Best Snorkeling in Oahu | Location Guide in 2023

You’ve come to the correct location if you’re seeking the Best Snorkeling in Oahu has to offer. Anyone who enjoys snorkeling near Oahu or in the water would do well to visit Hawaii. There is a post I’ve made with the top five spots for snorkeling in Oahu. As Oahu only made the cut once, I thought it would be helpful to compile a separate post detailing the island’s premier Snorkeling Locations.

Best Snorkeling in Oahu | 9 Top Spots

These Best snorkeling spots on Oahu are arranged by region of the island. I have a few places torrent in and around the Waikiki tourist district. See both of those threads for information on where to stay and what to do in Waikiki. Waikiki is not where you will find most of Hawaii’s top snorkeling spots. Wonderful snorkeling may be had on the North Shore and the West and East sides of Oahu. Be cautious in any of these spots during the winter because there is a reason the waves on the North Shore of Oahu are so well-known. The top treks on Oahu are a must for the adventuring traveler.

1. A Bay in the State of Hawaii

Unfortunately, Waikiki is not the ideal place to go snorkeling. One of the best spots to go snorkeling in
Hawaii, Hanauma Bay, is conveniently located nearby. Regrettably, Hanauma Bay tourism was banned in the year 2020. It may seem like eliminating tours would be the best way to reduce harm to the environment, but that may not be the case. Tourists are more likely to do damage to the delicate coral without the assistance of a knowledgeable guide. My buddies at Pure Aloha Adventures provide guided Snorkel Trips and Stand-Up Paddleboard (SUP) instruction, but they’re no longer allowed to conduct tours.

Please take care to protect the coral if you choose to go snorkeling in Hanauma Bay on your own.
Remember that it’s against the law to touch or get too close to marine animals like dolphins, sea turtles, and sharks.

2. Lanikai Beach On East Oahu

Lanikai Beach On East Oahu Has Some Of The Best Snorkeling In Hawaii. There’s a good chance you’ve seen pictures of this popular beach. The east side of Oahu is home to very few beaches, but this one happens to be one of the few that offers decent snorkeling conditions.
Depending on the time of year, the visibility at Lanikai Beach isn’t the best on Oahu for snorkeling, but it’s still worth checking out if you happen to be in the area.

3. MAKAHA Beach Park On West Oahu

MAKAHA Beach Park On West Oahu Is Great For Snorkeling, You can go swimming, snorkeling, and surfing in the colder months at MAKAHA Beach Park. Winter is not the best time to try snorkeling, and there are safer places for beginners. One of West Oahu’smost frequented beaches is MAKAHA Beach Park. In any case, it’s more of a neighborhood beach, so
weekday visits probably won’t be too crowded.

4. The Lagoons of KO OLINA

At the KO’OLINA Resort area, you’ll find four nearly similar man-made lagoons known as the KO’ OLINA
Lagoons. This snorkeling location is within walking distance from upscale hotels like Aulani and the Four Seasons.

5. Fantastic Snorkeling on Oahu’s North Shore

North Shore snorkeling spots are typically inaccessible outside of the summer months. Snorkeling
novices should use extreme caution whenever venturing into uncharted waters. There is still enough to see and do on the North Shore of Oahu even if you visit in the dead of winter.

6. Cavern Of the Sharks

In the summer, snorkelers can enjoy the calm waters of this sheltered bay. Large wave breaks are
possible in the winter, making this a less-than-ideal location for swimming.
This is a rocky place, so tread carefully. Sharks Cove is one of the best areas to snorkel on Oahu due to the abundance of marine life and the convenient rock formations for hiding while fishing.

7. Cove of Kuilima

Kuilima Cove is one of the most protected places to go snorkeling on the island of Oahu, and it is
situated on a gorgeous white sand beach. Cove sits on the easternmost part of the stunning Turtle Bay Resort. Because of the natural rock barrier that forms its shoreline, Kuilima Cove is one of the few spots on the North Shore where snorkeling is possible in the winter. If you’re looking for a place to take the kids snorkeling, go no further than Kuilima Bay.

8. BEACH AT SUNSET

Sunset Beach is one of the most popular spots in Hawaii for taking in the sun’s final rays, as I discussed in my previous post. Yet, you should know that Sunset Beach is also a fantastic location for snorkeling on the island of Oahu. While the white sands at Sunset Beach are gorgeous year-round, snorkeling is only advised between May and September.

9. Three Tables

The North Shore’s finest coral may be found at Three Tables. I know I go on about this a lot, but it’s
important so here we go again! Oahu Scuba Diving and Snorkeling Tours. There are many excellent
snorkeling trips available on Oahu if you prefer to go with a group. One Ocean Diving offers shark dives, and the Oahu Turtles Canyon Snorkeling Experience from Waikiki allows you to snorkel with turtles.

Also, Read Panama City Beach Snorkeling Spots

Can somebody tell me if the best snorkeling in Hawaii is in Oahu?

It’s possible that my answer to this question will offend some people, yet I’m frequently asked where to locate the best snorkeling in Hawaii. Among the Hawaiian Islands, does Oahu offer the best snorkeling opportunities?

That’s not something I can support. Oahu is the most populous and visited of the Hawaiian islands. As a result, the water quality fluctuates, and the crowds are always higher than normal. It’s true that Oahu is home to some of the best snorkeling in the world, but the best spots also tend to be the most crowded. Maui and the Big Island are the places to go if you want to go snorkeling on your holiday.