and more enjoyable visit.
