Oahu Beaches - Hanauma Bay - the aquarium you get to swim in

Of course nearly everyone goes to Hanauma for the fantastic snorkeling, but did you know the place features an awesome, free picnic area? All you have to pay is $1 for parking, but you get a big, rarely used, shady picnic area.

The little known picnic area

Here’s a little-known free thing to do on Oahu. Though everybody drives right by it, the picnic area at Hanauma is hardly ever used and that’s a shame. You’ll see it just to your right as you drive up to the parking attendant. Make a point to bring a big picnic lunch and you’ll love this spot after a swim and shower. There’s a lot of trees that provide cooling shade and you can walk over to the overlook area and get a breathtaking view of the bay.

It’s not just for snorkeling

And the best part is that you don’t have to pay park admission fees to use the picnic space. This means you can make this area a wonderful stop as you visit this part of the island. One dollar gets you good parking and access to this fantastic free thing to do on Oahu.