Top Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Oahu

The ‘Gathering Place’ is the most developed and populous island of Hawai’i. Read the Oahu guide

dive sites
41
dive shops
15
reviews
375
41 sites, ranked by diver reviews
Lana'i Lookout (Scenic Lookout)1

Lana'i Lookout (Scenic Lookout)

4.7(17 reviews)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Lana'i Lookout is not for the faint of heart. It is for 'extreme divers' only. Fortunately, not too many novices find their way to this extremely challenging spot. You will make your entry by giant stride to the left of the lookout, and exit to a small rocky patch to the right. Again, an experienced guide is a must! Ask your local dive shop to talk you out of it, and if they can't, ask them to guide you through it. The sights are well worth it. For further discussion on diving this coast, see the Halona Blow Hole description. Lana'i Lookout, on the South Eastern shore, is at the only parking lot South of the Halona Blow Hole and North of Hanauma Bay.

AdvancedShore entry
Hanauma Bay2

Hanauma Bay

4.6(43 reviews)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

What is there that hasn't already been said about Hanauma Bay? Divers' paradise, excellent diving, friendly marine life, etc. Unfortunately, the overcrowding of this popular site has caused major environmental impact and has necessitated the implementation of many conservation measures. As crowded as this place is, it now has only one-third the attendance it used to have before restrictions were passed in 1990. Parking, and access to the beach is controlled, and volunteer docents try to educate the visitors so additional damage is avoided. One of our greatest concerns is the trampling of the reef. Although numerous signs are posted, it still constantly occurs. Although there's not too much live coral inside of the reef, other living organisms inhabit the zone, and it is basic diver etiquette to avoid touching any reef. Take Kalanianaole Highway (72) East to Koko Head. At the top of the hill, turn right into Hanauma Bay.

BeginnerMax depth 6.6 ftShore entry
Shark's Cove3

Shark's Cove

4.5(80 reviews)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Very easy shore dive, local PADI instructors take students here for their open water cert dives. Lots of turtles, fishes... also neat swim-throughs in the reef. Nothing too nasty, maybe the occasional reef shark, though I've never seen one here. A great O'ahu dive. But it's crowded on the summer weekends... though Three Tables (another dive site) is right next door, so there's plenty of space in the water, even if parking is bad. Shark's Cove at Kalalua Point is another must-dive site for Oahu. The entry is easy, and it's just a short kick to get outside the reef. Kids and snorkelers will find the cove perfect for their activities. Rocky coastal area & tidal pools teeming with small fish for snorkeling, plus showers & restrooms. Off Kamehameha Highway on the North Shore in the Waimea area. Why is it called Shark's Cove? Because the outline of the reef from above looks like a shark. Shark's Cove is also known as Pupukea

IntermediateMax depth 15 ftShore entry
Three Tables Beach4

Three Tables Beach

4.6(37 reviews)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Three Tables is great as long as you use some caution. It is a small but beautiful sandy beach with access to the best coral on the north shore. Like every spot on the north shore, this is best snorkeled in the summertime when the water is calm. Three Tables beach offers good scenery for the diver: outcropping of lava, a wall, and lava tubes.Off Kamehameha Highway on the North Shore in the Waimea area, just South of Shark's Cove.

BeginnerShore entry
No photos yet
5

Turtle Canyon Reef

5.0(2 reviews)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Turtle Canyons is a great scuba dive for both beginners or first time diving and novice divers alike. The reef is approximately 20 to 45 feet deep. The boat ride out to Turtle Canyons takes around 15 minutes depending on your boat and what harbor you depart out of. Turtle Canyons was formed thousands of years ago when volcanic activity was in action here on Oahu. Large lava/rock encrusted fingers point out from the shallow shores of Waikiki in a south eastern direction. In between these "fingers" are mostly small rock boulders , coral heads and sand. If you're really into colorful corals, this dive won't be for you. The area where this dive site is situated leaves no room for fragile corals and soft corals to flourish. Heavy swells roll in from the south east like blazing freight trains only to leave an area that almost resembles a whitish blue desert. So why the heck even bother? Well my friends, this dive is an incredible one if you want to view the Hawaiian green sea turtles in their natural habitat. We get divers with hundreds of dives who really "freak" out when they meet these calm spirited attitude laid back reptiles. You can literally swim right with these rare reptiles without a care in the world. I do want to mention that turtles are on the endangered species list so harassing or harming these beautiful creatures will leave you with a painful fine. So please give these cool marine creatures your utmost respect, after all you are in their "house."

