Where to Snorkel on Oahu, Hawaii | 5 Best Snorkel Spots on Oahu
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- čas přidán 27. 06. 2024
- Here are the top 5 spots for snorkeling in Oahu, Hawaii, in our humble opinion. Plus we share where you can swim with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles on Oahu.
This is where you need to snorkel on Oahu! Need to know how to fit these snorkel spots into your Oahu vacation itinerary? With one download, your Oahu vacation planning is done! thehawaiivacationguide.com/oahu/
Need details? 5 Best Snorkeling Spots on Oahu: thehawaiivacationguide.com/be...
Erica and I love to snorkel. Since it was one of the few things to do in 2020 in Hawaii, we go a lot. After combing all the famous and not-so-famous #Oahu snorkel beaches, we whittled down the list to our top 5.
Oahu gets expensive but snorkeling is always free or cheap if you have to rent snorkel equipment. That is why we always recommend jumping in the many bays and coves around Oahu for great snorkeling.
Stay till the end as we share our three favorite places to swim with Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles.
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5 Best Snorkel Spots on Oahu, Hawaii:
00:00 Intro
00:54 Criteria for the top 5 snorkel spots on Oahu
01:39 #5 Queens Beach in Waikiki
03:55 #4 Kuilima Cove, Turtle Bay Resort Oahu
05:38 #3 Shark's Cove on North Shore, Oahu
06:51 #2 Hanauma Bay, East Oahu
08:41 #1 Electric Beach, West Oahu
Recommendation on Snorkel Gear:
Before you rush out to buy snorkel gear, we recommend renting when on the islands. Save on luggage space by renting. There are a lot of great, local renting shops on all the islands. One can get discounted rates by renting for the week. With a local shop, you can make sure you get quality snorkel gear and they can fit the mask properly. Many resorts also provide snorkel gear!
If you are still eager to purchase, here are our favorite snorkel gear sets that are travel-ready and fit very well! They are well-priced for the quality. thehawaiivacationguide.com/ha...
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Beautiful sharing 👋
Where Ariel Sellers save the children there ❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️
Question: is the grey color coral for example in queens beach in the video health or going to die? I thought coral reef should all colorful? Very curious
Thanks for you information about current travel rules! It really helped prepare for safe/low hassle travel with Covid guidelines, and also your info about the Big Island - my sister's and I are here right now loving it!!
Loved this spot for snorkeling !
My family is currently preparing for our first trip in 4 years! We're going to Oahu in 4 and a half months. Your lists are the best! you guys are responsible with these promotions and give cautions. I saw this tutorial where someone was recommending china walls when it's way too dangerous. Bravo guys!
We appreciate that! We do our best to recommend safe and responsible places to visit. Too many visitors get hurt or have to be rescued due to going to places they shouldn’t. Have a wonderful trip to Oahu!
One of my fav vids! Super helpful! Thank you again! T-minus 2 weeks now for us! 😍
thanks Jessy! Have a great trip, 2 weeks will fly by.
I love your positive vibes and seeing you include your little kid. Gorgeous videography too. Thanks for the video!
This is a great video with great information. I lived in Snorkel on Oahu Extensively, and for a short video this is fantastic
Wonderful video! I’m gonna try to hit all these spots for my trip to Oahu next week! Thank you!
Ohhh another great find for me (this video). Thanks….again!
Hanauma Bay is now $25 for non-residents, but free for locals. That is just way too high to snorkel. It was only around $7 the last time I was there in 2014. I actually found the Queen's Beach one by accident. I was at that beach and just thought the fish would hang out by the rock wall, and they did. There are some big fish there and it is a good location for swimming. For being right there in Waikiki, it isn't even very popular to snorkel at that place, but I really enjoyed it. It is in a really convenient location next to hotels and restaurants.
Thank you for putting the information together. We will start the trip to Hawaii and can't wait to try these spots :)
have a blast!
If anyone really wants to see turtles, I recommend Sharks cove! We went and saw 3 turtles there in about 2 hours. Loved it!
