- by foxnews
- 18 Aug 2025
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 area̢۪s 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 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.
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.
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