BeginnerMax depth 45 ftShore entry
No photos yet
6

Turtle Heaven

5.0(2 reviews)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

This site is half the distance from Turtle Street and is inshore. The reef peaks at 10 feet below the surface and, because of seismic activity during its formation, has a valley below it that drops to a depth of 100 feet. The wall is on a vertical drop and it has a partner another 100 yards inshore. The main focus of the site is along a 200 yard section of the seaward side of the wall and its top has a wide variety of fish, corals, overhangs and arches. Small pukas are found through the side of the wall leading to Turtle Street. The characteristic valley is called the Haleiwa Trench. Another attraction is a substantial coral mound, 20 yards off the wall, which seems to be a remnant of the original structure. The pinnacle of this mound is 100 feet wide and stops 35 feet below the surface. About a dozen turtles sit on the mound and are at ease with visiting divers.

IntermediateMax depth 100 ftShore entry
No photos yet
7

Sea Tiger

5.0(2 reviews)USA, Hawaii, Oahu

Nice Dive site. Genreally good visibility. Advanced Dive. Wreck of old fishing vessel. Inside has decent amount of access, though most of it has been blocked of by local divers hoping to protect those unaware of the dangers of penetrating a wreck. Occasionally spotted eagle ray, crown of thorns (DON"T TOUCH THESE), and octopus will be around. Outside Kewalo Basin on Oahu's south shore. Sea Tiger is also known as SeaTiger.

IntermediateMax depth 100.1 ftBoat entry
No photos yet
8

Police Beach

5.0(2 reviews)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Police Beach is a remote beach on Oahu's North Shore, even though it lies between other popular surfing beaches. It is not remote in terms of distance, but rather in terms of accessibility. The beach encompasses a large stretch of shoreline, all the way from Papa'iloa Beach to Pua'ena Point. To get to Police Beach, one either has to walk along the shoreline from Papa'iloa Beach or Pua'ena Point Beach Park because the backshore of Police Beach is private property. Episodes of the popular TV series LOST were filmed on Police Beach. The beach is sandy, but many areas on the water's edge are covered by a lava rock shelf. The ocean bottom offshore is rocky too, so swimming isn't possible here (also because of strong rip currents, especially when the surf is up). Several surf spots are located offshore. Also, local fishermen come here for shoreline fishing.

Shore entry
Makaha Beach Park (Caverns)9

Makaha Beach Park (Caverns)

4.5(39 reviews)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Makaha Beach Park offers shore access to a site regularly visited by dive boats: Makaha Caverns. Be prepared to kick out about 150 yards, but the sights are worth it! Facilities are located across the road. On the Farrington Highway on the West Shore.

BeginnerShore entry
Pukano Point10

Pukano Point

4.6(5 reviews)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Pukano Point is just south of Yokohama Bay. There is excellent coast line to explore here for the intermediate diver. At the Northern most end of the Farrington Highway on the West Shore.

IntermediateShore entry
Makua Beach11

Makua Beach

4.5(8 reviews)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Makua Beach offers an easy beach access to an interesting shoreline. There are no facilities at many sites on this stretch, so take plenty of water with you. At the North end of the Farrington Highway on the West Shore.

Shore entry
No photos yet
12

Makaha Caverns

5.0(1 review)USA, Hawaii, Oahu

Makaha Caverns are usually accessed by boat, but you can swim by the beach (about 150 yards). Shore diving is a serious surface swim, if there are surfers present then I would advise against the dive. Following the reef line from the shore there will be a mooring buoy and just in on the reef from there is a large cleaning station which can hold up to 6 turtles. The caverns are at the end of the reef as mentioned about 150 yards out. There is also a mooring buoy from there shoot back toward shore and you should run across the caverns. The caverns are spacious and you can see without a light, though a light is clearly recommended on any dive. Dive flags are mandatory, people have been fined for not using one and the lifeguards will often stop you before you enter. Do not leave any valuables in your car, animosity towards military and tourists runs high in the area as does vehicle break ins. Makaha Caverns can be accessed by the Farrington Highway on the W Shore. Parking off the main road, close to the lifeguard stand. Makaha Caverns is also known as Makaha Beach Park.

