The Best Beach to Snorkel in Oahu: 13 Top Beaches For Snorkeling

I just got back from an amazing week long vacation in Oahu Hawaii. One of the highlights of the trip was snorkeling and seeing all the tropical sea life. This activity guide shares the best beach to snorkel in Oahu.

I’ll share everything I learned from visiting this beach with the help of local friends so that your visit can go super smoothly. These tips include reserving reservations, getting the right equipment, and safety tips for snorkeling in Hawaii.

In addition to sharing the best snorkeling beach in Oahu, I’ll share 12 other amazing ones. These beaches are all great choices depending on your location and price point.

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#1 Best Beach to Snorkel in Oahu: Hanauma Bay

Address: 7455 Kalanianaole Hwy Honolulu | Reservation Required: Yes | Cost: $25 per person

Amenities: Restrooms, Lifeguards, Equipment Rental, Gift Shop, Educational Facility

Hanauma Bay is my favorite snorkeling beach in Oahu. It’s located in a protected bay that is part of the marine life conservation district. This means there are special protections in place to ensure there is abundant and diverse marine life such as tropical fish, urchins, turtles, and more.

The only disadvantage to snorkeling at Hanauma bay is having to get a competitive reservation. Below, I explain tips for snorkeling at Hanauma Bay to make it super simple.

Getting a Reservation for Hanauma Bay

Reservations are required for all visitors to Hanauma Bay. The reservations are highly competitive and sell out within minutes. Don’t worry, it’s still very possible for you to get one during your trip.

Reservations for snorkeling at Hanauma Bay go live two days before your desired date at 7 am local time. So, if you want to snorkel on a Friday, get your reservation booked on a Wednesday.

To get a reservation, log in to their system at around 6:50 am to give yourself extra time. Right at 7, the page will refresh and you will have the option to select an arrival time. I recommend getting an early one because there are often better sea life sightings in the morning.

Once you select your time, you will be prompted to enter your personal and payment information. The entrance fee is currently $25 per person.

Snorkel Reservations for Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

If you have your own snorkel equipment, you can definitely use that at any of these snorkeling beaches in Oahu.

If you don’t own your own snorkeling gear or don’t feel like hauling it all the way to Oahu, it’s super easy to rent at Hanauma Bay.

You can reserve a mask, snorkel, and fins online from this vendor. When you arrive at the beach, take the tram down to the water level and the rental desk is right next to the restrooms.

Spending a Day at Hanauma Bay

Arrive at Hanauma Bay at the time designated on your reservation. Be sure you have enough time to park and get in line for entry prior to your start time.

There is convenient parking on site for $3 cash, but it does fill up throughout the day. If you reserve one of the first slots in the morning, you should be fine to get a spot.

Once you enter the park, you will be required to watch a short 10-minute video and hear a safety and rules briefing. When you wait for the video, be sure to read all the educational signs about the reef.

After the safety briefing, you are free to take the tram or walk down to the beach. I recommend walking down so you can see the views of the bay.

At the beach, you are free to snorkel, swim, and relax on the beach until the park closes in the early afternoon. For the best wildlife viewing, snorkel on the left hand side as you look at the ocean.

The abundant fish and sea life such as turtles and urchins are the reason why this is the best beach to snorkel in Oahu. It was truly one of the best snorkeling experiences I’ve had in my life.

Other best places for snorkeling in oahu

There’s no doubt in my mind that Hanauma Bay is the top Oahu snorkeling beach. However, it has some downsides, such as the price and competitive reservation system. In addition, it may be a far drive from your hotel.

The good news is there are many great beaches for snorkeling in Oahu Hawaii that are spread all around the island.

Below, I list the next 12 best places to snorkel in Oahu in the North Shore, near Honolulu, and from Waikiki beach. These snorkeling beaches are divided by location, but listed in no particular order.

No matter which beach you choose, I can nearly guarantee you will see amazing tropical fish and have a fun day.

The Top Snorkeling Beaches Near Oahu’s North Shore

2. Aweoweo Beach Park

Address: 68-197 Au St, Waialua | Reservation Required: No | Cost: Free

Amenities: Restrooms, Outdoor showers

The crystal-clear water at Aweoweo Beach Park makes it easy to spot the vibrant coral and wide array of fish and sea turtles. The beach park is in a residential area, with plenty of parking and smaller crowds.

This is probably best beach to snorkel in Oahu for beginners, as the shallow waters make it easy to observe the underwater life without having to swim too deep.

3. Sharks Cove

Address: 59-711 Kamehameha Hwy Haleiwa | Reservation Required: No | Cost: Free

Amenities: Restrooms, Outdoor showers, Food trucks (across the street)

Sharks Cove has a large abundance of sea life such as coral, turtles, octopus, and fish. Despite the name, there are not sharks at this snorkeling spot.

The benefit of snorkeling at Sharks Cove is the quality of wildlife that you can spot. However, the area is very rocky and can become dangerous if the waves are large.

I recommend Sharks Cove for very experienced snorkelers that prioritize sea life over a relaxing beach experience. Note that this beach is very popular and may be crowded.

