One of our favorite places on Oahu is Hanauma Bay, and we made a return to this ancient Royal fishing ground today. We took an early charter to Hanauma. There was still rain falling, and we could imagine the ali'i of old making their way down to the shores.
Today, Hanauma Bay is closed to fishing, and has been a protected marine preserve for many years now. It has not been that many years ago that over fishing almost destroyed this natural wonder. I think many people miss this point in the 8 minute mandatory video that all must watch, in order to be allowed in the park. It was a necessary move. Even in today's times, there are over three million visitors to Hanauma Bay each year. In today's times, it might help you to know that the park was closed today at 11a.m. to visitors.
The Hawaiians of old named this place a "ha-na-OO-mah" or shelter bay. The bay is made from what was probably a volcanic cone associated with Koko Crater. Another words, it was a vent for Koko. Over time, sea coral formed here. The coral is still in good shape, based on our own observation from past to present. The highlight of the day the appearance of a honu, or green sea turtle. I was pleased to see how many people were respecting the requests to stay off the coral, and help protect this valuable food source. This place is a nursery ground for young sea turtles, which have their nesting grounds at French Frigate Shoals.
I had a chance to swim with an Omilu, or bluefin jack today. The surprise was how close to shore he was, only 5 feet. It gently swam between my legs, and I enjoyed the visit, though be it brief. I also had to chance to see healthy populations of lau'i pala, humuhumu'ele'e'e, and lau-hau. There was even a nunu today, and they are hard to see. Sadly, I could not find the state fish, the humuhumu-nukunuku-apua'a. I have left out the English names here, to give you a chance to look for them.
If you are planning a trip to Hanauma Bay, get there early. The park was full by 9a.m. Make sure you have good water shoes, unless you are snorkeling. Enter from the left side of the bay, to get a great place to move through sand, until you get your footing. The sand is very course on the right side of the bay. Today was a heavy surf day, and it would have been easy for a non aware person to end up all the way out to sea on the Molokai Express!
Mahalo,
Raymond Province, the Celtic Ozarkian
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Mahalo nui loa...
Mike
1 comment for "The Ecosystem of Hanauma Bay".
1. Hanauma Bay
I think Hanauma Bay has got to be one of the most picturesque place I've seen... I can't wait to get back... Mahalo Ray & Robin!!