Hanauma Bay Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Hanauma Bay
Aerial view of Hanauma Bay
Geography
Location	Hawaii, United States
Geology
Mountain type	Tuff cone
Last eruption	32,000 years ago

Hanauma Bay is a beautiful bay in Honolulu, Hawaii. It's a special place that was formed by a volcano a very long time ago. Today, it's a popular spot for people to visit and explore the ocean. It sits close to another volcano called Koko Crater.

What is Hanauma Bay?
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What is Hanauma Bay?

Hanauma Bay is a type of volcano called a tuff cone. This means it was created when hot magma mixed with water, causing explosive eruptions. These eruptions built up layers of ash and rock, forming the cone shape you see today.

How Hanauma Bay Formed

Hanauma Bay was created about 32,000 years ago. It was formed as a vent, or opening, of the much larger Koʻolau Volcano. Over time, the ocean filled the crater of this ancient volcano, creating the bay.

A Home for Marine Life

The bay is home to many different kinds of marine wildlife. You can find colorful fish, sea turtles, and other amazing creatures living in its clear waters. Because of this, it's a great place to go snorkeling and see the underwater world.

Visiting Hanauma Bay

Hanauma Bay is a very popular place for tourists. Many people visit the beach inside its crater every year. At one point, it welcomed as many as 3 million visitors annually. People love to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

The Name Hanauma

The exact meaning of the name “Hanauma” is not fully known. The first part, “hana,” means “bay.” However, the meaning of the second part, “uma,” is still debated.