Snorkeling with kids on Oʻahu can be one of the most memorable parts of your trip — as long as you pick the right spot. Here are the top kid friendly snorkeling locations in Oahu with a parent’s eye: calm water, kid-friendly access, turtle sightings, and available facilities. Whether you’re traveling with toddlers or teens, this guide will help you choose the right snorkeling beach for your family.
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
Queen’s Beach and Sans Souci Beach (Waikīkī)
Queen’s Beach
Best for: Confident swimmers and teens
Good to know: Close to hotels but lacks protection from waves
Beach conditions: Open water, mild surf, rocky reef
Parking: Metered street parking or nearby lots
Amenities: Lifeguards, restrooms, and food vendors close by
Queen’s Beach is on the southeastern end of Waikīkī, just past the Waikīkī Aquarium. It offers reef snorkeling right off the beach, but the surf can be a bit unpredictable. Best for older kids who are strong swimmers. A good option if you’re already staying in Waikīkī and want a quick beach day without driving far.
Read more about Queen’s beach.
Sans Souci Beach (Waikīkī)
Best for: Toddlers, younger kids, and beginners
Good to know: Gentle entry, sheltered conditions
Beach conditions: Sandy bottom, minimal waves
Parking: Metered street parking nearby
Amenities: Lifeguards, restrooms, shaded grassy areas
This calm, family-favorite beach sits next to Queen’s Beach but feels more protected thanks to an offshore reef. The shallow water is perfect for kids just learning to snorkel. Bring reef shoes for rocky patches, and arrive early for the best shaded spots.
Read more about Sans Souci beach.
Aweoweo Beach Park
Best for: Families with younger kids and beginner snorkelers
Good to know: Reef is close to shore, calmer than other North Shore spots
Beach conditions: Sandy entrance, reef patches begin within a short swim
Parking: Small free lot, street parking nearby
Amenities: Restrooms, picnic tables, shade trees, showers
Aweoweo Beach Park is a low-key North Shore spot ideal for families seeking an easy snorkeling day without big surf. The reef starts close to shore, making it perfect for younger kids to spot fish in shallow water without a long swim. It’s a quieter alternative to Shark’s Cove or Waimea Bay and is usually calm in summer months. While marine life is modest compared to bigger snorkel sites, you’ll still find colorful fish and occasional turtles. The grassy park with shade and picnic tables also makes it a great all-day stop for families.
Read more about Aweoweo Beach Park for families.
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve (East Oʻahu)
Best for: All ages, from preschoolers to grandparents
Good to know: Mandatory orientation video, reservations required
Beach conditions: Sheltered bay, calm water, abundant marine life
Parking: On-site lot (fills up early), paid admission
Amenities: Lifeguards, restrooms, snack bar, gear rental
This is the most famous snorkeling spot on Oʻahu — and for good reason. The marine preserve is teeming with colorful fish in calm, shallow water. Be prepared for a short hike down to the beach (or shuttle ride), and bring your reef-safe sunscreen.
Read our full guide to Hanauma Bay.
Kuilima Cove (North Shore)
Best for: Younger kids and beginner snorkelers
Good to know: Calm year-round thanks to protective rock wall
Beach conditions: Sandy entry, shallow reef close to shore
Parking: Free public lot at Turtle Bay Resort
Amenities: Showers, restrooms, shaded spots
Tucked next to Turtle Bay Resort, this is one of the most reliably calm snorkeling beaches on the island. It’s protected from waves, making it safe for younger kids and great for parents who want a relaxing beach day.
Check out more on Kuilima Cove.
Ko Olina Lagoons (Leeward Coast)
Best for: Toddlers, cautious swimmers, and relaxing family days
Good to know: Man-made lagoons offer zero wave activity
Beach conditions: Flat water, sandy beach
Parking: Free public parking at each lagoon (limited)
Amenities: Restrooms, walking paths, shade trees, nearby food
Ko Olina’s four lagoons are perfect for families with young kids. The calm, lagoon-style design makes them feel like outdoor swimming pools, but with fish and ocean views. Great for first-time snorkelers.
See our detailed guide on Ko Olina snorkeling for families.
