What are some of the best beaches for snorkeling in Oahu?
Beaches where marine life is protected by the state of Hawaii!
Hawaii has a number of Marine Life Conservation Districts located throughout the Hawaiian islands on Oahu, Maui, and the Big Island. There are 3 of these conservation districts in Oahu.
Among the most popular beaches for snorkeling in Oahu are Hanauma Bay and Shark’s Cove, and these beaches are both located in the conservation districts.
And at both of these popular snorkeling spots, there are convenient places for snorkeling gear rental nearby!
So, should you rent snorkel gear in Oahu, or should you bring your own set from home?
When you get to these snorkeling beaches, you have the option to rent a full snorkeling set that includes the mask, snorkel breathing apparatus, and fins, OR you can rent just the fins.
Why would you want to rent just the fins?
When you’re visiting the island, renting just the fins can be a convenient option. The fins can be bulkier than you may like, which means they may take up valuable space in your luggage, especially if you’re packing more than one snorkeling set. (And when you’re packing for Hawaii, another way to pack your suitcase better is this thing!)
On the other hand, the other pieces of snorkeling gear don’t take up so much space.
So, you can bring along a snorkeling set that includes just the mask and snorkel like this one.
Or you can bring along a full-face snorkeling mask that takes care of both the mask and breathing as a single piece (that’s beginner friendly too!) like this one.
And then rent snorkeling fins when you get to Oahu.
But if luggage space is not an issue, have a look to fins like these.
Is it worth it to have fins when snorkeling?
The snorkeling fins will help you swim further faster and easier. This means you’ll waste less energy over time. And this means that you’ll be able to explore more and end up less tired! 😉
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
How much is snorkel rental?
Part of what will determine whether or not you want to rent snorkeling gear in Oahu is the snorkel rental prices.
So to get an idea of how much you can expect to pay, these are the rental prices for the 2 most popular snorkeling spots in Oahu. Keep in mind that these are prices from spring 2017 and that prices can change, but this can still give you a good idea!
Snorkel Rental at Hanauma Bay, East Oahu
You’ll find the Hanauma Bay rental station once you get down to the bay area.
- Full-face snorkeling mask with fins: $40 (This is an example of a full-face snorkeling mask.)
- Standard snorkeling set with fins: $20
- Standard snorkeling mask and dry snorkel – no fins: $12
- Prescription snorkeling mask and dry snorkel – no fins: $15
- New mouth piece: $4 (For if you don’t like the idea of wearing a snorkel mouth piece previously used by a stranger)
- Fins: $9
There are also lockers at Hanauma Bay. The price is $8 for a small locker, and $10 for a large locker.
Snorkel Rental at Shark’s Cove, North Shore
You’ll find the Shark’s Cove rental shop just across the street from the beach. It’s in the same area as some of the famous North Shore food trucks. Look for the bikes (you can rent bikes there too), and the rental shop is on that side!
- Standard snorkeling set with fins: $20
- Fins only: $7
Things besides snorkeling gear you might want for your Oahu snorkeling trips
- This case so you can take pristine underwater pictures with your camera. (It’s cheap!)
- This pouch so you can take your valuables with you in the water!
- These clothes with UV protection to wear so you don’t burn under the strong tropical sun rays when you’re in the water!
- These watershoes if you’re not wearing fins so you can protect your feet from sharp rocks hidden under the sand!
More things to do in Oahu near snorkeling beaches
For more activities in Oahu before or after snorkeling, use the Oahu vacation planning guide here! There’s an interactive Oahu map, so zoom in to find nearby activities!
Near Hanauma Bay, you may consider doing the Koko Head hike before snorkeling or Makapuu Lighthouse Trail after snorkeling.
Near Shark’s Cove after snorkeling, you may consider a trip to try to see turtles. Or maybe a trip to a botanical garden, waterfalls, or an ancient Hawaiian temple, all things to do near Waimea Bay on the North Shore.
HAPPY OAHU SNORKELING!
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling