One may get lost in between all the beauty that North Shore has to offer, but there is fantastic snorkeling in Waimea Bay that provides a glimpse of Hawaii’s marine ecosystem.
The North Shore of Oahu brings about some of the most captivating views one can experience anywhere in the world. Over this 17 mile stretch of coastline, there are more than 50 beaches, countless surfers enjoying some of the best waves on the planet, and diverse marine life thriving underneath the clear, blue waters. This place saps out stress from anyone that goes for a drive along the Kamehameha Highway with its bold, beaming sunshine and the overall laid-back environment. This is as close as it gets to paradise.
Waimea Bay occupies right in middle of the northeastern coast of North Shore and is known as one of the best surfing spots in the world with its daring waves. But proximity to such treacherous waves would not lead you to believe that there is some pleasant snorkeling in Waimea Bay, not to mention ideal for novices. It’s true and it actually may be one of the best spots to go underwater in all of North Shore.
Waimea Bay, Hawaii Aquatic Profile
Waimea Bay Snorkeling Profile:
- Water Visibility: Above Average. Not as clear as Caribbean or Maldives, or even Florida Keys, but still very clear.
- Current Strength: Strong. Waimea Bay is one of the most famous surfing grounds in the world, known especially for its strong waves. The northside of the bay is the surfing spot while the snorkeling area is in the southern part of the bay, so the waves won’t be too significant but still be careful.
- Coral Presence: Good coral reef presence in the bay, so plenty of marine life within the area.
- Marine Life: Plenty of tropical fishes swimming around, including sergeants and butterflyfish, with occasional turtles floating around.
- Crowd: Pretty good crowd most of the time given the bay’s reputation among the surfing community.
Getting There:
Closest Airport: Daniel K Inouye International Airport (30 miles, 40 minutes away)
- Named after the former Hawaii Senator, Daniel Inouye International Airport is located approximately three miles northwest of downtown Honolulu and thirty miles south of Waimea Bay. However, always be sure to account for Oahu’s notorious traffic when you are driving on the island. The airport offers nonstop flights to many destinations all across the world. Overall, a very accessible, tourist-friendly airport that has plenty of connections wherever you may be.
Closest Major Metro: Honolulu
- Honolulu would appear to be all beaches and resorts with little else, but the city, which has been the capital of Hawaiian Islands since the 19th century, is one of the most diverse cities in the country. Cuisine is greatly shaped by the confluence of various cultures, including Polynesian, Japanese, and American, making it one of the highlights of any trip to Hawaii. Don’t forget to explore the rich history of Honolulu as well, where the Hawaiian royalty once roamed.
Best Transportation Method to Destination: Fly into Daniel K Inouye International Airport and rent a car
Introduction
Waimea Bay is at the mouth of the Waimea River which flows through the Waimea Valley, an area of cultural significance and once a heavy population center known for its banana and taro farming. The Waimea Valley Center, which is opposite the Kamehameha Highway from the bay, encompasses a botanical garden and a beautiful waterfall, holds traditional Hawaiian events, and aims to preserve the Hawaiian culture. It is a special place that holds the key to the history and the way of life in the area.
Waimea Bay Beach Park has approximately half mile of coastline bookended by rocky shores which serve as barriers to strong waves inside the bay. It is one of the most popular beaches in North Shore so you will typically see a large crowd. People will be walking by the shore, marveling at the clarity of the water, or climbing up the ‘Rock’, located on the western end of the beach, to make a splash. Best of all, the location for great snorkeling in Waimea Bay is right by the Rock as well.
Where to Go Snorkeling in Waimea Bay
All the surfing in Waimea Bay is past the northeast corner of the bay. And all the snorkeling in Waimea Bay is on the opposite end, by the southwest corner of the bay marked by the red spot on the map below. You have to enter the waters behind the Rock and keep swimming past the sandy bottoms until rocks and corals start to appear underwater. It will be slightly past the family of rocks off the shore on the side, approximately 20-30 feet from the coastline.
While the diversity of the marine life here is nothing special, it will still be a wonderful experience. There will be schools of tropical fish, mostly butterflyfish, trunkfish, hawkfish, relaxing and swimming seamlessly through the ocean. Green sea turtles be also be very visible in this area, enjoying their swim along with the fish. Overall, the experience will be easy and relaxing, just like Hawaii itself. A great experience for snorkelers of all levels, especially beginners.
Final Word:
Hawaii has some of the best snorkeling in the world, including Hanauma Bay, which is about thirty minutes from Honolulu. But one of the best things about Hawaii is that there is always a great option depending on your itinerary. If your primary aim is to enjoy Honolulu and Waikiki, make your way for a quick trip to Ala Moana or Kuhio Beach. But if your plans lead you up to North Shore, then snorkeling in Waimea Bay will be your best option, hands down.
Snorkeling in Waimea Bay Rating: 4/5 Snorkels – Best in North Shore Oahu!
