So, I’ve seen many people come to Oahu just to explore the marine life on the island. If you are also one of them, this guide will definitely help you.
I have a great interest in snorkeling. Experiencing the underwater world is something that excites me, and I always look forward to it. In my Oahu snorkeling journey, I’ve managed to explore famous locations and pick out the best ones so you don’t have to wonder where to snorkel Oahu.
How To Prepare For A Snorkeling Session?
Whether you are a beginner in snorkeling or an advanced snorkeler, you do need to prepare yourself before engaging in this activity to enjoy it properly.
- Look for the best snorkeling spots according to your level and expertise.
- Buy quality snorkeling gear like wetsuits, masks, fins, etc. These are also available in the rental shop near every snorkeling beach.
- Spend time taking snorkeling classes to learn the right techniques.
- Learn about the ocean conditions and other safety tips and regulations of both the ocean and the beach.
- Constantly practice breathing through the provided mouthpiece before diving into the water.
- Always have an experienced snorkel buddy with you so you are comfortable during the session.
- Try to opt for an early morning snorkeling tour to clearly see more fish and sea turtles, and other aquatic wildlife.
- Always apply a reef-safe sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburns, even when it’s not sunny.
- Before heading for your snorkeling experience, always check the weather and snorkeling conditions online.
Best Locations For Snorkeling In Oahu
Oahu’s unique position within the Hawaiian islands highlights it as a prime snorkeling destination among the archipelago’s variety of beaches and snorkel spots suitable for all skill levels.
Hanauma Bay
What To Explore: Coral reefs, sea turtles, different colorful fish
Snorkeling Difficulty Level: Easy
Depth You Can Go: Upto 30 ft
Best For: Beginners and professionals
Fee: $5/person
Closed On: Tuesday
Let’s start with the best one. Yes, I know it may sound very cliche, but no one can really help it, as Hanauma Bay in Waikiki is definitely the best location to snorkel in Oahu. For snorkeling beginners, this is the ideal beach spot due to its lower fish population and shallow water. The place may be a bit crowded, but just imagine, with so many people around, you’ll actually feel safe.
The beach encompasses many bright and colorful coral reefs, and many people even accidentally step on it, which is lying on the shore. Marine life isn’t much to explore here, but yes, snorkeling in Hanauma Bay is an experience that you should have at least once when in Oahu.
Kaena Point State Park
What To Explore: Marine life, including Hawaii’s state fish
Snorkeling Difficulty Level: Easy
Depth You Can Go: Upto 15 ft
Best For: Beginners and professionals
Fee: Permit required
Closed On: Open daily
If you’ve just landed in Honolulu and want to have a snorkeling experience in Oahu right away, Kaena Point State Park is your go-to place. It’s an hour’s drive from the Honolulu airport. It’s a secluded spot (the best place to relax) that you can only reach through hiking (trust me, the hard work will pay off).
The place is filled with Hawaiian legends. One of the most famous ones is about Hawaiian souls jumping off from the lava shoreline and meeting their ancestors in the other world. Although the place isn’t very crowded, you’ll still see a few surfers during the winter season and snorkelers throughout the year.
Shark’s Cove
What To Explore: Coral reefs, fishes, octopuses, sea turtles, rock formations
Snorkeling Difficulty Level: Easy
Depth You Can Go: Upto 15 ft
Best For: Beginners and professionals
Fee: Free
Closed On: Open daily
Shark’s Cove is a good snorkeling option, but only for summer. Now, you don’t really get to see sharks here, but the name Shark’s Cove is given to this place because, from certain angles, its reef looks like a shark. This place is a naturally protected swimming pool and is one of three Marine Life Conservation Districts you can see on Oahu.
You can see ample marine life here, including fish that are very human-friendly. I was lucky enough to spot an eel as well. Remember to avoid going here in winter, as the conditions could be quite bad. Make sure you reach here early, as the place could become a bit crowded. After a snorkeling session, you can also check out the food trucks across the street to feed your tummy.