BeginnerMax depth 26.2 ftShore or Boat entry
No photos yet
13

Kahala Barge

5.0(1 review)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

This dive site features the wreck of a barge that was sunk for use as an artificial reef in roughly 90 feet of water, 250 yards off the Kahala Hilton. The wreck, a 200 foot Matson Barge, lies upright and intact with a pilothouse one can penetrate, this makes for amazing photos. Visibility is great due to the currents cleaning the water, but one should take care not to get swept up in them. Overall, one should have some underwater experience before attempting this dive.

IntermediateMax depth 90 ftShore entry
Hale'iwa Ali'i Beach14

Hale'iwa Ali'i Beach

4.4(16 reviews)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Hale'iwa Ali'i Beach Park is just to the West of the harbor. It is an alternate entry site for Hale'iwa shore dive. Enter at the right of the trench (looking makai) and swim to trench and descend to avoid stepping on the coral. Off Kamehameha Highway on the North Shore in the Hale'iwa area.

BeginnerMax depth 95 ftShore entry
Halona Blow Hole15

Halona Blow Hole

4.3(24 reviews)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

This is the beach where Burt Lancaster and Deborah Kerr got hot and heavy, making out in a wicked beach break in the movie "From Here to Eternity". (I think I would've found the waves a little distracting. Seriously, they're getting their backsides handed to them big time and I doubt they enjoyed filming that scene at all.) It's also called Cockroach Cove by more recent generations, not sure why. It's a very nice dive site. Use caution for the current and waves which can be treacherous. Only go when it's very docile. Rocks may be slippery as well. After swimming out shallow cove, turn a little north and find the big crack that leads into the actual blow hole. If there's any waves at all, stay away from blow hole. Seriously, people have died in there (usually by getting sucked in from above, though) and you don't want to get stuck inside. Just use your head. If wave action is okay, it's pretty cool dropping down into this itty-bitty canyon. Pretty good chance to see green sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, octopus and maybe a white-tip shark. At first glance, Halona Blow Hole appears to be an easy, protected site for both snorkelers and divers. However, a list of SCUBA fatalities since 1971 shows that more fatalities by far occur at Halona Blow Hole than any other dive site in the state. First off, the sea cliffs that make this stretch of shoreline so great for diving also precludes any easy exit sites. This, coupled with the strong current, slippery rocks, waves on the ledges, and lack of lifeguards makes this coast one of the most hazardous on the island. Be especially careful on this stretch of coast! The nearest facilities are at Sandy Beach to the North, so take plenty of water. Halona Blow Hole, on the South Eastern shore, can be found at a large touristy turn out between Hanauma Bay and Sandy Beach Park.

AdvancedMax depth 23 ftShore entry
No photos yet
16

Fire House

4.4(7 reviews)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

See my review below. -- Stephen Porter From h-1 west travel to H-2 north, On H-2 north to Mililani/Wahiawa take exit 8 (right) to Wahiawa/Kamehameha highway (approx 12 miles to Pupukea Beach park/Fire House) Comments for Pictures below: pic#1 At this light turn left pic#2 Across the street from food land pic#3 Pupukea park (before the fire house (station) pic#4 Park here, Try to arrive early. On the far end of the parking lot there are bathrooms, but no shower. There is a spigot to rinse gear. The closest showers are at Shark's Cove.

Shore entry
No photos yet
17

Electric Beach

4.3(14 reviews)USA, Hawaii, Oahu

This is a great dive site, much more to see under than above ;-) Summer months bring snorkeling tours out to site. Be careful of boats and bring a dive flag! Watch for turtles catch the updraft from the pipe. They look like they are really flying. DO NOT GO IN THE EXIT SURGE FROM THE PIPE YOURSELF! Its like a washing machine. There are a couple rather small swim thrus to the east of the pipe, but watch for fish line that has snagged on the coral and been left to pollute the water. Excellent Night Dive or Daytime. Lite wet suit or rash guards need along with booties for shore entry and exit. WARNING: Watch out for the water coming out of the electric pipes. It can be strong! WARNING: Watch out for all the homeless. Leave all valueables at home. Dong Jacob or Aunty Momi w/ a valuemeal to watch your car. Take booties w/ all the thornbushes over the entry point. SW corner of the Farrington Highway on the W Shore. The entrance of the dive site is across the road from the large electric plant (between the shelter and the cooling water outlet of the electric plant). Electric Beach is also known as Kahe Point Beach Park.

