Snorkling on Oahu
 

Would appreciate info (websites, books... .)on this subject and your rants, raves and additions to these locations:

Hanauma Bay

Shark's Cove - on the North Shore just off the highway between Haleiwa and Pupukea, only safe during the summer months

Lanikai Beach - next to Kailua beach on the windward side (in Kailua).

Turtle Bay - nice cove with good snorkeling during the summer months. Located near the north shore just past the Hilton.

On our visit at the end of October, Hanauma Bay was best, Shark's cove was too rough and Turtle Bay was too cloudy, as described in my most late Trip Report:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34549308
:S-
Not on your list but noteworthy are the lagoons at Ko Olina, &amp; all the above are described in <font color="blue">Oahu Revealed</font> see <font color="blue"> www.wizardpub.com</font>

Another Oahu snorkeling link:<font color="blue"> www.shorediving.com </font>(formerly provided by ((A)) <font color="blue">anela</font>)

JohnD, thanks a bunch for the info.

Hanauma Bay is always dependable for good snorkeling year round. Downside is the crowded parking situation, as you're probably aware, you must get there early.

I've been told that on Saturday nights they have evening snorkeling, which sounds really fun. While I've heard it's year round, I think I'll wait until summer to try it.

Shark's Cove is good only from perhaps May to late September. Decent parking (for the North Shore). Bathroom facilities and a lunch truck and supermarket across the street. Not a lot of beach area to lay out on. Interesting lava tubes/caverns and other formations. I've only done scuba here, but it appears to be a decent snorkeling spot.

My favorite spot to dive is Three Tables, which is down the road from Shark's Cove. Nice sandy beach, very tight parking (best to get there by 8 on weekends). No bathroom facilities.

Firehouse (between Three Tables and Shark's Cove) is also a pretty good snorkeling/diving spot. Better parking than Three Tables, not as much as Shark's Cove. Grassy area w/picnic benches, restrooms. Not a lot of beach, rocky entry.

As an added note, Three Tables, Firehouse and Shark's Cove are right next to each other. It's easy to park at one and walk to any of them.

Never done any snorkeling at Turtle Bay, as it's a further drive and I love Three Tables. Maybe this summer.

I've never heard of Lanikai being a great snorkeling/diving spot, but maybe someone else has more information.

Aloha NS,

Try a great book, &quot;The O'ahu Snorkelers and Shore Divers Guide&quot; by Francisco B. de Carvalho... much info w/ many spots I haven't been able to check out yet.

Have fun! ((R))

www.snorkeling-hawaii-insiders-guide.com

Thanks for the additional inputs - looks like I'm all set!

Hanauma is closed on Tuesdays. And typically you can't get in after late morning or early afternoon. They close it to new traffic when the parking lot is full.

Nearby is my favorite place to eat in Oahu: Roy's in Hawaii Kai. They're on the second floor, with great views of the sun setting behind Diamond Head. Excellent food. Pricey.

buzzer, thanks for the feedback.