Is there anything better than a day spent snorkeling Oahu?
I love planning excursions when vacationing in Hawaii, and snorkeling is at the top of my list.
Friends told me about some of the best snorkeling spots in Oahu, and I was determined to experience them in person.
With warm waters and vibrant coral reefs, Oahu is a fantastic area of the Hawaiian islands for snorkeling—I saw magnificent fish and marine animals!
This snorkeling Oahu guide has everything from beginner snorkeler spots to intermediate areas.
Book fun Oahu activities below through GetYourGuide:
Snorkeling Oahu: 13 Otherworldly Spots
1. Three Tables
When arriving at Three Tables, wear your goggles and snorkeling gear and prepare for an unforgettable experience.
This area earned its nickname from the three tabular reefs along the shoreline.
With many healthy corals and aquatic life, most visitors see green sea turtles and eagle rays from the furthest reef.
Three Tables offers a secluded, peaceful escape from other overcrowded snorkeling Oahu spots.
The small stretch of sand is perfect for a chill beach day or sandcastle-building, while the surrounding trees provide shade.
Families with young children will enjoy snorkeling here—remember there is no supervision or lifeguard service. Be careful if you visit during winter when the waves are strong.
Three Tables is part of the Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District, home to native species like monk seals and endangered Hawaiian creatures.
Fishing is strictly forbidden here so the aquatic ecosystems can flourish.
2. Sunset Beach Park
Escape to Oahu’s North Shore paradise to discover Sunset Beach Park, famous for its majestic views, tranquil crystal clear waters, and picturesque palms.
Sunset Beach is an oasis for snorkelers and surfers, making it an excellent option for the whole group.
From the beautiful beach, marvel at an array of vibrant marine life and coral—further out, the waters become increasingly deep with sandbanks.
Be cautious when swimming close to the reefs to avoid getting cut.
Snorkeling at Sunset Beach Park isn’t recommended in winter due to its massive swells, which are fun for surfing but dangerous to snorkel.
3. Hanauma Bay
Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay is a fantastic experience that water lovers must try.
Located 20 minutes from Honolulu is the beautiful Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, famous for its mild waves, shallow entry point, and picturesque aquamarine waters.
Hanauma Bay is home to many marine species, making it an ideal destination for a day of salt, sun, and sea!
The bay allows snorkelers to explore multiple locations with varying difficulty levels.
From colorful coral formations to sea turtles in their natural habitat, there’s something special here for everyone.
Along the curved bay, visitors will find various snorkeling sites perfect for beginners—don’t forget you can jump in from the shore.
The shoreline features sandbanks and rocky reefs, which create stunning miniature tidal pools.
Local conservation efforts protect this remarkable ecosystem, and you’ll need to make reservations ahead of time and pay a fee to enter.
4. Kuilima Cove
Kuilima Cove, behind Turtle Bay Resort, is the perfect destination for snorkeling, especially with young children.
Calm, crystal-clear waters make this cove ideal for exploring the underwater world.
The bay area lies in a naturally protected cove surrounded by land, so expect a vast soft sand beach with easy ocean access.
Stay mindful while entering the water—avoid stepping on rocks near the shoreline, as they can be sharp.
Kuilima Cove, often called Turtle Bay Beach, is the perfect snorkeling Oahu spot for sea turtles.
Visit early in the morning for your best chance to spot the creatures in their natural environment.
5. Waimea Bay
Waimea Bay is highly regarded for its fantastic visibility, pristine beach, and one-of-a-kind snorkeling experience.
Entering the water from shore is effortless, and it feels like you’re swimming in a giant pool because the waters are incredibly tranquil.
“The Rock,” a colossal ocean boulder in the center of Waimea Bay, is one of its most distinctive features.
This formation is excellent for lounging with friends and boasts thrilling rock jumping and climbing activities.
Underwater tunnels lie beneath The Rock, where you can swim alongside schools of fish—venture to the far ends of the beach for incredible coral formations!
Many sea turtles live here in addition to dolphins, creating a postcard-worthy scene.
6. Kaʻena Point State Park
Go snorkeling at western Oahu’s Kaʻena Point State Park for a taste of paradise.
This stunning beach park is brimming with local history and folklore stories—some believe souls venture here when they depart from this world.
Aside from the captivating tales, it’s also famous for breathtaking scenery above and below the water, perfect for snorkeling.
While traveling to the main beaches, you’ll encounter vast fields, dunes, and friendly seals.
Once arriving at the destination, take a moment to admire the beach’s rocks, shady palms, and smooth sand.
Head to the north side of Mokuleia, with fewer boulders, or go west to Keawa’ula for a sunset snorkel.
Both beaches require walking from the parking lot, but the snorkeling is worth the effort.
7. Laniakea Beach
Laniakea Beach is the snorkeling Oahu spot to beat for close encounters with Hawaiian green sea turtles.
