Shark's CoveNorth Shore, Oʻahu, HI

Visibility is an estimate — wind, rain, tide & water alerts.

Getting in

Shore access, rocky entry

Depth

3 to 20 ft

Snorkeling

Snorkelable from the beach

Best conditions

Roughly May to October, when DLNR describes the water as generally calm. Surge happens even in summer, so pick a flat day.

Parking

Beach park lot with roadside shoulder alongside. Around 30 cars, and it fills by mid-morning through the summer.

Protection

Pupukea Marine Life Conservation District. Taking, injuring or removing any marine life is prohibited, eggs included, as is introducing anything that attracts marine life. The rules' stated exceptions: limu hand harvest up to two pounds and carrying a knife apply district-wide, and hook-and-line plus seasonal net fishing only within Waimea Bay. Beyond the limu and knife allowances, Shark's Cove is no-take.

On site

restrooms, rinse showers, lifeguard on duty, parking lot

Watch for

Winter surf. DLNR states current and wave conditions here become extremely dangerous in the winter months, and North Shore swell in that window runs 10 to 30 ft and more, DLNR warns against entering the water during any period of high surf on the North Shore, Entry is over sharp lava boulders and rock shelf, so reef shoes are worth having, Sea urchins on the rocky bottom are easy to stand on

Checked 2026-07-19. Sources: Hawaii DLNR Division of Aquatic Resources, Hawaii DLNR, Pupukea MLCD rules, City and County of Honolulu Ocean Safety.