9 Best Snorkeling Spots on West Oahu (Dolphins, turtles and more!)

Hawaii is an island paradise, but if you aren’t familiar with each of the islands you can be overwhelmed trying to plan a vacation to include what you want. Also, if you aren’t careful the cost of a Hawaiian vacation can absolutely skyrocket.

One of the top things that most people want to do is go snorkeling. Everyone wants to experience the crystal-clear waters with vibrant marine life. Well I’ve got good news, it’s entirely possible to do this in many areas, including the western side of Oahu.

The western side of Oahu isn’t nearly as developed for tourists as other parts of Oahu (Waikiki and the bulk of the population live on the central to eastern side of the island. This doesn’t mean that there aren’t amazing beaches and snorkel spots on the western side of the island. Seriously, even though the western side of Oahu is home to a few locals rather and very few big resorts, it still features some of the best beaches and snorkel spots.

After spending a month on the west coast of Oahu I can say that it is insanely underrated! It can be out of the way for those staying on other, more popular areas of the island, but trust me, don’t sleep on this area!

Best Snorkeling in West Oahu

When it comes to snorkeling in West Oahu, you are in for a treat! There are so many amazing spots; here are some of the best spots that I recommend checking out.

1. Ko Olina Lagoons

These four lagoons are located on the west coast of Oahu about a 30 minute drive from the Honolulu airport. These lagoons are man-made to create calm waters for sea-life to thrive in.

The Ko Olina Lagoons were created as part of a luxury resort development, but they are open to the public and offer some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii.

The four lagoons are connected by a walkway that stretches along the shoreline, making it easy to explore each one in a single trip.

One of the reasons why the Ko Olina Lagoons are such a popular spot for snorkeling is the abundance of coral reefs that are home to an array of colorful fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures as well as being one of the “closer” locations on the western side of the island.

The calm waters and shallow depths of the lagoons make them ideal for beginners, while more experienced snorkelers will appreciate the opportunity to see larger species like rays and eels.

Another highlight of snorkeling at Ko Olina is the visibility – on a clear day, you can see up to 100 feet beneath the surface, making it easy to spot all the amazing marine. Plus, the lagoons are protected by a rock wall, which helps to minimize waves and create a tranquil environment for snorkelers to enjoy.

If you don’t have your own snorkeling gear, you can rent equipment from one of the many vendors located near the lagoons. And after a day of exploring the underwater wonders of Ko Olina, you can relax on the sandy beaches or enjoy a cocktail at one of the nearby beach bars.

Overall, the Ko Olina Lagoons are a fantastic destination for snorkeling in Hawaii, offering a unique and unforgettable experience for snorkelers of all ages. So if you’re planning a trip to Oahu, be sure to add this beautiful spot to your itinerary – you won’t be disappointed!

2. Makaha Beach Park

Also located on the west side of Oahu, Makaha Beach Park is a hidden gem for snorkeling enthusiasts. While most visitors to the island flock to popular spots like Hanauma Bay or Waikiki Beach, Makaha offers a more secluded and pristine experience for those looking to explore the underwater world. To get here you need to drive about an hour from Honolulu.

One of the main draws of Makaha Beach Park is its crystal-clear waters and abundant marine life. The shallows are full of colorful fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional manta ray or dolphin. The calm conditions at this beach make it an ideal spot for beginner snorkelers or families with children.

The beach itself is also stunning, with golden sand and dramatic mountain views in the background. There are facilities available for picnicking, showers, and restrooms, making it a convenient option for a day of snorkeling and beach relaxation.

Dolphin Tours!

For those looking to take their snorkeling experience to the next level, Makaha also offers the opportunity to swim with dolphins. There are several tour operators in the area that offer guided dolphin encounters, allowing visitors to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

While Makaha Beach Park may not be as popular as some of Oahu’s other snorkeling spots, it is definitely worth a visit for those seeking a more tranquil and intimate underwater experience.

3. Pokai Bay Beach Park

Pokai Bay Beach Park, also known as Turtle Beach, is a hidden gem on the west side of Oahu. Situated in Waianae, this stunning beach is a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike, offering calm waters, soft sands, and impressive marine life for snorkeling enthusiasts.

One of the main attractions of Pokai Bay Beach Park is its resident population of green sea turtles, which can often be seen swimming near the shoreline. These gentle creatures are a delight to observe in their natural habitat, and snorkelers have the opportunity to get up close and personal with these magnificent animals. Just don’t touch them, it’s illegal!

In addition to the sea turtles, Pokai Bay Beach Park is home to a diverse array of other marine life, including colorful fish and coral reefs.The waters here are crystal clear, making for excellent visibility while snorkeling. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced snorkeler, there is plenty to see and explore beneath the surface of the ocean at Turtle Beach.

The beach itself is also a great place to relax and unwind, with picnic tables, showers, and restrooms available for visitors. The park is well-maintained and often less crowded than some of the more popular beaches on Oahu, making it a peaceful and serene spot to spend a day in the sun.

4. Electric Beach (Kahe Point Beach Park)

One of the most popular snorkeling spots in West Oahu is Electric Beach, located near the Ko Olina Resort. This unique spot got its name from the nearby power plant, which pumps warm water into the ocean, creating a rich feeding ground for fish and other sea creatures. Here, you can expect to see a variety of colorful fish, sea turtles, eels, and even the occasional manta ray.

