5 Best Beaches in Oahu for Snorkeling with Turtles [2023]
Finding the best beaches in Oahu for snorkeling with turtles is on the to-do list of almost any visitor to this Hawaii island.
Although you can find many beautiful beaches in Honolulu such as Waikiki Beach and Ala Moana, they are not the best places to snorkel with turtles in Oahu.
There are many guides out there that will give you the names of the best beaches in Oahu North Shore for swimming with sea turtles, but you may arrive and find nothing or end up not able to enter the area! And it’s not because they lied.
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The truth is, some beaches are only “the best” during a certain time of the day or certain season of the year, so you may arrive at the wrong time and become disappointed. On the other hand, some beaches require reservations in advance, and you may miss the chance to go during your vacation.
In order to help you avoid those situations, I have included not only the top 5 beaches in Oahu for snorkeling and spotting sea turtles but also important information regarding when and how to visit.
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5 Best Beaches in Oahu for Snorkeling with Sea Turtles
1. Mokulua Twin Islands in Kailua Bay (Off Kailua Beach & Lanikai Beach) – Best Quiet & Secluded Beaches
The Mokulua Islands are two small islets and sea bird sanctuaries on the windward side of Oahu. If you stand on the beautiful Kailua Beach or Lanikai Beach, you will see Mokulua Iki on the right with one peak and Mokulua Nui on the left with two peaks.
While Mokulua Iki is closed to the public, Mokulua Nui is open during daylight hours. It is the perfect snorkeling spot on the east shore of Oahu for advanced and adventurous snorkelers.
Location
You can access the Mokulua Islands through Kailua Beach, which is about 40 minutes from Waikiki Beach and Honolulu.
How to Get to Mokulua Islands
From Waikiki, take the H1 West and merge onto the Pali Highway (HI-61) via exit 21B. The Pali Highway will take you directly into Kailua where it becomes Kailua Road. Stay on Kailua Road and follow it to the beach. You can reach Mokulua Island by kayaking or paddleboarding.
Where to Rent Kayaks & Paddle Boards for Mokulua Islands
You can conveniently rent kayaks or paddleboards at Kailua Sailboards & Kayaks in the shopping plaza across the street from the beach. Depending on the currents and weather conditions as well as your kayaking skills, it can take 45 minutes to 2 hours to reach the Mokulua Nui.
Keep in mind that there are lifeguards at Kailua Beach but no lifeguards on the island. You should confirm with the kayak rental shop or the lifeguards on the beach about the ocean conditions before heading out. For your safety, consider booking a guided tour.
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If you don’t feel comfortable doing the adventure on your own, you can sign up for a guided kayaking and snorkeling tour to Mokulua Islands. It is a bit pricier than other Oahu snorkeling tours because it includes kayaking, but it is well worth the money.
As part of the tour, you will receive all kayaking and snorkeling gear, including life jackets, paddles, dry bags, and island landing permits. You will get to snorkel on live coral reefs in Kailua’s turtle feeding grounds and discover hidden tide pools.
Why Snorkeling at Mokulua Islands
The old undersea lava formations make snorkeling at Mokulua Islands extremely popular. You can see green sea turtles, large formations of coral reefs, and rock crabs in the clear turquoise water. In the winter months, you may be able to see spinner dolphins and humpback whales. In addition to being a sanctuary for marine life, Mokulua island boasts some amazing views of Kaneohe Bay.
When to go Snorkeling at Mokulua Islands
If you take the guided kayaking and snorkeling tour to Mokulua Islands, there are three options to start from Kailua Beach at 7:30 AM, 9:00 AM, and 11:00 AM. In the case you want to do it on your own, remember to factor in the kayaking time back and forth, which can take up to 4 hours.
If you are not an experienced kayaker, try to leave before 1:00 PM. After a long day, you can stick around and relax at Kailua or Lanikai Beach for beautiful sunset views.
2. Hanauma Bay – Most Beautiful Beach near Diamond Head, Honolulu
Hanauma Bay is one of Hawaii’s most popular places for snorkeling and swimming. When you want to take a break from snorkeling, you can spend an afternoon exploring its white sands and you may encounter some Hawaiian sea turtles.
The standard entry fee is $25.00 for each guest. If you live on the island of Oahu and possess a valid Hawaii identification card or Hawaii driver’s license, there is no entry fee.
Location
Hanauma Bay has a favorable location on the Koko Head coast at Honolulu’s southern tip. It is about a 30-minute drive from Waikiki Beach and Honolulu. In addition to its diverse marine life, close proximity to Waikiki Beach is part of the reason why the area attracts millions of visitors from around the world per year.
How to Get to Hanauma Bay
Currently, there is no shuttle or tour bus allowed at Hanauma Bay, so you will have to drive your private vehicle, rental car, rental moped, Uber, or Lyft. From Waikiki, you can take H1 Freeway until it becomes Kalanianaole Highway then continue for approximately 10 miles. If you rent a moped from Waikiki, you can take HI-72 to get to Hanauma Bay.
There are only 300 stalls in the parking area and the lot does fill up early. Consider renting a moped in Waikiki or booking a shuttle to get to Hanauma Bay so you don’t have to worry about parking.
