There are several options best snorkeling in Oahu for beginners and kids! Not only are there several places for snorkeling for beginners, they’re spread out throughout the island. It doesn’t matter where you’re staying in Oahu, you’re close to a great place for snorkeling for beginners & kids!
Before any ocean activity, check the conditions first! Ocean currents and safety can change hourly so check HIOceanSafety.com regularly.
Any who can swim is a candidate for snorkeling. I took my own newly 4 year old snorkeling with sea turtles. He definitely had a life jacket!
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Table of Contents
What can you see snorkeling in Oahu?
You can see almost anything! From sharks in the distance to tropical fish and sea turtles. Finding Nemo, Dory & all their friends will be easy!
What do you need to snorkel in Hawaii?
You first need a life jacket. Life jackets are not only for safety, but for ease too. Even when you’re past the wave breaks, the ocean is full of swells. Wearing a life jacket allows you to relax and enjoy the view without exhausting yourself. You’ll need your energy to swim back to the boat or shoreline!
You also need a mask and snorkel. Snorkels can be super basic but go for the ones with a valve. They make it much easier to clear the water out for the inevitable swell that fills it! A quality mask with a great seal and nose coverage is also required. If you’re not sure, rent from a reputable shop. They’ll have top notch gear for cheaper than buying your own.
Can I rent snorkel gear in Oahu?
Yes! You can easily rent snorkel gear on site for many of the locations listed below. If on site snorkel rental is not available, its easily rented from other shops around Oahu for as little as $15. If you’re going on a snorkel tour, a mask, snorkel and life vest are all included. It also packs easily if you have the room, bring your own! A quality set is around $60 or more for adults.
Snorkeling Tips for Oahu, Hawaii
- Use reef-safe sunscreen. Hawaii was the first to ban ingredients oxybenzone and octinoxate , frequently found in sunscreen. That doesn’t prevent travelers from bringing it in, so be aware. If you’re not sure, just buy sunscreen on Oahu!
- Go early! The earlier to you arrive, the better the conditions. The more people in the water, the more stirred up the sand gets making the water cloudy.
- Where a swim shirt or rash guard. If you or or kids will be out for hours, forget the sunscreen and just use an SPF rated swim shirt. Your back could easily get friend without you realizing.
Have you thought about family photos while you’re in Hawai’i?
Its photo season year-round here in Hawaii and I want you to take advantage of it!
Take home the bright skies, warm air and blue water to relive it over and over because you’ll never experience this place with the kids these ages ever again.
This is your one shot. Take it!
As the ringleader of my own 4 boy circus, I know how hard getting family photos can be. I’m here to change that.
If I could dress your kids and literally hang your family photos on your walls, I would …but I can’t, so I do just about everything else in between. That’s why I take the time to hold your hand from start to finish.
Because what good are family photos if your kids never see them?
I only accept two families a week, so if you have dates, reach out to Alison Bell, Photographer now.
Locations for the Best Snorkeling in Oahu for Beginners
Kuilima Cove – North Shore
Only good for snorkeling in the summer when the water is calm. The North Shore in winter is famous for its 30-ft waves – not good for snorkeling! Visit HIBeachSafety.com for current conditions around Hawaii.
Amenities:
- No lifeguard on duty
- Restroom and showers are available
- Food is available at Turtle Bay Resort or Beach House by Roy Yamaguchi
- Public parking is limited but available in the Turtle Bay Resort parking lot
Location: Kahuku
Website: https://www.snorkeling-report.com/spot/snorkeling-turtle-bay-oahu-hawaii/
Shark’s Cove – North Shore
Only good for snorkeling in the summer when the water is calm. The North Shore in winter is famous for its 30-ft waves – not good for snorkeling! Visit HIBeachSafety.com for current conditions around Hawaii.
Amenities:
- No lifeguards on duty
- Restrooms and showers
- Picnic tables
- Snorkel rental shop across the street
- Food trucks across the street
Waimea Bay – North Shore
Only good for snorkeling in the summer when the water is calm. The North Shore in winter is famous for its 30-ft waves – not good for snorkeling! Visit HIBeachSafety.com for current conditions around Hawaii.
Amenities:
- Parking
- Picnic tables
- Restrooms
- Showers
- Lifeguard
Location: Haleiwa
Website: https://www.gohawaii.com/islands/oahu/regions/north-shore/waimea-bay
Hanauma Bay – Honolulu
There are lots of logistical details to know about Hanauma! Reservations are required and they sell out in MINUTES.
- The state park is closed every Monday & Tuesday. That is not a misprint.
- $25 fee to enter the park
- $3 to park
- Active military – Free
- Under 12 – Free
To get snorkeling tickets you must reserve your entry time 2 days in advance. At 7am Hawaii Standard Time the website releases the snorkel entry tickets. Entry times are staggered in 10 minute intervals from 7am to 1:20pm. You can see how fast they sell out on the site.
Amenities:
- Lifeguards on duty
- Sandy beach access (easy to walk on)
- Restroom and shower facilities
- Snorkel rental at the beach
- Snack shop available at the visitor center
- Turtle sightings!
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Contact Number: +1 808 768 6861
Website: https://hanaumabaystatepark.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/safebeachday/
Paradise Cove Public Beach – Leeward
Paradise Cove is very close to the man made lagoons of Ko’Olina near the Disney Resort Aulani. But they are not the same! (Fun note – those man made lagoons are public access. You don’t need to be staying one of those resorts -there are 4- to spend the day there).
Features:
- Kid Friendly
- Protected From Open Ocean
- Shady Type: Tide Pools Sand
- Parking: Poor / Few Good
- Good For: Sunsets & Turtle Sightings
Location: Kapolei, Hawaii
More Resources: Best Snorkeling in Oahu for Beginners
I'm a USMC spouse, South Carolina native, recovering homeschool mama of a 4 boy circus. They've taught me the most important facet of family photography: KEEP IT FUN!
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