Oahu Snorkeling Guide
Ko Olina Lagoons
We loved this Oahu snorkeling spot. Unlike the other areas on the west side, this is clean, there are not any homeless people living on the beach, and it has a very resort-like feel. And there is a reason for that. Ko Olina Lagoons, of which there are four close together, were created by the developers in this area less than 20 years ago. And even though they are manmade, they are each beautiful little beaches with some great snorkeling in some very protected water.
Pictures on this page are Ko Olina Lagoon #1
This is a popular place with limited parking, so we needed to come early to get a spot. Lagoon four has the most parking, is the most popular, and along with lagoon three has the best snorkeling. So we found it best to just drive to number four and park, and then walk down the nice paths to the other lagoons. The other three lagoons have less than 20 parking spots at each one.
When we were last there, they were still constructing condo/resorts all along this waterfront. At lagoon #2 there was not yet any resort, and it had almost no people at it.
There are nice walking paths between each lagoon, with grass to hangout on in the shade of trees, restrooms and public telephones and even a couple of upscale resorts to stay at. At lagoon #1 there is the Paradise Cove Resort, and at lagoon #3 there is the Marriott Resort. The Marriott has a nice looking bar/grill on the lagoon if you want lunch.
The lagoons are all made in a similar way (see picture below). They have three cuts made into the rock that allows sea water to flow in. Most of the time the current flows in the sides, and exits the middle. The lagoons have a protective rope in front the of middle area, and you are not supposed to go beyond it because of the outgoing current. But lots of people did, and we did also at times, making sure there was not a strong current first.
These lagoons offer some very safe snorkeling. We were there on some very windy and wavy days, and the lagoons were very calm. We even snorkeled right into the rock cuts until we came against the breakwater, and the waves coming in and out next to the ocean were mild.
Site Snorkeling Details - Ko Olina Lagoons #1
Oahu Snorkeling
We found that Ko Olina Lagoon number one had the poorest snorkeling. It was very cloudy, had little underwater relief, and few fish compared to the other three lagoons. Given how good the other three are we will probably not snorkel this one again.
Here is a pretty bad picture of a Baracuda that was interested in us.
Click here to see what the snorkeling was like and pictures at:
Lagoon #2
Lagoon #3
Lagoon #4
Driving Directions - Ko Olina Lagoons
Oahu Snorkeling
Driving Directions to Ko'olina Lagoons 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). Follow Hwy 93 a short distance to the exit to Ko'olina resort area. You will be on Aliinui Dr. The four lagoons all have their own parking and path to the beach. They are well marked on the right side of the road.
Check out more pictures of Ko Olina Lagoon #2
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