Snorkeling is a great way to explore the underwater world without having to get scuba certified. Oahu has some of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii, with crystal clear waters and an abundant variety of marine life. In this article, we will share our top picks for the best snorkeling spots on Oahu.
Hanauma Bay is one of the most popular snorkeling spots on Oahu. This protected bay is home to over 400 species of fish, making it a perfect place for beginners to start exploring the underwater world. The gentle waves and sandy bottom also make it a great spot for swimming and bodyboarding.
Another excellent spot for snorkeling on Oahu is Sharks Cove. This North Shore spot is known for its clear waters and abundance of sea life. Visitors can see turtles, reef fish, and even the occasional shark! The cove is also a popular spot for scuba diving and freediving.
If you’re looking for a less crowded snorkeling spot, Turtle Canyon is a great option. This secluded spot is located on the west side of Oahu and is only accessible by boat. Turtle Canyon is known for its clear waters and diverse marine life, including turtles, rays, and reef fish.
No matter what your skill level, there’s a snorkeling spot on Oahu that’s perfect for you. So grab your mask and fins and get ready to explore the underwater world of Hawaii.
1. Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is one of the most popular snorkeling spots on Oahu. The bay is located in a volcanic crater and is protected from the open ocean, making the waters calm and clear.
Hanauma Bay is home to over 400 different species of fish, making it a snorkeler’s paradise.
Hanauma Bay is one of the most popular snorkeling spots on Oahu. It is located about 10 miles east of Waikiki and can be reached by car or bus.
The bay is surrounded by cliffs and has a sandy bottom with plenty of coral and fish. There is a lifeguard on duty and a snack bar, so it’s a great spot for beginners.
To get to Hanauma Bay, take the number 22 bus from Waikiki (get off at the stop for Hawaii Kai Golf Course) or drive east on Kalanianaole Highway until you reach the bay.
Parking is limited, so it’s best to arrive early.
2. Shark’s Cove
Shark’s Cove is another popular snorkeling spot on Oahu. The cove is located on the north shore of the island and is known for its clear waters and abundance of sea life. Shark’s Cove is also a popular spot for scuba diving and freediving.
The cove gets its name from the many sharks that used to swim in the area. While you’re unlikely to see any sharks today, you will be able to see a variety of other fish and marine life.
Shark’s Cove is also one of the best spots on the island for tide pooling. low tide exposes a variety of tide pools that are teeming with marine life.
When you’re ready to head into the water, there is a natural staircase that leads down to the beach.
From there, you can enter the water and start exploring. Be sure to bring your underwater camera, as there are plenty of photo opportunities. If you get tired, there is a small sandy area where you can take a break.
After a long day of snorkeling, be sure to grab a bite to eat at one of the many food trucks that line the parking lot.
You’ll find a variety of Hawaiian specialties, as well as some American favorites.
With its convenient location and abundance of marine life, Shark’s Cove is a must-visit spot for anyone interested in snorkeling on Oahu.
Shark’s Cove is located on the North Shore of Oahu, and is a popular spot for both snorkeling and diving. To get there, you’ll need to take a drive up the coast.
The best way to reach Shark’s Cove is by car, but there is also a shuttle that runs from Waikiki. Once you arrive, you’ll find plenty of parking available.
3. Turtle Canyon
Turtle Canyon is a secluded snorkeling spot on the west side of Oahu. The canyon is only accessible by boat and is known for its clear waters and diverse marine life. Turtle Canyon is an excellent spot for seeing turtles, rays, and reef fish.
You’ll see plenty of turtles, as well as fish and coral. The turtles are friendly and used to people, so don’t be afraid to swim up to them!
Make sure to bring your own snorkeling gear, as there is none available for rent or purchase at Turtle Canyon. A beach chair or towel is also a good idea, as there is no sand at the site.
The best time to go snorkeling at Turtle Canyon is in the morning, when the water is calm and the turtles are most active.
With its clear waters and abundance of sea life, Turtle Canyon is a great spot for snorkeling on Oahu. Be sure to bring your own gear and to visit during the morning hours for the best experience.
Turtle Canyon is located on the south shore of Oahu near Hanauma Bay. The best way to get there is by car, but you can also take the city bus.
4. Kuilima Cove Snorkeling
If you’re looking for some of the best snorkeling spots in Oahu, look no further than Kuilima Cove.
This secluded cove is located on the north shore of the island and offers stunning views of the coastline.
