Oahu Snorkeling Guide
Ka'ena Point State Park
(Keawa'ula Beach - Yokohama Bay)
This is one of those Oahu snorkeling spots that appears to have a handful of names. This big beautiful sandy beach is in Ka'ena Point State Park, is sometimes called Keawa'ula Beach, and is on Yokohama Bay, and it is sometimes also called Yokohama Bay Beach. Whatever you call it, it is easy to find. You just drive all the way to the end of the paved road on the Wai'anae coast.
When we tried to snorkel here, it was a little late in the year and the waves were a bit big. This is a very exposed beach, and so it is probably best snorkeled in the summer on very calm days. The beach is steep, so if waves pick up, they could really beat you up here.
We also did not really feel comfortable at the park. It was full of trash, the restrooms were a real mess, and there were only a couple other locals in the area, slowly driving around. So it just did not feel that inviting.
But if you want a super secluded beautiful beach to snorkel in the summer, give it a try.
Site Snorkeling Details - Ka'ena Point State Park
Oahu Snorkeling
Like we said above, we did not snorkel this spot, but we have heard it can be good when super calm. From the parking spots near the park restroom, the snorkeling is straight out and to the left in front of the small rocks. You may also want to try around the rocky point at the south end of the beach.
Remember this an exposed beach. We have seen large waves break hard on this beach, even when it was dead calm moments before. So time your entries and exits carefully.
Let us know if you like snorkeling here.
Driving Directions - Ka'ena Point State Park
Oahu Snorkeling
Driving Directions to Ka'ena Point State Park from Waikiki
Getting on H-1 from Waikiki can be challenging! Here's a good way to get on heading west towards the middle of the island. Get on Kalakaua Ave (the one way beachfront main drag). You will be heading southeast. Turn left on Kapahulu Ave and keep on it and you will go under H-1. Veer to the left on Waialae Ave and shortly on the right you will see an on ramp for H-1 West. You will follow H-1 as far as it goes to the west. On it, you may take the shortcut on 201 if you desire. You will pass through Pearl City and Waipahu and Kapolei just before the highway changes to Hwy 93 (Farrington Hwy). Yokohama Bay/Keawa'ula Beach is at the end of this road, almost to the most northwestern point of the island.
Check out the next west side location - Makaha Beach Park
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