Exactly what I’m looking for
@@LpLGLZ2012 Yes, that’s what we did the other day. They don’t have anything (that I could see) for rent. So bring your umbrella and chairs and towels, everything. The parking wasn’t as bad as I thought as a lot of people come and go and there was a parking lot across the street, as well as a store and some food trucks. The cove itself was nice and shallow, I would recommend water shoes however as we found it to be pretty rocky, but it was the highlight of our trip!
Boy that name really lures me in
I live on Oahu and have been snorkeling at sharks probably about 50 times. I have never seen honu 🐢 in the tidepool area but on calmer days there are like 15+ snacking on the outside areas of tidepool. During the summer on days when the ocean is barely moving it's safe to swim on the outer areas. Also it's named shark's cove because from above it looks like a shark took a bite out of it. Turtle Bay is normally the best bet more than half the time there is at least 2 or 3 eating off the rocks about 15' from the shore.
Lanakai Beach has many as well.
Turtle Bay Resort is our favorite. Happy they renovated, sad we won’t be able to afford to stay there anymore due to the price increases. But will still visit the beaches there. 2 more months until Aloha🤙🏻🌺
Thank you so much for the great information. We're booked for a week in Honolulu and snorkeling in a major activity for us. Just knowing about closed days and parking is really helpful as we plan to make the most of our time there.Thanks again
Kailua is the windward side and so beautiful Lanikai beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
Thank you for these videos! Very informative. My fiancé and I wanna elope in Maui😊 Thanx again!
Beautiful 🐟🐠🐡. Mahalo for your vlog. Aloha 🌺🤙🏽
I love Snorkeling in Hawaii . 😀👍🏻🤙🏻
This is one of my fav videos of your whole collection.
Thanks for that! The snorkel videos are always fun to make. A Kauai one is coming out soon.
Hanauma Bay was awesome, we stayed in the water for like 3 hours, the drive there from Waikiki was also very scenic
Thanks for sharing, it’s a great place to visit.
Great video. Rebooked a 5 week holiday for July 2021, visiting 4 islands. Doubt I will be getting there though, as from UK. Will see you, Hawaii, in 2022! Stay safe folks!
Thank you so so much for sharing these tips!!! i'm adding Pupukea beach to my bucket list!!!
thanks for watching! Enjoy the snorkeling
We just got back from Oahu on 3/19. Was a great trip, water was still kinda cloudy from all the rain. We went to Electric Beach, but I think we were in the wrong spot. Still saw some cool fish though. Love the vids!
Very nice video. Really enjoyed a lot
I’m currently in Hawaii with my family thanks!
Great video. You really hit on key points as far as safety and idea places to go. Yes, electric beach is great but not for beginners. There have been near deaths and drownings. One beach which is good is paradise cove at KoOlina. Mahalo for the awesome video.
OMG, I can't wait to use your itinerary! I purchased it about 5 months ago, and I'm going next week!
thanks for grabbing our Oahu itinerary! have a wonderful trip next week!
Thank you!
Nice, great video bro, it's beautiful place for snorkeling.
Thank you so much! Just got back from the spot you recommended in Waikiki. We saw many fish, a sea snake, and even some squids!
That’s great! Thanks for sharing and enjoy the rest of your trip!
The video is very much appreciated.
Glad it helped!
Good guide
I can’t wait to try snorkeling! Thanks for the adventures!
Thanks guys, so wish I had seen this before we went in the fall of 19, really enjoy this, maybe we'll come back someday.
The drop off in sharks cove is great too if the surf isn’t bad.
Your videos are so helpful! Me and kids are booked for august! Can’t wait and just learning all that I can before I get there. Thank you for making these videos.
Thanks for watching and have a great trip!
CZcams brought me here. Excellent video.
that algorithm is powerful!
Sending full my supports👍😍🤩
Snorkeling on the right side at turtle bay has calmer water. Right side when facing the ocean or right side facing the island! Thx!
We tried to go to Hamauma bay last Wednesday morning. A sewage pump was broken so the entire park was closed. We went down the street to Sandy beach and had a good time, but we never did snorkel while we were there.
Thanks for sharing. I was surprised on the amount of fishes at electric beach
Hanauma Bay is $25 for entrance and DOES have gear to rent as of November 2023. Sharks Cove is great, super chill place. Far calmer than Hanauma Bay from what we experienced.