Nicknamed “turtle beach,” this area boasts natural coves ideal for snorkeling thanks to the soft sand and swaying palm trees.
On sunny days, the ocean begins to sparkle—snorkeling isn’t ideal during choppy conditions when visibility is low.
Keep your distance from sea turtles on shore, as they easily blend in with the environment and can be mistaken for rocks.
Respect these majestic creatures by allowing them the necessary space for relaxation without disruption or disturbance.
8. Sans Souci Beach
Sans Souci Beach is another excellent spot for snorkeling in Oahu, along the island’s famous North Shore.
This beach is a calm, beginner-friendly destination with shallow waters and minimal waves.
The entry point here is straightforward, as you can walk directly into the ocean.
Sans Souci Beach’s water quality is pristine, and visibility is excellent, making it a great choice for first-time snorkelers.
The ocean bed beneath this area features stunning coral formations and fish—there’s something new to discover every time.
9. Turtle Canyons
Swim among Hawaii’s majestic green sea turtles at Turtle Canyons, one of Oahu’s best snorkeling spots.
Unlike other locations, Turtle Canyons can only be accessed by taking a boat tour from Kahanamoku Beach in Waikiki, which lasts around three hours.
Shallow waters surround the Ko Olina Lagoons, which are suitable for all experience levels.
Jump from the boat and head to Turtle Canyons, where you can marvel at sea turtles while snorkeling.
While exploring the ocean depths, watch for other creatures, like octopuses and humpback whales, from December until April.
10. Waialua Bay
At Waialua Bay, rocks of all shapes and sizes form an enormous tidal pool perfect for snorkeling.
The shallow depths and shelter the surrounding boulders provide make it ideal for beginners, families with children, and casual snorkelers.
Scuba diving is also popular off this coast due to the abundant marine life, including tropical fish and a coral reef teeming with Hawaiian sea turtles.
For a more challenging snorkeling experience, head to Haleʻiwa Beach, a five-minute drive from Waialua Bay.
Once you arrive, expect turtles to swim unbelievably close to shore—maintain your distance per safety regulations so everyone can enjoy this exquisite area.
Be careful navigating areas with sea urchins and reefs to avoid damaging the ecosystem.
11. Shark’s Cove
Shark’s Cove’s beach boulders and rocks along the shoreline offer idyllic sightseeing and snorkeling opportunities.
Don’t worry about the name—there are no sharks here! This beautiful area got its nickname because of its shape, which looks like a shark outline.
While there isn’t much beach area here, crowds play in the tidal pools while exploring hidden corners and crevices.
The cove is also home to many crabs, tropical fish, eels, and crustaceans swimming peacefully through the calm water.
The main tidal pool is brimming with activity, but head to the righthand side of the beach (where there’s no rocky wall) for larger waves and plentiful marine life.
Oahu’s three Marine Life Conservation Districts provide remarkable opportunities to spot graceful schools of fish swimming by.
Shark’s Cove is the perfect snorkeling Oahu spot during summer but can be risky in winter due to rough conditions and strong currents.
For your safety, wear aquatic shoes—there are many rocks at Shark’s Cove.
12. Kahe Point Beach Park
Kahe Point Beach Park, or Electric Beach, gets its name from the offshore power plant.
The warm waters make this spot ideal for spotting aquatic animals—while the beach is small, you’ll find turtles and fish under the water.
Experienced snorkelers must take advantage of Kahe Point, situated on the south side of the beach.
You can find reefs up to 45 feet deep a short swim from the shore.
I suggest avoiding this beach park during winter, even for advanced swimmers, as the surf gets rough.
13. Mākaha Beach Park
Mākaha Beach Park offers an extraordinary snorkeling experience with friendly turtles and dolphins.
Step onto the soft, white sand, dive into the calm waters and prepare to be awestruck.
Note the rocky areas with living reefs, so wear aquatic shoes if you plan to explore here.
Swim away from shore for your best chance of sighting spectacular sea life.
I especially love visiting this area during summer, when you can lounge in the sun for hours.
Snorkeling Oahu is one of the best ways to experience Hawaii’s natural beauty and wildlife!
If you plan a trip to Hawaii, check out my other Honolulu guides.
14 Epic Hikes to Waterfalls in Oahu
Things to Do in Honolulu, Hawaii
FAQs
Oahu offers some of the world’s best snorkeling spots!
There’s no wrong time to visit Oahu, but spring and fall are ideal for fewer crowds and pleasant weather.
I recommend Hanauma Bay.
Elise Armitage is an entrepreneur and founder of What The Fab, a travel + lifestyle blog based in California. At the beginning of 2019, Elise left her corporate job at Google to chase her dreams: being an entrepreneur and helping women find fabulous in the everyday. Since then, she’s launched her SEO course Six-Figure SEO, where she teaches bloggers how to create a passive revenue stream from their website using SEO. Featured in publications like Forbes, Elle, HerMoney, and Real Simple, Elise is a firm believer that you can be of both substance and style.