The highlight of snorkeling at Electric Beach is the chance to see Hawaiian spinner dolphins in their natural habitat. These playful creatures can often be seen dancing and spinning in the water, making for a truly unforgettable snorkeling experience. Read our full guide to visiting Electric Beach here.

This spot is popular, but closer to most of the main Oahu action and offers plenty of free parking off the side of the road.

5. Nanakuli Beach Park

Nanakuli Beach Park is a hidden gem for snorkeling enthusiasts. With its crystal clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and abundance of marine life, this spot is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore the underwater world of Hawaii.

Once you wade out into the water and put on your mask and fins, you’ll be greeted by a vibrant underwater world teeming with life. Keep an eye out for colorful fish, sea turtles, and even the occasional dolphin or manta ray. The coral reefs are also home to a variety of marine creatures, from tiny shrimp to majestic sea urchins.

The beach itself is a bit smaller, but it’s easy to access, has the basic facilities, and is also located directly next door to the Mermaid Caves. If you don’t know what this unique attraction is, read about it here.

6. Kaena Point State Park

This park is located at the end of the road. Literally, the road doesn’t circle the entire coast of Oahu and it ends here. It takes about an hour without traffic to get here coming from the Honolulu Airport. The good part of this is that far fewer people make this journey, which leaves this park way less crowded than other areas. The last time I was here we had the beach entirely to ourselves for a couple hours before other people showed up.

This park is also another must-visit snorkeling destination in West Oahu. The remote stretch of coastline is home to some of the most pristine coral reefs and crystal-clear waters in the area. As you explore the underwater world here, keep an eye out for the elusive Hawaiian monk seal, which is often spotted lounging on the sandy shores, and also beware of waves that can sometimes get aggressive.

7. Hanauma Bay (Year Round Snorkeling In East Oahu)

Okay, even though this is in east Oahu I had to include it here since it is world famous and what most other people are comparing other snorkel spots to. Hanauma Bay is a marine embayment and nature reserve. It is designed and capacity limited to preserve the amazing snorkeling. Getting in can be difficult; read more on how to visit Hanauma Bay here.

Hanauma Bay is bigger and easier to access the reefs than some of the other spots listed here, BUT it’s not that much bigger and not that much easier. While I love Hanauma Bay, don’t think you need to go there to be able to spot the marine creatures you want. You can find the same ones at the western shore snorkel spots.

8. Keawaula Beach (Yokohama Bay)

If you’re looking for a picturesque spot to snorkel in Hawaii, look no further than Keawaula Beach, also known as Yokohama Bay. This hidden gem is located on the northwest shore of Oahu and offers crystal clear waters, pristine white sand, and an abundance of marine life. It’s a drive to get all the way out there and there are very few hotels and resorts in the area so it won’t be as crowded.

One of the reasons Keawaula Beach is such a fantastic spot for snorkeling is its calm and clear waters, in the summer. In the winter the water will be too rough to snorkel.

The bay is protected by a natural reef, which helps to create a tranquil underwater environment that is perfect for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike. As you glide through the water, you’ll be greeted by schools of colorful fish, graceful sea turtles, and vibrant coral formations that will take your breath away.

The beach itself is also a hidden gem, with its soft sand and towering cliffs providing a stunning backdrop for your snorkeling adventure. Pack a picnic and spend the day lounging on the shore, or take a leisurely stroll along the coastline and soak up the beauty of this secluded spot.

While Keawaula Beach may not be as well-known as some of the other snorkeling spots in Hawaii, its peaceful atmosphere and abundance of marine life make it a must-visit destination for any underwater enthusiast.

9. Maili Beach Park (Maili Cove)

Maili Beach Park, also known as Maili Cove, is a hidden gem located on the west side of Oahu. While this beach may not be as popular as other beaches on the island, it is a paradise for snorkelers looking to explore the stunning underwater world of Hawaii.

One of the highlights of snorkeling at Maili Beach Park is the crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life. As you glide through the water, you will encounter colorful coral reefs, schools of tropical fish, and maybe even a sea turtle or two. The visibility at this beach is excellent, allowing you to see all the beauty that lies beneath the surface.

The calm waters of Maili Beach Park make it an ideal spot for snorkeling, especially for beginners or those who are not strong swimmers. The gentle waves and lack of strong currents make it easy to navigate the waters and enjoy a relaxing snorkeling experience.

In addition to the fantastic snorkeling opportunities, Maili Beach Park also offers other amenities to enhance your beach day. The park has picnic tables, showers, and restrooms, making it a perfect spot for a full day of fun in the sun. The park is also a popular spot for locals, giving you a taste of authentic Hawaiian beach culture. If you are looking for a less crowded and more peaceful snorkeling experience in Hawaii, Maili Beach Park is worth a visit.

Conclusion: Best Snorkeling in West Oahu

No matter where you choose to snorkel in West Oahu, you are sure to be blown away by the beauty and diversity of the underwater world here. So grab your snorkel gear, slip into the crystal-clear waters, and get ready for an unforgettable experience exploring the vibrant reefs and marine life of West Oahu.