If you’re looking for peaceful family friendly snorkeling in Oahu on the North Shore—without the crowds of Waikiki—Aweoweo Beach Park deserves a place on your itinerary. Tucked away in a residential neighborhood of Waialua, this hidden gem offers sandy shores, calm waters in summer, basic amenities, and best of all—nearly guaranteed turtle sightings.
Unlike the more famous (and often packed) snorkeling spots like Shark’s Cove or Hanauma Bay, Aweoweo Beach Park is a local favorite where families can enjoy a slower-paced beach day. Here’s everything you need to know about snorkeling Aweoweo Beach Park with kids, plus tips to help you plan the perfect visit.
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Why Aweoweo Beach Park Is Great for Family Snorkeling
Aweoweo Beach Park isn’t just another beach—it’s a family-friendly, low-key spot ideal for parents with young snorkelers. Here’s why it stands out:
- Kid-friendly snorkeling conditions in summer: The water depth stays around 5–10 feet, making it manageable for kids who are learning to snorkel or getting comfortable with fins.
- Turtle sightings almost guaranteed: Aweoweo is home to a turtle cleaning station—a natural underwater spa where turtles hover while small fish clean their shells. It’s one of the most consistent spots on Oʻahu for seeing sea turtles up close (but not too close—more on that below).
- Essential amenities: You’ll find showers, restrooms, and picnic tables, which make it easier to plan a half-day or full-day outing without fuss.
What to Expect Underwater: Snorkeling Details
The Turtle Cleaning Station
One of the highlights of snorkeling here is spotting Hawaiian green sea turtles at the turtle cleaning station. You’ll find it near a large, round rock just offshore—it’s easy to spot because it’s one of the only prominent features in the mostly sandy bottom.
Small reef fish swim up to clean algae and parasites from the turtles’ shells, and the turtles often float calmly in place while the cleaning happens. It’s an amazing sight for kids and adults alike. Swim directly out about 30–40 feet. You’ll notice a large, round rock—this is the spot where turtles gather.
Be patient and scan the sandy bottom. The turtles may be hovering, swimming near the rock, or resting quietly in the sand. Watch the little reef fish dart out from hiding when the turtles arrive.
Tip: The turtles will swim around the rock, rest on the sand, or come up for air—remind your kids to float calmly and enjoy the view from a distance.
Water Depth and Visibility
- Depth: Typically under 10 feet, perfect for floating and short dives.
- Visibility: Usually good in summer. Avoid snorkeling during or just after storms, as runoff can reduce clarity.
- Currents: Generally calm in summer, but always check ocean conditions before entering. This is still the North Shore, and winter months bring large surf and strong currents that make snorkeling dangerous.
Snorkeling video at Aweoweo Beach Park
Is Aweoweo Beach Park Safe for Kids?
Aweoweo Beach Park does not have lifeguards on duty, so supervision is a must. That said, the calm summer conditions and gradual sandy bottom make it a relatively safe spot—especially for confident swimmers or kids in snorkel vests.
- No lifeguard: Keep a close watch, especially if your kids are following turtles or exploring farther from shore.
- No strong wave action in summer: The beach is much calmer than others on the North Shore when the surf is down.
- No known jellyfish issues: Portuguese Man O’ War sightings are rare here, making it a great alternative to busier beaches affected by jellyfish invasions.
How to Respect Wildlife While Snorkeling
Hawaiian green sea turtles are protected under federal and state law. As tempting as it might be to get close, it’s illegal (and harmful) to touch or disturb them.
- Stay at least 10 feet away from turtles
- Stay calm and still if a turtle approaches you
- Avoid blocking a turtle’s path to the surface for air
- Leave monk seals alone if you spot one—they require 50 feet of distance
Violating these guidelines can result in hefty fines, and locals take wildlife protection seriously.
How to Find the Turtle Cleaning Station
Facing the ocean from the beach:
- Look straight out from the first apartment building to your right (pointy, beige-colored).
- Swim directly out about 30–40 feet. You’ll notice a large, round rock—this is the spot where turtles gather.
Be patient and scan the sandy bottom. The turtles may be hovering, swimming near the rock, or resting quietly in the sand. Watch the little reef fish dart out from hiding when the turtles arrive.
Other Family-Friendly Activities at Aweoweo Beach Park
Beyond snorkeling, Aweoweo is a great place to have a relaxed beach day.
Beach Picnic or BBQ
The beach has a few picnic tables, but they fill up fast on weekends. Bring your own chairs or a foldable table, and set up a 10×10 shade tent if you’re planning to stay for lunch. The beach park has restrooms and showers, making it easy to spend several hours here.
Tip: Arrive before 10 a.m. on weekends to snag a picnic table. Weekdays are quieter.
Shade and Seating
Shade is limited, but there are small pockets near trees and shrubs—especially if you walk down to the far end of the beach. One great shady spot is at the beach access path between Au and Apuhihi Street, right in front of a small tree by a green lawn.
Great for Beginners
Aweoweo is also a good spot to let kids practice snorkeling in calm, clear water with sandy entry and exit points. Float, kick, and explore—all within a manageable, protected zone.
Directions and Parking
Address: Aweoweo Beach Park, Au St, Waialua, HI 96791
This is a small park located in a residential area—use GPS to find it, as it won’t be marked on most printed maps.
- Parking: Limited street parking directly in front of the beach. Arrive by 9:30 a.m. for the best chance to park nearby. If full, park on adjacent residential streets and walk 5–7 minutes.
- Beach access: Clear paths from the street lead directly to the sand.
When to Visit Aweoweo Beach Park
- Best time for snorkeling: Late spring through early fall, when the ocean is calm and safe for snorkeling.
- Avoid winter months: North Shore waves can reach dangerous heights, and visibility drops significantly.
Final Tips for Parents
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen, snorkel gear, and flotation devices for kids.
- Pack food, drinks, and shade—there are no vendors at this beach.
- Set expectations for respectful wildlife encounters.
- Consider combining your visit with other North Shore family attractions like Waimea Valley or Haleʻiwa Town.
Aweoweo Beach Park may be small, but it delivers big on calm snorkeling, turtle sightings, and family-friendly beach time—without the chaos of tourist crowds. For families visiting Oʻahu, it’s one of the best-kept secrets for low-key fun in the sun.
Want more snorkeling tips for Oʻahu with kids? Check out The Best Snorkeling Beaches on Oʻahu for Families
For additional context and information, you can also take a look at our ranked lists.
Highly recommended hotels in Oahu for families
Amazing Hawaii – best beaches in Oahu ranked
Fun things to do with kids in Oahu
For detailed visitor info, check out the Wikivoyage page on O’ahu.
