6 Great Snorkeling Spots in Oahu
I was fortunate enough to reside in Oahu for a few years in my 20s. During that time, I got to know some of the most stunning beaches and snorkeling spots the island had to offer. Returning with Jess some years later felt like coming home, so we can’t wait to share our top snorkeling spots in Oahu with you!
The Best Time of Year To Snorkel
Oahu’s North Shore and West Shore are great places to start; however, from November to April when the waves are high, snorkeling may be too dangerous, leading you to seek alternatives around the island. In this case, we still have some great options around Waikiki and Kailua.
Our 6 Great Snorkeling Spots in Oahu
While all six locations provide good to excellent snorkeling under the right conditions, they are ordered based on the quality of snorkeling one can generally expect in terms of water clarity, sea life population, and coral reef formations.
1. Shark’s Cove
The crystal clear waters and abundance of aquatic life make Shark’s Cove a must-see snorkeling spot and arguably offers the best snorkeling in Oahu. However, like other snorkeling locations on the North Shore, during the higher surf seasons (November through April), it will be too dangerous to attempt snorkeling here. If that is the case, try Lanikai Beach or Hanauma Bay.
Because Shark’s Cove is such a desired snorkeling spot, the parking will fill up fast, so try to arrive by 9 AM.
Unfortunately, vehicle break-ins are a problem on this part of Oahu, so try to leave your valuables at your place of lodging. For things like keys, ID, or credit cards, a waterproof bag or hard case is recommended. These can be strapped to you or float behind you, so you are never separated from your valuables.
The shoreline is very rocky, so be sure to bring water shoes. While you can explore the shallow areas and see some sea life, you may have to venture farther out to see more fish species. If lucky, you may also spot a sea turtle or an octopus.
>>> Directions to Sharks Cove
It is illegal to touch a sea turtle in Hawaii. Fines can run from $1,000 to $10,000.
2. Haunauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is one of the island’s prime snorkeling destinations for seeing tropical fish up close. This, along with its close proximity to Waikiki makes it the most popular place for snorkeling on Oahu. Due to the barrier reef stretching nearly the entire beach, it’s also a great place for beginner snorkelers.
Due to the popularity of Hanauma Bay, in 2021 the beach started limiting the number of daily visitors. You will have to reserve a spot or purchase a walk-in ticket, which also comes with a mandatory class before entering the beach.
There is also the option to rent snorkeling gear on-site, but there are cheaper options in town to rent gear for the day.
Another thing to take into account is no visitors will be allowed to enter after 1:30 PM and the beach must be cleared by 3:15 PM. The entire park is also closed on Monday and Tuesday to allow the reef to rest.
>>> Directions to Hanauma Bay
3. Makaha Beach Park
Makaha Beach is easy to access, as it’s just off the roadside on the western side of the island. When the waters are calm, it’s a fantastic spot for snorkeling and an excellent place to see fish and sea turtles.
Overall, this is more of an advanced snorkeling site best suited for stronger swimmers and experienced snorkelers due to stronger currents and a longer swim to reach the best sites. The dives here are also deeper, reaching well over 15+ feet to the bottom.
It is also worth noting that dolphin swimming tours out of Waianae will take you out a mile or so off the shore for opportunities to get up close to spinner dolphins before taking you further north near Makaha Beach for snorkeling. Jess and I hit the jackpot with our guide as we had a large school of 15 or more dolphins circling very close around us. Later, on our second snorkel stop we saw 2 sea turtles! The link to this specific tour is below!
>>> Directions to Makaha Beach
4. Sunset Beach Park
Sunset Beach is already one of the island’s most popular beaches. It is a two-mile-long beach off Hwy 83, about 2.5 miles north of Waimea Bay. Like the other North Shore snorkeling spots, the best time of year for snorkeling will be the summertime when the waves are calm.
From the top of the beach, you can get a view of the topography under the water to plan your entry point. If starting in the center of the park near the lifeguard stand, you will want to be cautious of the rougher surf on the right side of the beach. Just assess the conditions before heading down and make your best judgment.
One nice thing about Sunset Beach is that you don’t need to swim too far out to find some interesting coral and fish. Be cautious though, as the beach will drop off quickly once entering the water.
Overall, while the quality of snorkeling is better in places like Hanauma Bay and Shark’s Cove, the beauty of the beach, especially at sunset, makes this a place you have to visit in Hawaii no matter what time of year it is!
If the North Shore has overall good conditions for snorkeling on the day you visit, I would recommend starting at Shark’s Cove and then heading over to Sunset Beach to grab a few last minutes of snorkeling before settling in for a beautiful sunset to cap off the day!
>>> Directions to Sunset Beach
5. Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay is a renowned surfing destination and snorkeling is only possible in the summer months due to the massive waves it experiences in the winter. The rock formations on either side of the bay provide decent snorkeling though the waters can get choppy during the high surf season, which was the case in the photo below that was taken in March. We did not snorkel here on the day this photo was taken.
One of the reasons many favor Waimea Bay is its close proximity to Shark’s Cove and Sunset Beach. One could begin a day at Waimea Bay, then head up to Shark’s Cove, before ending the day for a beautiful sunset at Sunset Beach!
Another thing to note about Waimea Bay is that the parking in the main parking lot is very limited, so try to get there early. If the main parking lot is full, there is a Catholic mission just past the bay (see the white tower in the photo below) that will allow you to park for a few dollars, although, this may not be available during Sunday Mass.
Also, the beautiful little town of Hale’iwa is just a few miles south of Waimea Bay, providing some quaint little shops and cafes.
>>> Directions to Waimea Bay
6. Lanikai Beach
The east side of Oahu is more limited on snorkeling spots due to trade winds. Because of this, the water is less clear, but there is still some impressive coral at Lanikai Beach making it a decent spot for snorkeling. While it is unlikely you will spot a sea turtle, the tropical fish population should be plentiful.
One of the best things about Lanikai Beach and the beaches around Kailua, are the beautiful white sands and the constant breeze.
>>> Directions to Lanikai Beach
Other Oahu Snorkeling Tips
Use REEF-SAFE Sunscreen
It’s sad, but research indicates that standard sunscreens are damaging to coral reefs. As a result, Hawaii prohibits the sale of sunscreens with damaging chemicals. If you’re spending a day at the shore, be sure to leave any traditional sunscreens you may have packed and grab reef-friendly sunscreen – it should be clearly labeled on the container.
Plan for Traffic
Oahu can get very congested along the H-1 highway at morning and evening rush hour. It’s not as bad on the weekends when the locals are not commuting into work, but during peak tourism season (summer), Honolulu and Waikiki can still get congested.
One thing you can do is set your planned departure time in Google Maps so that it can take historical traffic conditions into account. Then you can adjust your departure accordingly.
Don’t Keep Valuables in Your Car
Unfortunately, theft is an issue in many parts of Oahu, especially in areas where visitors park their vehicles for long periods. If possible, try to leave valuable items wherever you are lodging. If you must bring something valuable with you, hide it and lock the doors.
Another option is to purchase a waterproof bag or hard shell case that can be secured to your body or tethered behind you while you are floating in the water.
Check Out Our Other Hawaii Guides!
12 Best Beaches on Oahu
Where to Stay on Kauai: A Lodging Guide
42 Awesome Things to Do in Kauai
5 Best Kauai Boat Tours on the Na Pali Coast
Kauai Scuba Diving: 5 Amazing Dives
Ultimate Oahu Dolphin Swimming Guide
Ultimate 3-Day Kauai Itinerary
