Snorkelers hitting up Oahu are in for a real treat. There’s tonnes to discover from the shores of the beaches themselves, without the need for fancy boat trips and day excursions.

Snorkelers of all levels, as well as kids, can easily access the abundance of tropical sea and coral life on this island, with each beach having its own thing to offer. Expect to see lots of stunning views and topography, unique sea life populations, and everything from hustle and bustle to peaceful tranquility.

It’s worth noting that Oahu is an extremely popular tourist destination and has a huge population compared to other Hawaiian islands. For that reason, the health of the sea and coral life here isn’t as great as it is on other islands. That said, there’s still a lot to enjoy from the mountain ranges, the turquoise waters, and the great atmosphere. So here’s where you’ll find the best places to go snorkeling in Oahu!

Fish in Oahu:

• Barracuda, Butterfly Fish, Damselfish, Coris, Cornetfish, Eels, Goatfish, Gray Drummers, Hawaiian Spinner Dolphins, Moray Eels, Needlefish, Parrotfish, Squid, Surgeonfish, Turtles, Unicorn Fish, Wrasse, and more.

Corals in Oahu:

• Blue Rice, Cauliflower, Lobe, Mound, Thick Finger, Sandpaper Rice, and lots more.

Where: Western Oahu
Details: A beautiful beach that’s quieter than others in Oahu, here you can snorkel on white sand beaches with mountain views all to yourself. There aren’t as many varieties of fish here as other snorkel sites in Oahu, but there is lots of unique marine life to discover, and it’s worth it for the peace and quiet.

Information:

• The swells on this beach may be too strong for kids and beginner snorkelers, so only hit the waves on a calm day.

Facilities:

• Showers, bathrooms, and lifeguards on-site.

Where: Kapolei
Details: Crystal clear blue waters with some of the best v