Oahu Snorkeling Guide
Kuilima Cove (Turtle Bay Resort)
Way up on the north shore, this Oahu snorkeling cove is located within the Turtle Bay Resort. The beach here is beautiful, and we have heard many good snorkeling stories about abundant fish and clear water, but we have mostly experienced very cloudy water and some pretty boring snorkeling. But there are some circumstances where this would be a good snorkeling spot that we explain below.
Site Snorkeling Details - Kuilima Cove (Turtle Bay Resort)
Oahu Snorkeling
Turtle Bay Resort is a beautiful location on Oahu. The grounds are well kept, and the beach is small but stunning. The snorkeling takes place within the small cove to the right of the resort. The water is shallow and the snorkeling grounds are straight out in the center of the little cove and along the rock breakwater wall to the right.
There are some strong currents on this northern tip of the island, so you do not want to swim outside the cove entrance on the right. And in fact the resort has a swimming line divider in the bay, and you should stay to the right of it. The water leaving the entrance to the left is fast flowing at times. We watched one snorkeler who went past this line having a bit of trouble trying to swim back.
The bottom topography is kind of boring, with a very small amount of coral and rocks. It is slightly more interesting exploring along the rock wall to the right.
We have not seen many fish here, nor clear water. But maybe it was just the time of year or the tide when we were there, because we have heard that there can be tons of fish and very clear water here.
Given that you have to pay $5 to park here, and that there are several snorkeling locations just down the road that are much better, we will probably pass on this in the future.
But, this is a protected cove, so if the wind is kicking up on the north shore, this may be one of the few safe places you can get in the water. It may also be a good place for beginners, so long as they stay away from the entrances.
And if you are staying at Turtle Bay, by all means, give it a go, but don't miss the better locations down the road. And if you are not staying there, arrive early because the parking fills up.
One thing to keep in mind is that Oahu snorkeling on the north shore is a mostly a summer activity, because in the winter the surf picks up.
Visitor Don E. shares his snorkeling experience at Kuilima here.
Visitor Gayle Cochran from Maryland shares her snorkeling experience at Kuilima here.
There are some outdoor showers and restrooms available, as well as some shade on the beach.
Driving Directions - Kuilima Cove (Turtle Bay Resort)
Oahu Snorkeling
Driving Directions to Kuilima Cove (inside Turtle Bay Resort) from Waikiki
You can choose to drive up the east side of the island or up the middle of the island to reach the north shore. To reach Hwy 83 on the east side heading north, you need to get on Hwy H-1 westbound then take one of the highways that crosses the Ko'olau Mountains, Hwy 61 (Pali Hwy), Hwy63 (Likelike Hwy), or Hwy H-3. When you come to the intersection with Hwy 83 (Kahekili Hwy), turn left, heading north. Alternately, to reach Hwy H-2 that leads to Hwy 99 up through the middle of the island, get on Hwy H-1 heading westbound until you reach the intersection with Hwy H-2 and head north. Hwy H-2 will turn into Hwy 99 that you follow until it comes to Hwy 83 again near Hale'iwa. Kuilima Cove is nearly on the most northern point of the island, in Turtle Bay Resort. You can't miss the sign for the resort. Signs lead to the best parking. There is a parking fee unless you spend some money in the resort.
Go to the next Oahu snorkeling spot - Waiale'e Beach
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