Best Oahu Snorkelling: 11 Top Spots in 2025

Looking for the all best places to snorkel on Oahu?

There’s a lot to choose from! It’s definitely worth hitting a few spots before picking your favourite. But it can be hard to know where to start, especially when your time is limited.

During my 9 years living on the island, I was in the water as much as possible, and I was able to try out each of these.

There are popular spots that you’ve probably heard of, but there are also a few hidden treasures that you might even have to yourself. And wherever you’re staying on the island, chances are there’s great snorkelling just around the corner.

Oahu’s Best Spots to Snorkel

Keep in mind that the time of year can affect where you snorkel. North Shore areas from Kaena Point to Kahuku Point is known for its large winter waves.

Beaches like Waimea Bay, Banzai Pipeline, and Sunset Beach are particularly famous for their rough waters and big-wave surfing.

Check the surf report before you make your plans – Hawaii Weather Today is a good one. The water might be calm in the winter, but it might not be – best to check.

Beginner-Friendly:

1. Kuilima Cove

• Lifeguard: No

Located near Turtle Bay Resort, this is a sheltered cove that’s ideal for beginners. The waters are usually calm with plenty of fish to see – it’s a great place to explore the underwater world without any worries.

You’ll find a variety of fish swimming around the coral, and the clear water makes it easy to see all the marine life.

It’s a peaceful and beautiful spot, ideal for a relaxing day in the water. Plus, being near the resort means you can easily grab a bite to eat or take a break whenever you need to. There are restrooms there for beachgoers to use, too.

2. Sans Souci Beach

• Lifeguard: Yes

Sans Souci Beach, also known as Kaimana Beach, is a pretty spot at the eastern end of Waikiki. It’s next to the Waikiki Natatorium War Memorial and the Waikiki Aquarium.

It’s a popular spot for both locals and visitors, who love it for its calm waters and excellent snorkelling conditions. The beach has a gentle reef that creates a calm area, so it’s easy to spot colourful fish and other marine life.

It’s a fantastic place to spend a sunny day, with plenty of space to lay out a towel and soak up the sun. Plus, it’s close to Waikiki’s eateries, so you can grab a snack or meal after your snorkel.

3. Queen’s Beach

• Lifeguard: Yes

Queen’s Beach in Waikiki is another great spot for snorkelling. The water here is clear and usually pretty calm, making it easy to see all the colourful fish and coral.

There’s a reef right off the shore, so you don’t have to swim far to start seeing marine life.

It’s part of the Waikiki Marine Life Conservation District, and the underwater scenery is full of interesting creatures. Plus, since it’s right in Waikiki, you’ve got plenty of places nearby to grab a snack or take a break.

🐡 Tip: Commonly seen in Waikiki waters are Hawaiian Triggerfish (Humuhumunukunukuapua’a), Eagle Rays, Octopus, honu, and parrot fish, to name just a few.

4. Hanauma Bay

• Lifeguard: Yes

Hanauma Bay, located on the southeastern coast of Oahu, is probably its most well-known snorkelling spot. The bay is a protected marine life conservation area, which means the underwater ecosystem is protected and teeming with life.

The waters are typically calm and clear, providing excellent visibility to see a wide variety of colourful fish and coral formations.

One of the highlights of snorkelling at Hanauma Bay is the abundance of marine life. You’ll see everything from parrotfish and butterflyfish to the occasional sea turtle.

The reef is close to shore, so you don’t have to swim far to start your underwater adventure.

The bay is particularly well-suited for beginners due to its calm conditions and easy access. You can rent any equipment here you need, with the possible exception of sizes to fit small children.

When planning a visit to Hanauma Bay, there are a few things to keep in mind. Hanauma Bay operates on a reservation system to control the number of visitors and protect the marine environment.

It’s important to book your visit in advance. Also, there is an entrance fee, which goes towards conservation efforts. If you aren’t able to reserve a spot for the day you want, try coming early, at about 6:45am. You may be able to get walk-in tickets.

