While beaches to the north and south are known for surfing, Pūpūkea Beach is one of O’ahu’s best snorkeling areas. Explore vast tidal pools in the summer when there are no waves. Visit during high tide to be sure you can swim above the colorful coral in the cove.
As always when snorkeling, take appropriate cautions to avoid getting a sunburn, scraping on coral or stepping on sea urchins you don’t want pain or discomfort to ruin the rest of your vacation. The beach at Pūpūkea is rock and coral rather than sand, so wear some form of water shoe to avoid cuts as you walk to water deep enough for snorkeling.
Watch for eels ducking in and out of the coral and turtles swimming around their nesting area. Look for the black-and-yellow reef trigger fish. By the end of your visit to O’ahu, you’ll know this state fish by its Hawaiian name: humuhumunukunukuapua’a.
Pūpūkea actually has several identified sections. Shark’s Cove to the north provides a protected area with a sliver of beach. Bring kids during low tide to investigate shallow tidal pools, looking for crabs and other creatures. As the tide rises to cover some of the coral, enjoy snorkeling that is thrilling for novices because of the abundance of marine life.
To the south you’ll see some swimmers climbing atop the flat reef formations known as Three Tables. However, you may also see swimmers pushed against the rocks or knocked off them by waves. Stay inside the rocks and use caution.
While you shouldn’t attempt snorkeling during the winter when high surf turns the cove into a turbulent washbasin, you might still want to stop briefly as you traverse the coast. Pūpūkea is just between Waimea Bay and Banzai Pipeline so you’re likely to see surfers challenging nature.
Park along the road where permitted between Three Tables and the grocery store just north. Pick up lunch and water to bring to the beach. Bring an underwater camera to take permanent memories of your Pūpūkea Beach underwater friends’ home.
