Hanauma Bay, Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Meet local artist Bill Braden - Friends Invited to Environmental Saving Partnership Exhibition - click here for more information.

Since Mayor Hannemann was elected and took office, he has given every indication that he will make protection of the Bay a priority. He asked Acting Director of Parks and Recreation Lester Chang to meet with Friends' President Cynthia Bond to discuss issues of concern to the Friends.

In a letter to the Mayor, Cynthia stated:

"On behalf of the Friends of Hanauma Bay, I offer a sincere and grateful mahalo to you and your Administration for your decision to take action to stop the illegal tour operations at Hanauma Bay. I was very encouraged by my meeting with Lester Chang, who was interested in finding a solution. I’ve since been told that procedures are being developed to forewarn those who will be affected that the ordinances and regulations will soon be enforced. I know that you’re aware that this is a huge issue with the Friends. We applaud your Administration’s willingness to tackle it...

"As we discussed when as a candidate you met with the Friends, we share a goal of increasing the ratio of residents to tourists at the Bay. Our hope is to change the perception of Hanauma Bay from a place of recreation to a source of environmental education through the experience of enjoying its incredible gifts. We hope that the folks from illegal tours who have made up some ¼ to 1/3 of those in the lines at the Bay will be replaced by residents eager to be a part of protecting and preserving the Bay.

Every indication is that you are making good on your promise to make caring for Hanauma Bay one of your top priorities. We are so very grateful."

Read about our meeting with the Mayor Hannemann before he was elected.

Read about the FRIENDS’ PRESIDENT MEETING WITH NEW PARKS DIRECTOR.

Read Pacific Business News article about illegal taxi

Click on the photo to view the video. A High Speed connection and Microsoft Windows is required.

Excellent new book, Hanauma Bay: Hawaii's Coastal Treasure by Cheryl Chee Tsutsumi, now available.

In her introduction, the author emphasizes that "Education is the primary goal of a trip to Hanauma Bay...[the book] provides a captivating introduction to one of O'ahu's top scenic attractions. You'll learn how the bay was formed, what significance it held in ancient times and why it's so important to care for its resources.

The book also spotlights the marine life, birds and plants you'll likely see at the preserve; the major exhibits and programs of its Marine Education Center, and several little-known facts about the area." Most photos were by Veronica Carmona and HBEP volunteer Larry Winnick (in book-signing photo with the author). The author graciously offers a portion of proceeds to the Friends of Hanauma Bay. The $12.95 hardbound book is available at the Bay gift shop and book stores elsewhere.

Island Heritage is a division of The Madden Corporation. For more than 25 years, the company has produced an attractive line of island-themed products including an extensive array of gift, children’s and reference books, as well as calendars, photo albums, candy, stationery and home products. Island Heritage also generously donates a portion of the proceeds from the sale of the book to the FOHB.

The Madden Corporation is the largest product development company in the state of Hawai‘i and employs more than 150 people with offices on the islands of O‘ahu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island of Hawai‘i, as well as Los Angeles and Hong Kong. The company recently opened its first Welcome to The Islands retail location at Ward Centre in Honolulu. For more information, visit welcometotheislands.com.

Please click here for additional book signing information and schedules

Please turn on your speakers and press the right arrow button to start.

Read about Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) in Hawaii from the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) publication. This is an excellent publication to help understand the value of MPAs in Hawaii.

DLNR says, "The value of Hanauma Bay's fishery might be about $2,500 per year if it were open to fishing, but the recreational value is estimated at $35 million per year."

Click here to read this publication. (Note: This is a large file so a high speed connection is recommended)

You can also view a map of current MPAs.