The park also has excellent facilities, including restrooms, showers, and a visitor centre with educational displays about the marine life you’ll encounter.

Parking at Hanauma Bay can fill up quickly, so it’s a good idea to arrive early. Plus, all visitors must watch a brief orientation video about conservation and safety before entering the beach.

This way everyone understands the importance of protecting this beautiful marine habitat.

Something to note about Hanauma Bay – it’s really popular and tends to be quite crowded, in and out of the water. If this doesn’t sound like what you’re looking for, you might prefer to snorkel at one of the other spots on the list.

Intermediate

These beaches might have more coral and other obstacles under the water to navigate. The reefs where snorkelling is best might also be farther out than what a beginner may be comfortable with.

There may also be deeper spots and more people to contend with, making these spots better for snorkellers with some experience.

6. Waimea Bay

• Lifeguard: Yes

The water here is clear and usually calm during the summer. There’s a variety of marine life right off the shore, so you can start exploring right away.

The underwater scenery is vivid and full of interesting creatures, with plenty of reef fish and sometimes even sea turtles. Plus, since Waimea Bay is a popular spot, you’ve got places a short drive away to grab a snack.

Waimea Valley, across the road, has a restaurant and a snack shop. Plus, the Pupukea Foodland is about a 5-minute drive, and Haleiwa is 10 minutes away.

Just remember, parking can get crowded, especially on weekends. The waves can be quite large in the winter, too, making it more suitable for experienced swimmers during that time.

This is actually where the big wave surf competition the Eddie takes place in winter (when the waves are big enough).

7. Turtle Canyon

• Lifeguard: N/A

Turtle Canyon is located offshore from Waikiki. The water here is crystal clear and usually calm, so it’s perfect for spotting sea turtles and sea creatures.

Since it’s located offshore, you’ll need to take a boat tour to get there. You’ll be supplied with a guide and equipment – just jump in!

There is a lot of marine life, and you don’t have to venture far from the boat to start exploring the underwater world. It’s an exciting location, with sea life. Just remember to bring reef-safe sunscreen!

🤿 This boat ride ride out into Turtle Canyon has been rated 5/5 stars by over 3,500 people. It really is one of the best one out there. They even provide snacks and drink for you. And in the there’s the possibility of seeing humpback whales! Click Here check availability and to book your spot!

8. Three Tables

• Lifeguard: No

Near Shark’s Cove, this spot has three flat coral reefs (Three Tables) that make for great snorkelling. It’s best to check the surf report in the winter before you go.

The water is clear, providing excellent visibility for observing the marine life. The reef here is characterized by its flat coral formations, and it’s an interesting underwater landscape that’s easily accessible from the shore.

Since it’s on the North Shore, conditions are best in the summer when the water is calm.

Parking can be challenging, so it’s a good idea to get here early. Plus, there are no lifeguards, so snorkel with a buddy and stay aware of the ocean conditions.

Foodland Pupukea is right close by, and they’ve got a good selection of snacks. You’ll also find a group of food trucks, a Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, and a few other eateries.

There are no facilities, but it’s a fairly easy walk to the restrooms at Shark’s Cove.

Experienced

These beaches may have challenges like strong currents, deeper waters, or larger waves. They may also have tricky entry and exit points, with rocky points or waves that can make getting in and out tougher.

9. Shark’s Cove (sorry, no sharks here)

• Lifeguard: No

Shark’s Cove, situated on Oahu’s North Shore in Pupukea Beach Park, is a fantastic spot for snorkelling. It’s also my personal favourite.

The water here typically offers great visibility to see the wide variety of marine life. These include colourful fish and fascinating rock formations, and often Hawaiian green sea turtles.

The cove itself is named for its shape, and it provides a sheltered area that’s fairly easy to access from the shore. It can be tricky to get out though, just because the way is full of rocks and coral.

The movement of the water can push you against them.

One of the highlights of Shark’s Cove is the intricate network of underwater rock formations and tide pools. They create a unique snorkelling experience.

