Hawaii’s Hanauma Bay

The progression of management at Hanauma Bay has been very successful in recent years and can be used as an example for other natural attractions in similar situations. The bay’s future was in serious danger of suffering irreversible degradation to its ecosystem due to overuse. In 1967 Hanauma Bay was added to the Marine Life Conservation District (MLCD). However, the concern of Hawaii residents continued to grow for the protection of the bay as its popularity spread.

The safekeeping of Hanauma Bay is the responsibility of several entities. The city is responsible for its Preserve aspect, the State of Hawaii is in charge of everything in the water, and the education programs are coordinated by the UH Sea Grant. There is also a group called the Friends of Hanauma Bay who help assist in all operations with supervision of the prior three. They add the vital role of community voice and concern. However, each of these groups plays an important role in the preservation of the bay.

In the early 1990s some of the first attempts to conserve the bay were to impose restrictions. Time constraints of two hours were created for large groups. A smoking ban cut down on litter, and after growing aggression of the bay’s fish, feeding was prohibited. Hanauma Bay is one of the most heavily used nature preserves in the world, drawing over one million visitors per year (Cornia 2002). Recently in 2002, the current Marine Education Center opened.

The current education and programs offered at Hanauma Bay encourage all types of sustainability. Socially, this is a great opportunity for visitors to interact with the volunteers provided by the University of Hawaii. When tourists can talk with a local, knowledgeable individual, they are more apt to considerer their role of responsibility. Visitor’s need to be aware of the role they should to play at destination attractions. Approaching them in a social, and friendly way can be very effective. Hanauma Bay also offers great opportunities for visitors to get a small taste of Hawaii’s history and values through the demonstrated care of the land.

The economic sustainability of the bay has been successful as well. Years before it’s opening, the reserve was raising money for the new facility by charging a $3 entry fee. In late 2002, the award winning design of the education center welcomed visitors. Today the $1 parking fee, and $5 admission fee for non-residents help the bay sustain economically. Many of the staff also contribute by volunteering their time.

Promoting environmental sustainability is perhaps the biggest goal for the bay. The approach taken to improve and sustain the bay’s physical environment has been through education. Designed to blend in with the bay’s natural surroundings, the visitor center provides an abundance of information for tourists. The required video shown to guests, explains the importance of caring for the reef, what animals depend on its existence, and ocean safety warnings. It also shows how the bay was formed and the historical importance