Thanks for sharing! Some things have changed since this video was published.
Loved all of these spots but I’d also recommend a beach on the northern side called Lanikai beach it was probably my favourite one out of all of Oahu
Jesus's l went to Hawaii for my daughter wedding in the beach. Oh my goodness l though puerto Rico was beautiful but next to Hawaii is unbelievable paradise we rent a house next to the beach l was there at 7..am in the morning. Thanks for the video.
Awesome! I'll check out Queens Beach. I only want to snorkel for a short time
Have a great time at Queens!
Great info, thanks! Lots of hidden gems here. I was wondering if you'd consider doing a video on the best places for local grindz. Highway Inn in Kakaako has the top spot for me in terms of Hawaiian food, but I'm sure there are a ton of other great places out here. :)
We love Highway Inn! We have such a video in the works!
I would love to see one of these for Hawai’i Island. I know it’s not the best island for snorkeling, but that’s why I’d love some insight! Plus, it would be cool to see rays!
We are planning to make one this year! check out our manta ray video for a short term fix: czcams.com/video/t1zYd0WaLEc/video.html
Electric beach is an amazing spot! And the current isn’t strong so you can go pretty far out
Hi. Thanks for the great info. In the video you said you would list your favourite snorkel tour companies in the notes but I don’t see them. Maybe I am blind? I am interested to know if there are good “boat only” snorkel places the way there is on Maui.
Ty. Man on tuesday im going to Oahu the reef seems beautiful
Hello thank you
👌👌❤❤☝
Its funny cause my first time ever i went to electric beach to the spot way off shore. Just staying calm made it super easy
Except for Electric's I went to those beaches soooooo much growing up. Shark's Cove a ton, Hanauma Bay a ton, in fact back in the late 60s it had very few fish because it had just been made a preserve. Then it gradually got, with people feeding the fish (it was eventually decided the safe things to feed them that won't mess up the water is frozen green peas) and after the "feeding frenzy" years the fish decreased to a more natural level. We used to go to the Toilet Bowl too but that's now allowed now. Now that I think about it, I got a ton of beach time as a kid. About "The Wall", if there are waves the water will be full of crazy kids on boogie boards. But, if you go past Queen's, over to the tip of Diamond Head, it's really nice there.
Thanks for the tips! I love watching those crazy kids at the wall. It sounds like you had a wonderful childhood on Oahu.
Hanauma Bay is now $25 pp reservations required. Some same day spots available.
Can you make a video on best snorkeling in oahu as far as shark attacks?
Oahu's waters are warm and inviting for snorkelers - that means you won't need a wetsuit, and don't forget the reef-safe sunscreen! Whether you're enjoying the Pacific Ocean from the shore or jumping off a catamaran, the snorkeling on Oahu is some of the best in the world.
Hello. Been watching most of your videos and I appreciate that you guys have this channel. Planning to visit Hawaii by February this year and looking to do snorkeling. These 5 places can we just go by ourselves or we need to buy ticket and take boats?
Those are all places you can go yourself. Park and walk in.
I love your videos. They are so helpful! Do you think Hanauma Bay would be crowded the first week of March? How early do you recommend arriving to get a spot? Thank you!
Yes, always busy. A reservation is now required for Hanauma Bay. Look online at the official County of Honolulu website to make a reservation
Love your videos. Are reservations required for Shark's Cove @ Pupukea Beach?
Open to the public. No reservations needed
hi there, so the hanauma bay gates open at 6:45 am for parking?
I got picked up and dropped on my head (in the sand) by a big wave. I had no control. The ocean wins every time
thanks for sharing. We take ocean safely seriously and try to put tips in every video. Don't mess with the Pacific!
Three Tables is top 2 in my opinion. Electric Beach being the other.
Three Tables is great but we were hesitant to recommend as it is dangerous in the winter.
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide understand. I was guessing that was why you excluded, but Shark’s Cove can be a little sketch in the Winter as well. Either way, keep up the great content.
Great video. Is there outdoor shower and public bathroom at the Kuilima Cove?
There is a shower and we are almost certain on public bathrooms too.
