Complete Location Guide

Locations 6-10: Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

6. Keewaiku Beach - The Hidden Gem

Located near Turtle Bay Resort on the North Shore, Keewaiku Beach offers excellent snorkeling during calm summer conditions. This lesser-known spot provides a more secluded alternative to the crowded South Shore locations.

What Makes It Special: The protected cove features healthy coral formations and good fish populations. During summer months, visibility often exceeds that of more popular beaches, and the relative isolation means fewer crowds.

Access Challenges: Finding this beach requires local knowledge, and the rocky entry can be tricky for newcomers. Like all North Shore locations, winter conditions make it completely off-limits for snorkeling.

7. Chinaman's Hat (Mokoli'i Island)

This iconic small island off the Windward Coast offers unique snorkeling opportunities for those willing to make the quarter-mile swim from Kualoa Beach Park.

The Adventure Factor: Swimming to the island and exploring the waters around its base provides a real adventure experience. The isolation means cleaner water and different fish populations than mainland beaches.

Significant Challenges: The swim crosses open water with potential for strong currents and changing conditions. Weather on the Windward side can shift rapidly, making return trips dangerous. No services exist on the island itself.

8. Three Tables - North Shore Alternative

Named for the three flat lava rock formations visible at low tide, Three Tables offers another North Shore snorkeling option during summer months.

Underwater Landscape: The lava rock formations create interesting underwater topography with cracks, crevices, and swim-throughs that shelter diverse marine life. The rocky bottom provides different habitat than sandy beach locations.

Same North Shore Rules Apply: Like all North Shore spots, this location is seasonal and can be dangerous during winter swells. The rocky entry requires water shoes and careful timing with wave sets.

9. Makapuu Tidepools

The tidepools near Makapuu Beach offer a different type of snorkeling experience in shallow, protected pools carved into the lava rock coastline.

Unique Ecosystem: These shallow pools contain small fish, crabs, sea urchins, and other marine creatures adapted to the tidal environment. It's especially interesting for children and provides good practice for snorkeling techniques.

Timing Is Everything: Tidepool snorkeling depends entirely on tide timing. Low tides provide the best access, while high tides can make entry dangerous or impossible.

10. Kailua Beach - Windward Beauty

While famous for its pristine sand and turquoise water, Kailua Beach also offers decent snorkeling opportunities, particularly around the rocky areas near the beach ends.

What to Expect: The snorkeling here is more about the beautiful setting than abundant marine life. The clear water and white sand create stunning underwater visibility, though fish populations are moderate.

Best Conditions: Early morning provides the calmest conditions and best visibility. Trade wind conditions in the afternoon can create choppy surface conditions that make snorkeling less enjoyable.