The cove has protected tide pools that protect the area from big surf. When there are large waves on the other North Shore beaches, this is the ideal location for a retreat. No wonder it’s listed among the twelve best shore dives by Scuba Diving Magazine.
Kahe Point Beach Park Or Electric Beach
What To Explore: Manta rays, colorful fishes, sea turtles, spinner dolphins
Snorkeling Difficulty Level: Easy
Depth You Can Go: Upto 30 ft
Best For: Beginners and professionals
Fee: Free
Closed On: Open daily
While Hanauma Bay may be the favorite snorkeling spot for many, I personally like snorkeling here. Electric Beach or Kahe Point Beach Park, located on the west shore, is not as famous as the others on this list, but the crystal clear blue water takes my heart away every time I come here. Since it has shallow lagoons, it is easy for beginners to begin their snorkeling journey. The view from below the water is pretty killing!
Now, you must be wondering about its name. The name of this beach comes from an electric plant found near the beach. During my time here, I felt that the sea life here is much more than that of other spots in Oahu. The pipes it has release warm water that attracts many fish and other big sea creatures. While I was not lucky enough to see dolphins, I did hear them. If you are lucky enough on your trip, you might actually spot one.
Kuilima Cove
What To Explore: Coral reefs, colorful fishes, green sea turtles
Snorkeling Difficulty Level: Easy
Depth You Can Go: Upto 15 ft
Best For: Beginners
Fee: Free
Closed On: Open daily
Again, we have one of the best beaches to snorkel, too, for beginners (I guess we have great options for novices). Kuilima Cove is located near the famous Turtle Bay Resort on Oahu’s North Shore. Since the beach has a good amount of rocks and large reefs, I found the water clarity to be great compared to other beaches.
You’ll experience shallow and calm waters here that are only neck deep, making it best for beginner snorkelers. However, experienced snorkelers won’t find this spot to be very exciting (better look for other options!).
Although the place is great, I didn’t like that there was very little aquatic life to encounter. Also, if you are planning to visit Kuilima Cove, online snorkeling conditions are not available, so you’ll have to visit the spot to learn about the conditions.
Queen’s Beach
What To Explore: Colourful fishes, coral reefs
Snorkeling Difficulty Level: Easy
Depth You Can Go: Upto 15 ft
Best For: Beginners
Fee: Free
Closed On: Open daily
Queens Beach is one of the most famous ones in Waikiki, Hawaii, and this list would be incomplete without adding this name. Waikiki is a hub for tourists, which makes Queen’s Beach the most sought-after snorkel spot.
This beach is situated on the south shore near Kapiolani Regional Park on the Diamond Head part of Waikiki. It’s quite distant from the main Waikiki beach, so you won’t see much of a crowd here. If you want to explore a different snorkeling area nearby, head to Sans Souci Beach, another snorkeling spot that has extremely clear water, colorful underwater life, and enough amenities for beginners.
Ko Olina Lagoons
What To Explore: Tropical fishes, coral reefs
Snorkeling Difficulty Level: Easy
Depth You Can Go: Upto 5 ft
Best For: Beginners
Fee: Free
Closed On: Open daily
Again, I found this location to be ideal for beginners. Ko Olina Lagoons are four beautiful lagoons with protected area located on the western side of Oahu. This place is perfect for people who are new to snorkeling because the water is shallow, making it easy to explore the amazing underwater world.
The water is super clear, which makes colorful corals easily visible. You’ll also see a variety of fish, such as surgeonfish, parrotfish, and many more. Once you’ve done snorkeling, you can spend some time here swimming and relaxing amidst nature.
If you are hungry after a long day or want to go on a shopping spree later on, there are many good restaurants and shops nearby that you can visit.
Lanikai Beach
What To Explore: Tropical fish, sea urchins, coral reef
Snorkeling Difficulty Level: Easy
Depth You Can Go: Upto 6 ft
Best For: Beginners
Fee: Free
Closed On: Open daily
Oahu for sure has the best locations to explore. Next on our list is this beautiful crescent shaped beach, Lanikai Beach that is filled with a vibrant underwater marine life with crystal clear water all around. Since this beach has shallow waters, it is an easy access for the beginner snorklers because they don’t have to worry about getting caught in the strong currents.