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Why Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
Hanauma Bay is a nature preserve that was formed within a volcanic crater and has been a popular snorkeling spot in Oahu.
Before the pandemic, Hanauma Bay welcomes approximately one million visitors per year. Thanks to a lack of human presence caused by social distancing and decreased demand for traveling to Hawaii islands during the pandemic, the reefs here sprang back to life and became more lively than before.
In an effort to protect the pristine marine life and ecosystem at Hanauma Bay, city officials have announced in April 2021 the new online reservation system to limit the number of visitors to 1000 guests per day.
When to go Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
The bay is closed to the public every Monday and Tuesday as well as Chrismas Day and New Year’s Day to let the fish feed without interruption. Hanauma Bay entrance opens at 6:45 AM and closes at 4:00 PM daily, but no entry is allowed after 2 pm. The entrance fee for adults is $25 per person. You can rent snorkel gear at the beach level.
Tickets are in high demand and can sell out within 5 minutes of becoming available at 7:00 AM HST two days before. So for example, if you want to go to Hanauma Bay on a Saturday, you should watch the reservation portal at 7:00 AM HST on Thursday.
The best time to snorkel at Hanauma Bay is early in the morning before it starts to get crowded, but you have the best chance of seeing sea turtles at the beach around 11 AM to 1 PM.
After enjoying the bay, you can take a scenic drive along the coast with dramatic cliff views. A few popular stops include the Halona Blow Hole and Makapuu Point. You can hike the nearby hiking trail called Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail or relax at the picnic areas before getting back.
Best Hanauma Bay Alternative
Can’t get a reservation? The best alternative to Hanauma Bay is the guided kayaking & snorkeling tour in Kailua Bay with a perfect 5-star rating.
3. Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach) – Most Famous White Sand Beach
Laniakea Beach (not to be mistaken with Lanikai Beach) is better known as Turtle Beach. This is one of the most famous beaches in Oahu North Shore. You are almost guaranteed to find Hawaiian sea turtles when you go swimming or just chilling onshore at Turtle Beach!
Location
Laniakea Beach is located on Oahu North Shore close to the beach town of Haleiwa. It is about an hour’s drive from Waikiki Beach and Honolulu.
Why Snorkeling at Turtle Beach
When you get to Laniakea Beach, you will see why it earns the name Turtle Beach. In fact, you may even be able to see sea turtles from the road as you drive by at noon. It really deserves to be one of the best beaches on Oahu North Shore to spot sea turtles (perhaps even on the whole island of Oahu).
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When to Visit Turtle Beach
Winter is the prime surfing season in Oahu North Shore, turning beaches into the perfect playground for experienced and professional surfers. The water conditions in the area are no longer ideal for snorkelers and inexperienced swimmers. As a result, the best time to visit any Oahu North Shore beaches is during the summer months when the water is calm and clear.
The best time of the day to spot sea turtles at Laniakea Beach is also around noon. There were so many of them I was able to spot them from the road as we head back to Waikiki. If you get hungry on the way back, there are some amazing shrimp food trucks near Haleiwa.
4. Puaena Point Beach Park – Best Hidden Beach on North Shore
If you want to avoid the crowd from Laniakea Beach, Puaena Point Beach Park is one of your best bets. It is one of the most beautiful hidden beaches in Oahu North Shore for swimming and spotting green sea turtles. There are showers available near the parking lot and plenty of restroom stalls with few people, so you don’t have to worry about wasting time standing in line.
Location
Puaena Point Beach Park is also located in Oahu North Shore. It is about a 5-minute drive from Laniakea Beach.
How to Get to Puaena Point Beach Park
From Waikiki, take the H1 West, keep left to continue on H-201 W, then keep right to merge on H1 West again. Take exit 8 to merge onto Hi-80, then continue for 10 miles before turning into Kamehameha Highway, and then turn right onto Kahalewai Pl.
Why Visit Puaena Point Beach Park
Although the shallow waters at Puaena Point Beach Park may sometimes make underwater visibility not so great, you can enjoy swimming and find many sea turtles near the rocky entrance on the left side of the beach.
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When to Visit Puaena Point Beach Park
Around noontime, you will find several green sea turtles munching on algae on the rocks by the beach. If you join the free tour with the premium Go Oahu Pass, you will leave Waikiki around 7 am and have approximately one hour at Puaena Point Beach Park around 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM.
5. Shark’s Cove – Best Beach Recommended by Locals
We met a few local surfers in Oahu North Shore who recommended Shark’s Cove for snorkeling. It is arguably one of the most stunning beaches in Oahu with dramatic cliffs views, soft white sand, and supreme visibility.
Location
Shark’s Cove is located in Pupukea Beach Park near Waimea Bay. It takes about 60-90 minutes to drive from Waikiki Beach and Honolulu. To break the long drive, you can stop at Pearl Harbor or Dole Plantation, both are popular attractions in Oahu.
