Oahu Snorkeling Guide
Kaiona Beach Park
This is the first east side Oahu snorkeling spot. The east side of the island generally gets more rain and freshwater run off, and often gets trade winds blowing across it's beaches. Both combine to make for cloudy conditions in most of the locations on this side of the island.
The day that we wanted to snorkel Kaiona it was grey and cloudy, windy, and we could also see that it was cloudy in the water, without going in. So we did not. But it is worth mentioning because it is one of the few east side locations and you may want to try it out in better conditions than we had.
Site Snorkeling Details - Kaiona Beach Park
Oahu Snorkeling
What is good about snorkeling here is that there is a nice protective reef offshore, so the shallow waters are generally pretty safe. The water access is easy and it looks interesting. You can try the snorkeling straight out from the park, or head down the beach to the right, past the swimming area that has been created with rocks as a breakwater. There is a patch of coral a good distance offshore.
If you do snorkel here,
share what it is like with us.
This locations has restrooms, picnic tables, water, and showers but no longer offers camping.
Driving Directions - Kaiona Beach Park
Oahu Snorkeling
Driving Directions to Kaiona Beach Park from Waikiki
Getting on H-1 from Waikiki can be challenging! Here's a good way to get on heading east towards Hanauma Bay. Get on Ala Wai Blvd heading northwest (one-way only in that direction) and follow it to McCully St. Turn right and go to the next intersection, with Kapiolani Blvd, and turn right again. Follow Kapiolani Blvd until you see the signs to get on H-1 East and do so. Continue on H-1 East and it will turn into Hwy 72 (Kalanianaole Hwy). From Waikiki, it's about 17 miles to the park. You will drive along the ocean and Koko Head as you drive around the southeast edge of the island. When you get close to the park, you will be heading northwest. There is a parking lot next to the beach on the right side of the road before the large park area.
Go the the next spot - Lanikai Beach
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