You’ll see plenty of interesting fish species and, if you’re lucky, even the occasional octopus or eel. The summer months are the best time to visit, as the waters are much calmer, making snorkelling safer.

However, parking can be challenging, particularly on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is a good idea. There are no lifeguards on duty, so it’s important to snorkel with a buddy and stay aware of the ocean conditions.

The North Shore waters can be unpredictable, especially outside of summer, with stronger currents and larger waves. Don’t go past the cove out into open ocean – currents are much stronger out there.

Similar to Three Tables, next door, there is a Foodland grocery store nearby. The food truck will keep you going, and facilities are available in front of the tide pools.

10. Kahe Point Beach Park (Electric Beach)

• Lifeguard: No

Kahe Point Beach Park, also known as Electric Beach, is located on Oahu’s west coast, near the town of Kapolei. It’s a fantastic spot for snorkelling due to the clear waters and plentiful marine life.

The name “Electric Beach” comes from the nearby power plant, which discharges warm water into the ocean, attracting a variety of sea creatures.

When snorkelling at Electric Beach, you’ll be treated to an impressive variety of colourful fish and coral formations. The warm water outflow from the power plant creates a unique underwater environment.

Large schools of fish are drawn in, and you might even spot dolphins or turtles if you’re lucky. The visibility is excellent, making it easy to see the marine life up close.

Parking is available but can fill up quickly, so arriving early is a good idea. The entry point to the water is a bit rocky – I like to put on my fins and walk in backwards.

Here again, there are no lifeguards on duty, so it’s important to snorkel with a buddy and keep an eye on the water. The currents can be strong, particularly further from shore, so staying close to the entry point is a safer option.

Electric Beach has basic restrooms and showers, but the closest food options are about a 15-minute drive in Kapolei. This beach isn’t very scenic – but once you’re in the water, who cares?

11. Makaha Beach Park

• Lifeguard: Yes

A bit more off the beaten path, this spot on the west side of the island offers excellent snorkelling with lots of marine life and great visibility.

This beach is popular for its underwater ecosystem, including coral reefs and a multitude of colourful fish species.

One of the highlights of snorkelling at Makaha Beach Park is the chance to see larger marine animals like sea turtles and, occasionally, dolphins.

The reef extends out from the shore and is a wonderful place to explore. During the summer months, the water is typically nice and calm.

There is parking available, but again it can get busy on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is a good idea. Also, there have been car break-ins, so don’t keep anything valuable in your car, and put belongings in the trunk.

There are no lifeguards on duty, and the currents can sometimes be strong, particularly further from shore. Stay within a comfortable distance from shore to stay safe.

This is one of the very few beaches on Oahu where I’ve found that the sand gets uncomfortably hot. Wear water socks or a cheap pair of slippers (AKA flip flops) to get across it.

Makaha has restrooms and outdoor showers, and the area has a few choices for snacks. About a 10 drive away though, you’ll find the town of Waianae, where you’ll have better choices. I recommend trying L&L Hawaiian Barbecue – so ono!

Oahu Snorkelling Beach Map

Summing It Up – the Best Snorkelling on Oahu

There are some great choices for snorkelling on Oahu, no matter your skill level. Snorkelling is a great way to enjoy Oahu’s fantastic beaches.

I recommend that you stop in at one of the millions of ABC stores and pick up a plastic-coated, coloured guide to the island’s fish. It’s just more fun to know what you’re looking at.

ABC is another good place to pick up an inexpensive snorkel set if you need one. But a better option is to find a Long’s Drugs (CVS). They’ll have everything you need, from snorkelling and snacks to souvenirs and sunscreen.

A sun-protective rash guard isn’t a bad idea either.

Hele ahi’oli (Happy travels!)

Keep Reading:

🍤 5 Day Oahu Itinerary: An Expert’s Guide for 2025
🐡 Best Oahu Airport Shuttles: How to Get to Your Hotel in 2025
🪼 Oahu Beaches and Jellyfish: Here’s What You Should Know
🏄🏻‍♂️ 51 Best Things to Do in Oahu in 2025