What is the recent history of Hanauma Bay?
1927 Road to Makapu’u completed accessing Hanauma Bay. 1928 Ownership transfer of Hanauma Bay and Koko Head District Park from Bernice Pauahi Bishop Estate (KSBE) to the City and County of Honolulu is finalized. The deed specifies the area to be used as public recreational and public access. The Bishop Estate sold the leasehold area for one dollar. 1931 In October of this year, Kalanianaole Highway was opened to the public. This provided a coastal link from Hanauma Bay to Sandy Beach. 1941 Military defenses established including Hanauma Bay to protect from Japanese invasion. 1950 The State bus system, the Honolulu Rapid Transit (HRT) was extended to include Hanauma Bay. This trial route was established for weekends and holidays only. A beach access road was constructed by the County Parks Dept. to allow access to the beach for both the public and maintenance crews. Restrooms, showers and three swimming holes were added during a park improvement project. The City and County of Honolulu