BeginnerMax depth 16.4 ftShore or Boat entry
Kea'au Beach18

Kea'au Beach

4.4(5 reviews)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Kea'au Beach is for advanced divers only because of the difficult entry along the lava ledge. This dive should only be attempted in the calmest seas. Consult your local dive shop to get the current conditions. On the Farrington Highway on the West Shore.

AdvancedShore entry
Koko Kai Park19

Koko Kai Park

4.1(15 reviews)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Koko Kai Park is mostly used as an entry for the previous site, Koke'e Park. It has a natural ledge that you may step on -- to do your giant stride on the next incoming swell. Exit is not easy at this site, which is why most will wait until the incoming tide, and then drift/swim to Koke'e Park beach. We recommend a guide to assist you with the first dive at this site. Take Kalanianaole Highway (72) East toward Koko Head. Before heading up the side of Koko Head, turn right on Nawiliwili Street. After .3 miles turn left onto Poipu Drive. Bear right. After .6 miles turn right onto Hanapepe Loop. Bear Left. After .25 miles turn right into the park area.

IntermediateShore entry
Ko' Olina Resort20

Ko' Olina Resort

4.0(9 reviews)Oahu, Hawaiian Islands

Ko'Olina is a series of four protected coves that are really only suited for snorkeling. The currents are too strong just outside the breakers. The sites include well-groomed parks with all the facilities -- a great place to take the family! On the South West corner of the Farrington Highway on the West Shore. Turn off on the exit for Ko'Olina Resort.

BeginnerMax depth 20 ftShore entry
Numbers match the ranked list of Oahu dive and snorkel sites. Full map with key

Recommended dive shops

Top dive shops in Oahu

All 15
Trident Adventures LLC
5.0 (390) · Honolulu
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Reef Pirates Hawaii
4.9 (303) · Honolulu
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Sunshine Scuba
4.9 (99) · Honolulu
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Surf N Sea, Inc.
4.8 (757) · Haleiwa
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Oahu diving guide

Ready to check out the best sites in Oahu for scuba diving, snorkeling, shore diving, free diving or other ocean activities? Zentacle has 41 dive sites, snorkel spots, beaches, and more. Discover hand-curated maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you.
The ‘Gathering Place’ is the most developed and populous island of Hawai’i. Aside from world-renowned landmarks such as Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach, and Pearl Harbor, Oahu offers magnificent beaches affording a multitude of snorkeling and diving opportunities. You can also find a good curated list with beginner-friendly snorkeling spots for Oahu or Scuba diving adventures in Oahu

Frequently asked questions

What are the best dive and snorkel sites in Oahu?

Based on Zentacle reviews, the top-rated sites in Oahu are Lana'i Lookout (Scenic Lookout) (4.7 from 17 reviews), Hanauma Bay (4.6 from 43 reviews) and Shark's Cove (4.5 from 80 reviews).

Where is the best snorkeling for beginners in Oahu?

The top-rated beginner sites are Hanauma Bay (4.6 from 43 reviews), Three Tables Beach (4.6 from 37 reviews) and Turtle Canyon Reef (5.0 from 2 reviews).

Where can I shore dive in Oahu?

Lana'i Lookout (Scenic Lookout), Hanauma Bay, Shark's Cove and Three Tables Beach are the top-rated sites you can enter from shore.

What is the best advanced dive in Oahu?

Lana'i Lookout (Scenic Lookout) (4.7 from 17 reviews).

Are there dive shops in Oahu?

Zentacle lists 15 dive shops in Oahu. The top-rated are Trident Adventures LLC (5.0 from 390 reviews) and Reef Pirates Hawaii (4.9 from 303 reviews).