How to Get to Shark’s Cove at Pupukea Beach Park
From Waikiki, take the H1 West, keep left to continue on H-201 W, then keep right to merge on H1 West again. Take exit 8 to merge onto Hi-80, then continue for 16 miles before getting on to HI-83W. Shark’s Cove should be on your right.
Why Visit Shark’s Cove at Pupukea Beach Park
Sharks Cove has a large set of tide pools with a wide range of beautiful tropical fish and sea creatures living in the surrounding waters. Shark’s Cove received its name because a reef outside the cove resembled the shape of a shark. You won’t meet any real sharks while snorkeling and swimming, but you will encounter various types of tropical fish and sea turtles.
When to Visit Shark’s Cove
There are only a few parking spaces nearby so it’s best to go early or later in the day when most visitors have already come and gone. The best time to snorkel at Shark’s Cove is around sunset. Similar to Laniakea Beach and Puaena Point Beach Park in North Shore, it is generally not a safe snorkeling spot in the winter due to strong currents and waves.
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Other Top-Rated Oahu Snorkeling Tours
- Incredible 2-Hour Shark Dive on the North Shore
- This snorkeling tour is definitely not for the faint of heart, but you can choose to get close to the sharks in a shark cage or watch them from the boat
- Hidden Gems of Oahu with North Shore Turtle Snorkeling
- The Oahu Hidden Gems Tour takes you on a full-day tour to all the major Oahu landmarks and hidden spots as well as a stop for snorkeling in Oahu North Shore to find sea turtles.
- Snorkeling Cruise & Swim with Turtles in Oahu
- Skip the crowded boat tours with this luxurious snorkeling experience in Oahu aboard a 50-foot (15-meter) yacht in a group of no more than six people. As you snorkel at an offshore reef you will find more colorful tropical fish and turtles in clearer water. Food and drink are included.
Best Beaches in Oahu FAQs
What part of Oahu has the best beaches?
Oahu has some amazing beaches with clear water, sandy bottom, and tall palm trees, so the best beaches vary depending on what you are looking for. If you like beach boogie boarding, body surfing, and sunbathing, then Waikiki Beach on the south side is great for that. If you are interested in surfing, then head to the north shore or east side of the island.
Hawaii has a whole lot more than just beaches, though. Itâs also got plenty of waterfalls, rainforests, and hiking trails. If youâre interested in seeing some of Hawaiiâs natural beauty as well as enjoying some time at a private beach, make sure you check out Kualoa Ranch!
Which Beach in Oahu Has the Clearest Water?
Of all the beaches in Oahu, Hanauma Bay is the one with the clearest water and is a nature preserve and marine life conservation district. Itâs a very popular spot for snorkeling and swimming. Even with the reservation system in place, I still recommend that you go early in the morning to avoid crowds.
Is there any black sand beach in Oahu?
There are several black sand beaches in Hawaii, especially in Maui and Big Island. They are formed by black lava cinders from volcanos. Unfortunately, there is no black sand beach in Oahu.
Best Snorkeling in Oahu FAQs
Is Waikiki Beach good for snorkeling?
Waikiki Beach is without a doubt one of the best beaches in Oahu. There are barriers along the beach that create an enclosed pool with turquoise water and calm waves in contrast to the outer wall. However, it is not a good snorkeling spot. You will mostly find people instead of sea life there, so I wouldnât recommend it for snorkeling.
Where to snorkel in Oahu without a car?
There are a few options if you donât have a car. You can rent a moped in Waikiki and easily get to Hanauma Bay or join a snorkeling tour. On the other hand, if you want to enjoy a relaxing vacation, you can stay at Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore or on the west coast. They both have beautiful and well-maintained beaches that are suitable for snorkeling.
Where is the best snorkeling spot in Honolulu?
If you want to snorkel in the Waikiki area of Honolulu, visit Queens Beach near the Waikiki Aquariumâs sea wall. If you donât mind a thirty-minute drive, Hanauma Bay at the southernâs tip of Honolulu is one of the best beaches for snorkeling in Oahu.
Key Takeaways: Best Places to Snorkel and Spot Sea Turtles in Oahu
You may have heard of the world-renowned beaches in Honolulu, but if you are fond of snorkeling in Oahu, swimming with sea turtles, or simply spotting them on the beach, you will want to go to the other sides of the island. The best beaches to see turtles in Oahu North Shore are Laniakea Beach (Turtle Beach), Puaena Point Beach Park, and Shark’s Cove. You can also spot sea turtles in Mokuloa Islands off Kailua Beach on the east shore and Hanauma Bay at Honolulu’s southern tip.
Keep in mind that although Oahu North Shore has some of the best beaches to spot sea turtles in the summer months, they may not be safe for snorkelers in the winter. Visibility may also be impaired during the winter when the waves are more prevalent. For precaution, you should always make sure to check the ocean conditions before heading out on your adventures.
Other Hawaii Travel Resources
- How to Tour Hawaii & Do More Things for Less Money $$$
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- Best Places to Visit in 6 Major Hawaii Islands
- Hawaii Travel Guide to help you pick the best Hawaii islands for your visit!
- Kualoa Ranch Tours: Which One is Worth Visiting?
- A complete guide and review of Kualoa Ranch tours and activities
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