Jeez I remember back in the day going to Hanauma bay was free.
still is for residents at least!
Long gone days of yesteryear
I'll be there in June for 3 days and really to want to snorkel at least one time
Have fun and be safe out there! See here for a good guided snorkel tour The Oahu Snorkel Tour You Shouldn’t Miss | turtles, dolphins, and everyone can go
czcams.com/video/9yIS_N-wskI/video.html
Aloha, love watching all your videos. I’ve been to Maui three times, Oahu once. Thinking about going back Oahu this August and I love to snorkel. Are the reefs alive and healthy on Oahu? They look kind of brown in some videos.
Thank you,
Tracie🐠
Thanks for watching! the water had poor visibility due to the wind in some spots. the reefs are as healthy as the other main islands.
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide Thats not entirely true. Oahu, of all the islands, only has a couple good Hotspot of dense live coral. Most is dead now due to bleaching events. You can Google hawaii Islands coral cover map and find resources to see where there is some left.
Where do you get snorkel gear for the week?
Makua beach and yoks is amazing too. Saw dolphins
Hey guys from Cali! Great and informative videos! How much is the snorcle rent at shark Cove? And do you suggest to bring your own ? thanks :)
Give them a call to check rates as prices have changed in 2022. Renting is an easier option unless you have a travel size snorkel kit.
Hello. My 10 year old and I will be going in June. I couldn’t find the link you mentioned about where to locate snorkeling operators…
Ughh I was there just last week and stayed at a condo by Turtle Bay.
Wow I was looking for a video like this on your channel the other day. I recently went to Kaanapali after watching one of your other videos. We went snorkeling near the Westin villas and it was awesome. now I want to visit Oahu. Would you say Oahu is comparable to snorkeling in Maui or is Maui better?
We prefer Maui as Maui has more protective coves and more places to go.
great summary! Don't know if you are interested or have already done this, but there are some great placed to snorkel but getting there is better by boat charter. Thanks!
Are there any other coral reefs in Oahu besides Electric Beach?
What gear do you use to film? The visibility is so clear! Thank you!
we use a GoPro! easy and works great for underwater shots
Nice video. What’s the best day(in term of long wait to get in) of the week to snorkel at Hanauma Bay? It’s a nice place but 2-3 hours wait with little kids can be hectic.
Shark's Cove is Perfect for kiddos
Currently Hanauma Bay is $25 to get in and if you don't live in Hawaii you must have a reservation.
We are here in Ko’Olina now and went to Hanauma Bay a couple of days ago. It’s actually $25 per person now.
thanks for sharing the new price for Hanauma Bay!
was it worth to go to Hanauma and pay or KoOLina is great / same?! thanks!
Great video. Going in 2 weeks. Which one is safer for first timers/ beginners/ kids would u say? Hanauma Bay or Shark's Cove? Thank u in advance.
As you are going in the summer, Shark's Cove is shallow and well protected. Always check ocean conditions and stay away from the outlet of the cove. Be safe!
👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Number 2 is free for military and dependents
Thanks for the video. Do you know if we take the snokel tour can 5 year old kid go into the water with us?
Yes they can but call to confirm
Can you share the snorkel tour companies that you recommend? Thank you!
Thanks for asking, we have them listed here: thehawaiivacationguide.com/hawaii-recommendations/hawaii-best-tours-and-activities/oahu-tours-and-activities/
Our last day here, flight leaves at 9:30pm and it’s currently 7:45am, I think we are going to try Sharks Cove today, and have the car back at 7:30! Thanks!!
I hope the day went well for you! Good idea to get a little more of Oahu in before your flight.
Update…. It was the highlight of our trip! We came basically for the weekend and as I mentioned before snuck it in before returning the rental car and coming home! I was racing to be there before 11 due to parking but we needed to do our Covid tests and made it there for around 11:30-45. The parking wasn’t that bad as people were coming and going constantly. We took a break for the Adjacent food truck and had a delicious lunch! And the snorkelling itself was great (didn’t see a turtle sadly). We are land locked here in Alberta but felt very safe snorkelling there! We will be back! Thank you for making this video and for the recommendation!