4. Kuilima Cove

Address: Kuilima Dr Kawela Bay | Reservation Required: No | Cost: Free

Amenities: Restrooms, resaurant

Kuilima Cove is located at the Turtle Bay resort near the North Shore. The beach itself is amazing white sands, and the cove is calm protected water. The snorkeling here is good, but not as good as some of the other best places for snorkeling in Oahu.

I recommend coming here if you are staying at the resort or prefer an amazing beach experience over spending all the time in the water.

5. Waimea Bay

Address: 61-031 Kamehameha Hwy. Haleiwa | Reservation Required: No | Cost: Free

Amenities: Restrooms, lifeguards, outdoor showers, picnic area

Waimea bay is one of the most beautiful beaches on the North Shore of Oahu. It’s actually the birth place of big wave surfing.

Fortunately, these giant waves are mostly around in the winter and the bay is calm in the summer. This beach is a great place to spend a full day relaxing. The snorkeling is good, and the bay is one of the best places to see sea turtles. In addition, the bay is super close to the town of Haleiwa with shopping and restaurants.

6. Ka’ena Point

Address: | Reservation Required: Permits required to enter Ka’ena point state park | Cost: Free

Amenities: None, this beach is very secluded

Ka’ena Point on the North Shore of Oahu is a great spot for snorkeling. The shallow, crystal-clear waters are full of tropical fish and colorful coral, making it the perfect place for viewing wildlife. In fact, during the summer months, schools of wild dolphins often make their way around Ka’ena Point.

The only way to get to Ka’ena point is by hiking, making this spot very secluded.

7. Three Tables

Address: 59-750 Kamehameha Hwy. Haleiwa | Reservation Required: No | Cost: Free

Amenities: Unknown

Snorkeling at Three Tables Beach in Oahu is amazing, with great opportunities for more advanced snorkelers. The ocean’s depths make the waters crystal clear, allowing for plenty of visibility while exploring the aquatic life below.

Fish, coral, and other marine animals can be easily spotted swimming around a shallow reef just off the beach. To get off the beaten path, there are a few rock formations just offshore where you can dive down among tropical fish and explore a bit farther.

Best Snorkeling Near Honolulu

8. Electric Beach (Kahe Point Beach Park)

Address: 92-201 Farrington Hwy, Kapolei | Reservation Required: No | Cost: Free

Amenities: Bathroom, outdoor showers

Electric beach, also known as Kahe Point Beach Park, is one of the beaches for the best snorkeling in Honolulu. The beach gets its name for the nearby power plant, which actually warms the water couple of degrees.

The warmer water attracts sea animals, especially turtles. This is a good beach for experienced snorkelers because the surf can get rough and the reef is a bit off of shore.

9. Ko Olina Lagoons

Address: Ulua Lagoon, Kapolei | Reservation Required: No | Cost: Free

Amenities: Restroom,s outdoor showers, nearby restaurants

The Ko Olina lagoons are protected swimming areas in the Ko Olina resort area of the island. There are four lagoons in front of resorts such as Aulani, the Marriott, and the Four Seasons.

The lagoons are very protected which makes them a safe swimming area for beginner snorkelers or kids. Although the lagoons are in front of the beaches, they are able to be accessed by the public. However, I wouldn’t go out of your way to snorkel here since the beaches can be very crowded with resort guests.

10. Lanikai Beach

Address: 988 Mokulua Dr, Lanikai | Reservation Required: No | Cost: Free

Amenities: None

Lanikai beach is one of the most popular on the island. It has super soft white sand and bright blue, clear water. The sight of Lanikai beach alone is enough to take your breath away.

In addition to being a great beach, there is good snorkeling right off the sand. It’s super close to Honolulu, but less busy than Waikiki. Parking will fill up so arrive early in the day.,

11. Sans Souci Beach

Address: 2863 Kalakaua Ave, Honolulu | Reservation Required: No | Cost: Free

Amenities: Restrooms

Sans Souci beach is one of the best snorkel spots on Oahu, close to Waikiki. The reef is directly off shore, making snorkeling from this beach super easy for beginners.

This is definitely not the best beach to snorkel in Oahu, but for the convenient location, it’s a great option.

Snorkeling in Waikiki

12. Waikiki Beach

Address: 2335 Kalākaua Ave, Honolulu | Reservation Required: No | Cost: Free

Amenities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, beach chairs and umbrellas for rent, restaurants nearby

Waikiki beach is the most popular beach in Honolulu. It’s a great beach for a relaxing day of laying out, playing in the sand, and swimming.

While it is possible to snorkel off of Waikiki beach, you will not see much sea life. I recommend snorkeling from Waikiki beach if you are short on time and don’t want to go out of your way for a snorkeling excursion. Otherwise, you will be better off visiting a different beach on this list.

13. Turtle canyon (need a boat tour)

While not technically a snorkeling beach, turtle canyon is the best place to snorkel from Waikiki. Turtle Canyon is a nature reserve around a mile off of Waikiki beach.

