Shark's Cove at Pūpūkea Beach Park

Shark's Cove has the best snorkeling on the North Shore of O'ahu in my opinion.

There is a natural rocky outcropping/barrier that creates the largest tide pool I've ever seen. There is also an open cove area that the water gets about 15 feet deep and has underwater caves. Lastly, it also has a beach area that goes up to the rocky area.

We went in November when the waves are larger, so we only went snorkeling in the tide pools and didn't go into the cove area because of the waves and currents.

Shark's Cove is located up on the North Shore next to Pūpūkea Beach Park.

When we pulled up, we found that there is free parking. It's a one-way parking lot. We got there about 8am and there were plenty of spots, but by 9am they were all full. So you definitely want to get there early.

On the southern end, there is a large beach area that you can lay out and relax.

When you get into the water, you'll be in the tide pools. The large rocky border usually protects the tide pools from large waves, but if you see the waves crashing over the rocky barrier, don't go in.

The day that we went, the waves were small enough that the tide pools were really calm.

On the north end is the open cove area. This is a deeper area to go snorkeling, but the day we went the waves and current were too strong so we stayed in the tide pool area.

There is a free bathroom and shower area.

We took the trail down to the beach area and found a place to put down our towels and decided to get into the water.

There are a lot of rocks, but when you get into the water it is mostly sandy. I went in barefoot, but I did see some people wearing water shoes.

Once I was in deep enough in the water, I put on my mask, snorkel, and fins and started exploring.

This is what snorkeling in the tide pools looks like:

After snorkeling, we got out and laid out on the beach. 

Here are some aerial shots of the beach and tide pools.

Overall, we had a great time snorkeling at Shark's Cove. We definitely want to go back during the summer time to go snorkeling in the open cove when the water is calm.

(Click on the map above to go to a Google Maps larger view.)

Shark's Cove has a small free parking lot. Get there early to make sure you get a parking space.

Total Cost: $0

These are the checklist items I recommend:

• Bring your own towels, beach chairs, and beach umbrellas.
• Bring your own snorkeling gear, but if it's the winter be prepared for the possibility of not getting in if the waves are too big and going over the rock barrier.
• Bring some drinks and snacks.
• Bring reef safe sunscreen.
• Don't leave anything in your car.