Lanikai Beach is the perfect spot if you want to experience the real paradise of Oahu. And let me share something with you: this was the first location where I snorkeled for the very first time. So, I can vouch that water here is extremely safe for you.
Three Tables
What To Explore: Variety of fishes, coral reefs
Snorkeling Difficulty Level: Difficult
Depth You Can Go: Upto 35 ft
Best For: Intermediate and advanced
Fee: Free
Closed On: Open daily
Finally, we have something for advanced snorkelers. The place is not secured by any bay, so beginners should avoid going here. I have experienced seriously strong currents here, so I can only recommend experienced snorkelers to have an experience here.
This is located near Sharks Cove and is best to visit during the summer months. The beach has got great fish options to see. But always remember to be between the tables when snorkeling to be safe at all times. You can also stay on the beach to avoid any currents to take you along with its waves.
Waimea Bay
What To Explore: Variety of fishes, coral reefs, dolphins
Snorkelling Difficulty Level: Moderate
Depth You Can Go: Upto 30 ft
Best For: Intermediate and advanced
Fee: Free
Closed On: Open daily
Waimea Bay, though lowest on our list is not behind other spots on Oahu. This is a nature preserve and is very famous for the exciting surfing experience it gives, but many snorkelers prefer snorkeling here but on the other side of the bay.
This place, too, is part of the Marine Life Conservation District, making it safe for fish to move around freely. I was lucky enough to spot dolphins here, and it was an amazing experience. Just like other beaches, this is best explored during the summers as it can get rough during winters.
Hawaii Snorkeling Tips for a Safe Underwater Time
Okay, now, for the most serious part. Snorkeling may be fun, but according to records, it has been seen that snorkeling comes first when it comes to causes of death in Hawaii. We wouldn’t want you to risk your life, especially when you are on vacation with your entire family.
It really doesn’t matter if you’ve been snorkeling for years or days; you need to give priority to your safety. While there may be lifeguard tower and lifeguards present on every beach, your safety is always in your hands. Remember, “Precaution is better than cure.”
Here are some safety tips you might want to follow at all times before diving into the mighty Pacific Ocean:
- Always wear perfectly fitting snorkeling gear before entering the water.
- Understand the water currents for the best snorkeling experience.
- Make use of flotation equipment, relax, and float while kicking to move.
- Do not go snorkeling after a long flight as it can cause Hypoxia, which can cause drowning.
- Avoid snorkeling near murky waters to be safe from sharks.
- If you are wounded, don’t go inside the water, as sharks can detect even the smallest drop of blood.
- It’s best to stay on the shore if you’ve seen a shark.
FAQs
Why is Oahu a great destination for snorkeling?
Oahu has abundant marine life, clear waters, and diverse underwater landscapes, making it an ideal destination for snorkeling enthusiasts of all levels.
What are some lesser-known snorkeling spots on Oahu worth exploring?
While there are famous spots for snorkeling all around Oahu, there are also secluded spots which are hidden gems like Kuilima Cove and Three Tables Beach that offer excellent snorkeling opportunities with fewer crowds.
Are there any age or skill restrictions for snorkeling in Oahu?
Snorkeling is suitable for everyone; however, you should choose a spot that fits your comfort zone. You have to be extremely careful if you are snorkeling with small kids. In this case, you should opt for places with calm and shallow waters.
Ready To Snorkel On The Best Oahu Locations?!
Snorkeling in Oahu isn’t just about having fun—it’s also a great way to learn about ocean life and conservation efforts. From secluded to crowded and advanced to beginner, you’ll find a spot for each of your needs. Once you’ve done so, you can also check out the nearby places to learn more about Oahu. For the best, easiest, and safest experience, explore the best snorkeling tours and book one according to your liking.