Shark’s Cove (North Shore)
Best for: Older kids and teens with some snorkeling experience
Good to know: Rocky entry, wear water shoes
Beach conditions: Clear water, lava rock reef, no lifeguards
Parking: Small lot, fills quickly
Amenities: Restrooms across the street, food trucks nearby
One of the most popular summer snorkeling spots on the North Shore, Shark’s Cove has incredible underwater visibility and rock formations. It’s not ideal for younger children due to the rocky terrain and deeper water. Summer only—avoid in winter due to high surf.
Read our complete family guide to Shark’s Cove.
Three Tables Beach (North Shore)
Best for: Teens and confident snorkelers
Good to know: Small beach, less crowded than Shark’s Cove
Beach conditions: Reef close to shore, entry can be tricky
Parking: Shared lot with Shark’s Cove
Amenities: Restrooms and showers nearby
Just a short walk from Shark’s Cove, Three Tables has stunning coral and occasional turtle sightings. Best in summer, as winter waves make it dangerous. Not for very young kids, but older ones with experience will love it.
See our guide on Three Tables for parents.
Electric Beach (Kahe Point, West Oʻahu)
Best for: Strong swimmers and experienced teens
Good to know: Deep water, strong current near outflow
Beach conditions: Clear water, abundant sea life, entry from steep sand
Parking: Small free lot
Amenities: Restrooms, showers, no lifeguards
Named for the nearby power plant that warms the water (attracting fish), Electric Beach is an exciting snorkel for advanced swimmers. Turtles and large schools of fish are common here, but the current and depth make this a no-go for young kids.
Read our family snorkeling tips for Electric Beach.
Lanikai Beach (Kailua, Windward Side)
Best for: Older kids and casual snorkelers
Good to know: No public facilities, limited parking
Beach conditions: Soft sand, small reef patches
Parking: Residential street parking (respectfully)
Amenities: None—bring everything with you
One of Oʻahu’s most beautiful beaches, Lanikai has clear blue water and gentle waves in summer. While the reef isn’t spectacular, kids can spot small fish and enjoy calm swimming. Great for a combo beach/snorkel day.
Read more on family friendly snorkeling at Lanikai Beach.
Waimea Bay (North Shore)
Best for: Older kids in summer only
Good to know: Big surf in winter, very calm in summer
Beach conditions: Wide sandy beach, some rocks and reef
Parking: On-site lot and overflow street parking
Amenities: Restrooms, showers, lifeguards
Waimea Bay is famous for surfing in winter but transforms into a calm snorkeling spot in summer. The beach is wide and family-friendly, though the swim out to reef areas can be a bit far for young kids.
See our guide for parents on snorkeling with kids at Waimea Bay.
Kaʻena Point State Park (Northwest Oʻahu)
Best for: Families with hiking experience, older kids
Good to know: Remote area, no shops or lifeguards
Beach conditions: Rocky shoreline, deeper water
Parking: At end of Farrington Highway (Yokohama side)
Amenities: Restrooms, no shade, bring supplies
This off-the-beaten-path beach offers peaceful snorkeling and wildlife like crabs and small reef fish. It’s best for families with older kids and an adventurous spirit. A hike to the point reveals monk seals and bird sanctuaries.
Read our full review of snorkeling and hiking Kaʻena Point.
Mākaha Beach Park (West Oʻahu)
Best for: Experienced snorkelers and teens
Good to know: Deep water, strong current possible
Beach conditions: Steep sand drop-off, coral farther out
Parking: Free lot
Amenities: Restrooms, lifeguards, showers
Makaha is a well-known surf spot, but when the waves are calm (especially in summer), it becomes a deep-water snorkel with great turtle sightings. The reef is far from shore and visibility improves the farther you go, so it’s best for older kids who can swim confidently.
Read our guide on family snorkeling at Makaha.
Final Tips for Snorkeling Oʻahu with Kids
- Summer is safer: Stick to summer months (May–September) for calmer ocean conditions, especially on the North Shore.
- Check conditions: Always check surf forecasts and current warnings before snorkeling.
- Pack essentials: Reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, rash guards, and plenty of snacks.
- Respect marine life: No touching turtles, coral, or fish. Teach kids to observe gently.
Want more? Browse our full Family Beach Guide to Oʻahu
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.
