Shark's Cove
Despite the name, the chances of running into a shark at Shark’s Cove are slim, although white tipped reef sharks are occasionally spotted here, according to hawaiiweb.com. Located in Pupukea, this is known as one of the best snorkeling places on the island and the world, according to the Huffington Post.
Shark’s Cove provides a sheltered cove for the inexperienced and beginner snorkelers with diverse tropical fishes just waiting to be viewed.
“Shark’s Cove is very close to campus and it’s not as packed with tourists,” said Terri-Lee Bixby, a junior from New York studying history. “The fish are everywhere. There are many sea urchins so bring some water shoes.” The Hawaii Snorkeling Guide says, “The bottom is made up of large smooth boulders and coral heads forming small caves and ledges for marine life to hide. The walls of the surrounding cliffs provide calmer water attracting schooling surface fish.”
There is a tunnel called the “Blue Room,” a 75-foot tunnel about 15 feet below the surface of the water. Due to the amount of crevices and tunnels at Shark’s Cove, scuba divers are seen navigating the passageways.
Katelyn McBeth, a senior from Utah studying EXS, said she is a frequent visitor to Shark’s Cove. She said snorkeling is an adventure. “There’s always somewhere new to explore and discover.”
Hanauma Bay
Located on the south side of the island, Hanauma Bay is an old volcanic crater that has collapsed and been engulfed by the sea. This is one of Hawaii’s most popular tourist destinations, and depending on the day, you could be one of nearly 3,000 visitors there, according to the Huffington Post.
“You can see just about every type of fish at Hanauma Bay, and you can swim amongst various schools of fish circling around you,” said Kavin Mendez, a junior from Utah studying accounting. Mendez said Hanauma Bay is the most popular snorkeling site on Oahu and often times is “too saturated with tourists,” making it a less personal experience.
Hanauma Bay is a protected preserve, and visitors must use caution when entering the waters so the coral and the fish aren’t harmed.
Electric Beach
This snorkeling spot is located on the west side of the island adjacent to a power plant. The plant uses seawater as a coolant and recycles this water through a big tube going out into the ocean. The temperature of the water is noticeably warmer as you approach the pipe, and the marine habitat thrives off that warm water, especially the spinner dolphins.
If you arrive early enough in the morning, you may be able to swim side by side with these dolphins. The underwater current tends to be strong in this area so it’s advised snorkelers use caution so they don’t get swept out to sea. The depth increases suddenly creating an ideal environment for scuba divers as well.
Chris Page, a junior from North Carolina studying international cultural studies, said Electric Beach is his favorite because it’s not as touristy as Hanauma Bay. “I love going out and having to find the fish and turtles. It’s really cool how the turtles don’t swim away from you. They just hang around you.”
Kuilima Cove
Sheltered by a natural rock barrier, Kuilima Cove is a calm snorkeling place with no waves crashing overhead and it’s suitable for an adventure with children. “It’s like you are swimming in an aquarium. The sensation is unreal,” said Lucas Marchant, a freshman from Oregon studying psychology. “The white sand and crystal clear water of Kuilima Cove make for a perfect combination of paradise.” Located at Turtle Bay, parking is available nearby.