The clear waters make for perfect snorkeling conditions, and there’s plenty of marine life to see.
You can expect to see turtles, fish, and coral when you go snorkeling at Kuilima Cove.
Kuilima Cove is one of the best snorkeling spots on Oahu for several reasons.
First, the water is crystal clear, making it easy to spot fish and other underwater creatures. Second, there’s a good variety of marine life in the cove, including parrotfish, triggerfish, and sea urchins.
Third, the cove is protected from the waves, making it a calm and safe place to snorkel.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable snorkeling experience, Kuilima Cove is definitely worth a visit.
To get to Kuilima Cove, you’ll need to take a short drive north from Honolulu. The cove is located on the east coast of Oahu, near Turtle Bay Resort.
If you’re coming from the north shore, simply follow the Kamehameha Highway until you reach the resort. From there, it’s a quick jaunt down to the water.
5. Kahe Point Beach Park
Kahe Point Beach Park is one of the best snorkeling spots in Oahu. The beach is located on the west side of the island and is a great place to enjoy the sun and the water.
There are plenty of reefs and fish to see when you snorkel, and the water is usually calm and clear.
Kahe Point is also a great place to bodyboard or surf, and there are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby if you need a break from the sun.
Kahe Point Beach Park is located on the south shore of Oahu, about a 30-minute drive from Waikiki. To get there, take the H1 freeway westbound and exit at either Nanakuli Avenue or Farrington Highway. Once you’re on the road, look for signs pointing to Kahe Point Beach Park.
The park is open daily from 8:00am to 6:00pm. Admission is free, but there is a $5 per car parking fee.
6. Kaena Point State Park
Kaena Point State Park is located on the northwest corner of Oahu. It’s a beautiful spot for hiking, picnicking, and enjoying the views of the ocean and nearby islands.
There’s also great snorkeling to be had here! The park is open from sunrise to sunset, and there is a small entrance fee.
Some of the best snorkeling spots in Kaena Point State Park include Shark’s Cove, Three Tables Beach, and Electric Beach. Shark’s Cove is a great place to see turtles and tropical fish.
Three Tables Beach is known for its clear water and good visibility.
Electric Beach gets its name from the electrical plant nearby – but don’t worry, the water is perfectly safe to swim in! This beach is great for seeing stingrays and eels.
When snorkeling in any of these spots, be sure to wear reef-safe sunscreen and take care not to touch or stand on the coral. These are just a few of the many great snorkeling spots in Oahu.
7. Sans Souci Beach
Sans Souci Beach Park is one of the best snorkeling spots in Oahu. The water is crystal clear and the reefs are teeming with marine life. You can see turtles, reef fish, and even rays swimming around in the shallows.
The beach is also great for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. There are plenty of shady trees to relax under, and the sand is soft and white.
Sans Souci is a great place to spend a day if you want to experience some of the best that Oahu has to offer.
8. Ko Olina Lagoons
Ko Olina Lagoons is a man-made lagoon system located on the southwest shore of Oahu. It is comprised of four individual lagoons that are connected by narrow channels.
The lagoons are surrounded by white sand beaches and palm trees, making it a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling.
There are many different kinds of fish that call Ko Olina Lagoons home, including parrotfish, angelfish, and triggerfish.
The clear water and calm waves make it easy to see the fish as they swim around you.
One of the best things about snorkeling at Ko Olina Lagoons is that there is no need for a boat or a long swim out to sea. You can simply walk into the water from the beach and start exploring.
9. Kaneohe Sandbar
Kaneohe sandbar is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Oahu. It is a large body of shallow water located near the Kaneohe Bay. The sandbar is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.
The best time to visit Kaneohe sandbar is during the summer months. This is because the water is usually calm and clear during this time. However, if you are looking for a more secluded experience, you can also visit the sandbar during the winter months.
To get to Kaneohe sandbar, you can take a boat from either Honolulu or Kailua-Kona.
The ride takes about an hour. You can also rent a kayak or paddleboard and make the trip yourself.
Thoughts and Conclusion
Overall, snorkeling in Oahu is an amazing experience that everyone should have.
There are so many different and beautiful spots to choose from, all with their own unique ecosystem.
No matter what your level of experience is, there’s a snorkeling spot in Oahu that’s perfect for you.
So get out there and explore the underwater world of Oahu.
You can also check out some of the best snorkeling spots in Maui as well. If you happen to be in Honolulu, check out our Honolulu Hawaii guide.