There are many snorkeling boat tours that leave from the beach to snorkel at Turtle Canyon. The reef has a ton of turtles (per the name) and plenty of diverse tropical fish as well.

Map of Snorkeling Beaches in Oahu

This map will help you visualize the locations of the best snorkeling beaches in Oahu. Use this map to decide what beach is the most convenient based on your location.

As you will see, there are amazing snorkeling locations all over the island so you will never need to go far.

Traveling to Oahu Hawaii soon? Be sure to read my complete Oahu travel guide for planning tips and a 7 day itinerary.

Best Snorkel Boat Tours from Honolulu

With so many great beaches to snorkel in Oahu, there’s really no need to take a snorkel boat tour. However, I’m a girl that loves any excuse to go on a boat.

The benefits on a boat tour are that you can explore the island from the water, snorkeling gear is included, and it’s often a full-day excursion.

Below are the top three snorkel tours from Honolulu Hawaii:

If you are looking to snorkel from Waikiki, this boat tour is your best option. It starts at the Waikiki marina and visits Turtle Canyon nature reserve.

On the boat ride, you can spot large sea life such as whales or dolphins. At Turtle Canyon, you will see plenty of sea turtles and other marine life such as fish or coral. All the snorkel equipment is included and light refreshments will be provided.

This scooter submarine tour is the most unique way to see sea life in Oahu. The tour starts with a catamaran ride around Diamond Head crater.

You will then hop in the water with your own electric powered snorkeling scooter. You can propel yourself through the ocean to view sea life such as fish, turtles, and coral.

This tour includes all the snorkeling equipment and light refreshments on the boat.

This combo tour has it all – snorkeling, kayaking, paddling boarding, and water slides. This tour starts with a visit to a popular dolphin area, with a high chance of seeing spinner dolphins in the wild.

Then, head to a popular snorkeling location for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities. Enjoy a local lunch on the boat before returning to the marina.

What to Pack for Snorkeling in Hawaii

Packing for a snorkeling day trip requires some special items to make sure you’re prepared for the beach. These items include what to wear, protection from the sun, and gear to make your snorkeling excursion more enjoyable.

Swimsuit – Of course, you will need a swimsuit for snorkeling. I recommend one with good coverage so you are comfortable while swimming.

Rash guard – Protect your back from the sun with a long sleeve rash guard while swimming.

Sandals – Water sandals are a great things to pack in case there is a rocky entrance to the water.

Reef safe sunscreen – Regular chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate which can harm coral reefs when washed off of your skin. Reef safe sunscreen is a type of sunscreen that is designed to protect you from the sun’s UV rays without putting coral and other marine life in danger. Typical ingredients used in reef safe sunscreens are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and avobenzone.

Towel – I recommend packing two towels – one to lay on when you’re on the beach and a second in the car to help wipe off the sand at the end of the day.

Snorkel gear – Either pack your own or rent snorkel gear for the day. Be sure to have a mask, snorkel, and fins.

Waterproof camera – This is definitely not an essential item on your snorkeling packing list, but it can be a fun addition to capture underwater photos of the sea life.

Beach Bag – A good bag is a must for the pool or beach. Unfortunately beach bags can be super bulky. This one is compact to fit into your luggage, but still holds all of your snorkeling essentials.

5 Tips for a Fun Snorkeling Excursion

1. Wear a wetsuit or rash guard to prevent chafing, while also providing a layer of protection from the sun’s rays.
2. Ensure your fins fit well. Fins help you move more efficiently through the water and provide stability when you’re navigating around rocks or coral reefs.
3. Rinse your goggles with dish soap to prevent fogging, to keep your visibility good during your snorkel.
4. Float on the surface of the water you don’t disturb the marine life, corals, or other reef creatures with your fins. It’s ok to dive down in deeper water, just avoid touching the reef.
5. Follow any rules posted by local authorities regarding areas where snorkeling is not allowed and be mindful of your surroundings when exploring new locations.

Safety Tips for Snorkeling in Oahu

Snorkeling is an enjoyable and rewarding activity, but it’s important to keep safety at the top of mind. The ocean is a powerful force of nature with many potential hazards.

Here are the top three most important safety tips for snorkeling:

1. Always use the buddy system—it’s not safe to snorkel alone.
2. Be aware of your environment and the marine life that surrounds you. Pay attention to currents or other hazardous conditions that could put you in danger.
3. Wear a personal flotation device, like a life jacket, if needed.

Pay attention to warning signs, buoys, and lifeguards (if present) for specific safety considerations for the snorkeling beach you visit.

Summary of the best beaches in Oahu for snorkeling

This list of best snorkeling spots in Oahu shares the best places to visit for amazing sea life and relaxing beach time. If you are still wondering where to snorkeling Oahu, let me arrow it down further. Here are the top 4 best snorkel spots Oahu broken down by location:

North Shore – Sharks Cove

West Coast – Electric Beach

East Coast – Lanikai Beach

Honolulu – Hanauma Bay

For more Oahu Hawaii travel tips, read this 7 day itinerary.

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