Tucked between a large tide pool area and the Pūpūkea Beach Park area is a small, rocky bay known locally as Shark’s Cove. Protected as part of the Pūpūkea area, it has been rated among the best diving/snorkeling spots in the world by Scuba Diving Magazine¹ and has earned that rating with its incredible amount of biodiversity and broad area to explore.
This area speaks for itself in terms of beauty, and is one of the best places on Oahu to snorkel or scuba dive. Hundreds of marine species can be seen, including several types of butterflyfish, parrot fish, needlefish, wrasse, eels, urchins, corals, sponges, and a large population of Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapua’a (aka the reef triggerfish).
To the north of Shark’s Cove are the Pūpūkea tide pools, another protected area rich in intertidal creatures such as small fish, crabs, sea cucumbers and shells. Here you can look but don’t touch! To the south of the Cove is another, deeper tide pool area with a large variety of fish, urchins, and sea hares. It's a great place to snorkel during high tide and explore during low tide.
TIPS AND TRICKS
If you decide to take a morning to come explore Shark’s Cove and the Pūpūkea Beach area, come with your snorkel gear and some sort of reef shoes, as well as plenty of water and sunscreen. There’s hardly any beach area and no shade, so be sure to plan accordingly. The parking lot is small, so be sure to get there by 9:00 am at the latest if driving.
This area is also high in theft, so try to limit the electronics and valuables you bring, including cameras, phones, and money/bank cards. While swimming and exploring be sure not to touch any sea creatures unless you recognize what it is and know it’s ok to touch--there are a few types of urchins, shells, and fish that are poisonous in the area. Just remember to be cautious and respect the ocean and the creatures found in it.
GETTING THERE
To get there from Laie, take Kamehameha Highway north towards Kahuku. The parking for Shark's Cove and Pūpūkea Beach Park is to your right just after passing Sunset Beach. It comes up fast so be ready! If you've passed the Foodland, you've gone too far. Arriving by bus is very straightforward and takes 50 minutes total. Exact departure times and schedules can be found at www.google.com/maps. The box in the upper left corner has a bus icon. Type in your beginning and ending destinations and click the bus icon for specific directions. Time of departure can be altered as needed when making travel plans.
To the north of Shark’s Cove are the Pūpūkea tide pools, another protected area rich in intertidal creatures such as small fish, crabs, sea cucumbers and shells. Here you can look but don’t touch! To the south of the Cove is another, deeper tide pool area with a large variety of fish, urchins, and sea hares. It's a great place to snorkel during high tide and explore during low tide.
TIPS AND TRICKS
If you decide to take a morning to come explore Shark’s Cove and the Pūpūkea Beach area, come with your snorkel gear and some sort of reef shoes, as well as plenty of water and sunscreen. There’s hardly any beach area and no shade, so be sure to plan accordingly. The parking lot is small, so be sure to get there by 9:00 am at the latest if driving.
This area is also high in theft, so try to limit the electronics and valuables you bring, including cameras, phones, and money/bank cards. While swimming and exploring be sure not to touch any sea creatures unless you recognize what it is and know it’s ok to touch--there are a few types of urchins, shells, and fish that are poisonous in the area. Just remember to be cautious and respect the ocean and the creatures found in it.
GETTING THERE
To get there from Laie, take Kamehameha Highway north towards Kahuku. The parking for Shark's Cove and Pūpūkea Beach Park is to your right just after passing Sunset Beach. It comes up fast so be ready! If you've passed the Foodland, you've gone too far. Arriving by bus is very straightforward and takes 50 minutes total. Exact departure times and schedules can be found at www.google.com/maps. The box in the upper left corner has a bus icon. Type in your beginning and ending destinations and click the bus icon for specific directions. Time of departure can be altered as needed when making travel plans.
For more information check out the online Hawaii Snorkeling Guide² or search “Shark’s Cove Oahu”.
by Mermaid on Land <:))><
¹ Sawyer, Ty. 10 Best Destinations for Shore Diving, Scuba Diving. http://www.scubadiving.com/travel/pacific-western/top-10-best-destinations-shore-diving. (Accessed 6 Aug 2014).
² Sharks Cove, Hawaii Snorkeling Guide. http://www.hawaiisnorkelingguide.com/sharks_cove.html. (Accessed 6 Aug 2014).
by Mermaid on Land <:))><
¹ Sawyer, Ty. 10 Best Destinations for Shore Diving, Scuba Diving. http://www.scubadiving.com/travel/pacific-western/top-10-best-destinations-shore-diving. (Accessed 6 Aug 2014).
² Sharks Cove, Hawaii Snorkeling Guide. http://www.hawaiisnorkelingguide.com/sharks_cove.html. (Accessed 6 Aug 2014).
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