Shark's Cove: Honu and Scuba

Sharks Cove, North Shore Oahu

Sharks Cove was something I had put off for a while.  I had wanted to do it a lot but I don't really spend a bunch of time on the North Shore.  It is a gorgeous lava rock "beach", but it's more of just a cove to snorkel in than any kind of sun bathing spot.

When I finally did snorkel there a couple of weeks ago I wanted to kick my own butt because it was just that awesome.  It might actually be cooler than Hanauma Bay.  There aren't as many fish but there are still a bunch and the water is calmer and clearer at Sharks Cove, too.

The water is crystal clear and there are warm thermal spots where the fish actually gather.  It's not really a place for kids unless you're taking them to the Pupukea tide pools which are south of the cove.  (You can see them and they in the same area. No worries.)

Fish and Marine Life that I Saw Snorkeling  at Sharks Cove:

Sea Turtle Sharks Cove

• HONU!!  (2 of them!)
• Angel fish
• Reef trigger fish
• Needle Fish
• Perch 
• Wrasse
• Box Fish
• Butterfly fish
• Parrot fish

(What I didn't see was any eels but the two Honu kind of made up for that!)

Sharks Cove Tips:

Parking is small.  Get there early.
No beach. Not really.  Just a place to sit while not snorkeling.  It gets crowded too.
Wear beach shoes.  It's rocky especially entering the water.  Get down and snorkeling ASAP
Sharks Cove is a marine conservation district.  Respect the environment!

Need snorkel gear?   Check out our recommended products!

Snorkeling Ko'Olina Lagoons

Ko'Olina Lagoon:  You can how it's protected.

The Ko' Olina Lagoons is a a relatively "new" beach/resort on Oahu.  The area has only seen major development in the last ten years or so.  The lagoons are man-made and the developments around them (the Disney and JW Marriott Resorts) are bringing the area fame as a beautiful vacation spot.

I've heard rumors that in the 15-20 years, the developers hope to make the area as big as Waikiki.  That's alright with me.  I'm not the biggest fan of Waikiki.  Waikiki is expensive. 

My First Sea Turtle Ever I saw while snorkeling at Ko 'Olina Lagoon #2

Snorkeling in Ko'Olina Lagoons

I'll be the first to admit, snorkeling in the lagoons isn't near the best on Oahu.  It doesn't even rate up there with some of the best spots.  However, Ko 'Olina  holds a special place in my heart because it's where I saw my first Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle or Honu.

Benefits of Snorkeling at Ko'Olina

Calm waters.  The lagoons are all protected by sea walls and tiny coves all offer protection from the open ocean.

Clear water in most places.

Some coral at Ko 'Olina but not much.

Disadvantages of Snorkeling at Ko 'Olina

Little to zero coral

Small variety of marine life.

There are ways to get "free" parking at Ko 'Olina but to be safe you can get all-day beach parking for $10 near Lagoon #4.

Directions to Ko'Olina Lagoons

From Waikiki, take the H-1 (located above Waikiki towards the back Mountain ridge)

Stay on the H-1 for about 25 miles
Continue on as the H-1 turns into the Farrington Hwy
Take the Ko Olina Oahu Exit
Drive up to the security gate, where you will need to check in (announce where you are headed on the Ko Olina Marriott grounds) before proceeding down to the beach.
Follow Aliinui Dr to the left, and look for the posted signs for the different Ko Olina Lagoons.  They will be numbered 1 thru 4. 

Directions courtesy of:  Best of Oahu.com