ALOHA!
So when you’re in search of the best snorkeling spots in Oahu, a good place to look is to the marine life conservation districts!
These kinds of districts are designated by the state of Hawaii, and the marine life of these waters are in a protected area.
These conservation districts are located on 3 of the Hawaiian islands, one of which includes Oahu.
And on Oahu, there are 3 conservation districts. They are located on different parts of Oahu which means that by visiting each of these 3 snorkeling beaches, you can explore a different part of the island.
So, where are these best snorkeling spots in Oahu?
1. Waikiki snorkeling beach
2. Most popular snorkeling beach on Oahu
3. North Shore snorkeling beach
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!
Map of Oahu snorkeling spots
To get a visual of where on Oahu these snorkeling beaches are located, explore the Oahu snorkeling map below!
things to do in oahu | map >> waikiki – east oahu – north shore – central oahu
what to pack for hawaii >> what to wear snorkeling – what to wear hiking
1. Snorkeling in Waikiki: Queen’s Beach
The protected area of Waikiki is located on the far end of Waikiki. This means that it can be a little less crowded than other areas of Waikiki Beach.
How to get there: If you’re staying in central Waikiki kind of near the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, it will be about a 15-20 minute walk.
Otherwise, if you don’t want to walk with all of your snorkeling gear or you’re staying at the far opposite end near the Hilton Hawaiian Village, there are frequent buses that makes it an easy bus ride too.
Nearby Waikiki snorkeling
Not too far away is the Diamond Head Hike.
This is where you will find the most famous hiking trail on Oahu with sweeping views of Waikiki and Honolulu from the trail summit.
A perfect day can be Diamond Head in the morning, and Waikiki snorkeling in the afternoon!
more:
2. Snorkeling at Hanauma Bay, the most popular snorkeling spot on Oahu
This is the most famous snorkeling spot in Oahu.
There is an entry fee at Hanauma Bay, and you can also rent snorkel gear at Hanauma Bay if you don’t want to bring your own from home.
How to get there: This is another pretty easy bus ride on Oahu, although it might get crowded. If you have a rental car, it’s an easy drive too, and there’s a small parking fee.
Nearby Hanauma Bay snorkeling
The Koko Head Hike is right nearby, and it’s even possible to see it when you’re snorkeling!
This is a strenuous hike though, so only do this if you want to get some serious exercise in!
And if you do, the perfect post-workout activity would be some Oahu snorkeling at Hanauma Bay!
more:
- Things to know about snorkeling at Hanauma Bay
- Hanauma Bay snorkel rental prices
- Best things to do on the east side of Oahu
3. Snorkeling on the North Shore: Shark’s Cove
This area has an enclosed lagoon which can make for more ideal snorkeling conditions on the North Shore.
But during the winter months when there’s high surf, the waves may come crashing over the barrier, eliminating the possibility of snorkeling.
How to get there: It is possible to get to the North Shore by bus from Waikiki, but it will take you a little bit of time and patience.
With a rental car, driving up to the North Shore is much more convenient and time-efficient… as long as you’re not there during a major surfing competition that have the roads completely backed up!
Nearby North Shore snorkeling
There is tons for you to explore on the North Shore!
Another famous beach is Waimea Bay which can be another good snorkeling spot on Oahu to explore during the summer months or outside of surfing season in the winter. (Summer months bring calmer waves.)
Right across the street from Shark’s Cove are some North Shore food trucks too.
more:
- Things to know about Shark’s Cove
- Shark’s Cove snorkel rental prices
- Best things to do with one day on the North Shore
Explore more of the marine life conservation districts in Oahu
For the Waikiki snorkeling and North Shore snorkeling, the conservation districts extend further than Queen’s Beach and Shark’s Cove. To see more of the beaches that are covered in the districts, have a look here.
Things to pack for your Oahu snorkeling trip
Now, here are some things you just may want to consider adding to your Hawaii packing list so you’re ready for the sun when you’re snorkeling in Oahu!
- A standard snorkel set like this one or a full face snorkeling mask like this one
- This type of case so you can take pristine underwater pictures with your phone. (It’s cheap!)
- This type of pouch so you can take your valuables with you in the water!
- These types of UV protection shirts to wear so you don’t burn under the strong tropical sun rays when you’re in the water! If you’re on a desktop, use the far left column to filter by women, men, girls, or boys! Look at these types of swim shorts too!
- For more beach outfits, have a look at:
- These swimsuits and cover-ups for women
- This swimwear for plus-size women
- These swimsuits for men
For a more in-depth look at what to bring snorkeling in Oahu, have a look at what to wear snorkeling!
And these are popular guidebooks for all Hawaiian islands!
HAPPY OAHU SNORKELING!
things to do in oahu | map >> best snorkeling spots on oahu – best short hikes on oahu
what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear snorkeling – what to wear hiking – what to wear to a luau
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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
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