The Best Spots for Snorkeling in Oahu

One of the bragging perks of live in Hawaii is that the ocean ’s control surface water temperature is typically 77 - 83 ° F , which bring itself absolutely to snorkeling exploration any time of year . Your honorable stake in Oahu are to adventure alfresco of Honolulu , as these snorkeling sites run to have more sea life hang around , and are less unbalanced - busy on the beach . And remember , refuge first , so if you go snorkel diving , bring a friend , and be aware of any possible ocean electric current – when in doubt , ask a lifesaver .

Hanauma Bay

Hawaii KaiHanauma Bay , a protected marine life conservation area located on the east side of Oahu , is managed by the State of Hawaii . There ’s a commons entry fee of $ 7.50 for visitant ; however , it ’s free for residents , military staff office , and tike under 12 . A mandatory picture provides condom and educational information prior to accessing the beach , but it ’s middling childlike : do n’t maltreat on the coral and do n’t feed the Pisces the Fishes . This is a great daub for new snorkelers , as there are tons of ocean creatures to run into without having to swim out too far . you could see the State fish – Humu humu nuku nuku apua’a – as well as sturgeon , wrasse , and parrot fishes , among many others . Have patience and look closely inside the crevices in the red coral , as there could be an octopus or eel hiding in spite of appearance .

Baby Makapu’u

WaimanaloBaby Makapu’u is locate on the Waimanalo side of Makapu’u Beach Park , on the east side of the island . Mostly visited by locals , it ’s have sex as a surfboarding spot , but it ’s a great stead to snorkel with turtles . Since it ’s not an overly mob beach , it really feels like you ’ve enrol the turtle ' world . And if you ’re a shell collector , there are plenteousness of strobilus shells for the pick . follow out for eggshell with subsist animals inwardly , though – they may seem harmless , but their venomous dart is no joke . There ’s a really gracious sandy beach field , and as a bonus , you’re able to walk along the beach and go under the Makai Research Pier , which is a prominent place for photos .

Shark’s Cove

PupukeaProbably one of the more well - cognise snorkeling blot on the North Shore , Shark ’s Cove has the signalise lineament of some interesting subaquatic rock formations and schools of needlefish and mullet that cloud close to shoring . It ’s good to explore this area during the summer month , as the wintertime swell often brings heavy waves into the true laurel . The variety of fish is interchangeable to Hanauma Bay , but feel less regulated , since there ’s no fee to pay and no video to determine … just gather your courage and jump out off the rocks into the ocean . Check out Pupukea Grill , a food motortruck across the street , which makes a kalua pig quesadilla that is so wholly substantial after a long day in the sun and exploring the salty ocean .

Sans Souci Beach

WaikikiIf you ’re count for a place to snorkel that ’s in town , comparatively safe , and easy to get at , Sans Souci Beach is exactly right . When the tide is high enough , swim over the shallow , flat reef to ensure out the fish and red coral . you could also follow the rock wall on the left side of the beach to view more Pisces the Fishes , but be measured – the current is strong in this distribution channel .

Electric Beach

KapoleiKahe Point Beach , aka Electric Beach , is named after its proximity to the electric mightiness works that pipes tender piddle into the ocean . Luckily for snorkel and scuba enthusiasts , the pee from these piping attract a overplus of undersea brute . There ’s a small parking draw by the beach that sometimes fills up , so cable car often park along the roadside near the train lead . The beach itself is n’t one to lay out on – it ’s pretty petite – but if you ’re there just to get in the piddle , it ’s perfect . There are n’t any lifeguards here , so it ’s really only a just paroxysm for stiff natator with passel of experience . Swim along on top of the pipe , and the quartz - clear pee makes for fantastic wake ; you ’ll definitely be able to ensure out coral and fish , and sometimes spinner dolphins , turtles , and monastic stamp make an show , too . Be careful not to swim directly in the path of the mouth of the pipes , as the stream is extremely hard and can beam people out into the sea in a style of seconds … but if you stick to swimming above and next to the pipes , you ’ll be fine .

Makua Beach

WaianaeIt ’s a far thrust out to the west side , but totally deserving it – the movement along the Waianae coast is scenic and beautiful . Makua Beach is home to a cod of spinner dolphins that often hang out in the former morning hours . This beach is n’t too heavily populated , so it ’s unquestionably a billet where you’re able to just enjoy relax undisturbed .

Ko Olina Lagoons

KapoleiThe four lagoons at Ko Olina are pure station for spend the day with friends . The lagoons themselves are protected , fairly tranquil , and a great place for commence swimmers . One of the downsides of these man - made lagoons is that there are no coral geological formation , but a major plus is that there are net ton of Pisces that swim through here , including butterfly , goat , Moorish beau ideal , tang , and wrasse . If you are n’t staying at the resorts , there ’s special public parking at each of the lagoons , with Lagoon No . 4 having the most number of space uncommitted . If you ca n’t make it out there early on to avoid the crew , just head to the No . 4 country and take a brusque walk along the connecting way . Each of the lagoons is pretty interchangeable and has like snorkel diving opportunity , so pick the least crowded one and have play !

snorkeling