Well done on getting up there for snorkeling! That sounds awesome. Plenty more to do when you come back from Alberta
Thank you for an informative video. I heard there are a lot of people who may steal your stuff and break into your car so how do you and your wife snorkel at the same time? Who’s watching your stuff??
It isn't as bad as people say it is online. But play it safe by not leaving valuables in plain sight in your car, secure them in a trunk. Bring minimal stuff down to the beach that is worth something so you can snorkel with peace of mind. Take the same precautions as you would on the mainland when going to the beach.
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide thank you. I will also bring a waterproof bag for phone so I don’t have to leave it on the beach. I appreciate your help.
There is a plane wreck off of Lanikai Beach, towards the Mokes, have you checked it out before? You probably need a kayak or SUP board to get to it, because it is a ways off of the beach.
I have heard of it but haven't checked it out yet. I love old wrecks like those around the island.
i went to kahe point in 2019 and i saw at least 4 times more fish there than any of the other snorkel spots i went to.
thanks for sharing! It is our #1 but not right for everyone due to the swim and depth. Mahalo!
You mentioned in your video that you would link your favorite snorkel Tour guides, but I don't see them. May I please have your favorite snorkel tour guides?
Snorkel Ala Wai
It’s absolutely magical. Just gotta make sure to get there early before everyone else goes.
What’s the best way to protect your personal items (keys, phone, wallet) when out in the water with a swim buddy? Planning a trip with one person and want to be safe in the water but doesn’t seem like a good idea to leave car keys and stuff unsupervised and also a bad idea in a water bag while swimming in case it gets caught on something etc. seems like the best thing is one person does very basic first timer snorkeling and trade off. Any tips are appreciated. Thanks!
Thanks for asking, we share tips in our Hawaii Packing List article here: thehawaiivacationguide.com/what-to-pack-for-hawaii-vacation/
It is in the what to pack for the beach section.
What is the most Kid-friendly snorkeling spot? any ideas?
Hanauma Bay is the best for kids. Queens Beach (Waikiki) close to the beach would be good too. Talk to the lifeguard before you go in.
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide thanks. was also considering queens beach
Do we need to make a reservation for Hanauma Bay? We’re visiting in March and definitely want to fit this in!
A reservation is required for Hanauma Bay. We give directions and tips on getting in on our itinerary thehawaiivacationguide.com/hawaii-recommendations/best-hawaii-itineraries/
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide thank you!!!
I tried to find Kaneohe Bay Sandbar from your list of videos but can't seem to find one. Have you been to there? If yes, do you know do you any boat tour besides captain bob's?
We haven’t been out to the sandbar but plan to on our next visit! Let us know how it goes. Have a great trip.
I snorkel on the left side of the bay it’s warm and clear. Great bay. A while ago they allowed ppl to buy brown pellet food for the fish to eat and this guy bought the food was feeding the fish which is no longer allowed, but then the fish were nipping at his nipples, lol, was so funny.
Any idea who can give the best tour of catamaran and snorkeling?
we enjoyed this one: thehawaiivacationguide.com/activities/catamaran-sail-snorkel-oahu-hawaii/
our video sharing the experience is coming out next week
Hunama bay is now $25 per person , no early entrey for free, Sharks is way better any day
What’s about Pat’s at panalulu? I can’t found any CZcams channel talking about Hauula part of the island.
It is a beautiful part of the island and I enjoyed hiking it when I lived on Oahu. We haven't made it over there with our toddler but we plan on to!
Kaiona. Da Ramp 'Nalo town
Hi guys! I’m going back to Hawaii next week but there is set to be some bad weather upon arrival. I know it can make water super cloudy and choppy! How long does it take after a bad storm for things to clear up again??? Any guesses? This will be due to tropical storm Calvin.
It will take a few days for the water to clear up after this bad storm. Snorkel towards the end of your trip and check conditions first. Good luck
Any of these have shallow enough water to snorkel for someone who can't swim? lol looks like fun
I’ll be in Oahu from feb 11-21 if u do meet n greets
I'm afraid we don't with our newborn right now. Thanks for asking! Have a great trip!
@@TheHawaiiVacationGuide NP, stay safe!! And we will, thanks.