Shark's Cove

Haleiwa, Hawaii

4.6/5

based on 11 reviews

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Shark's Cove is a family-friendly, less crowded, free snorkeling alternative to Haunama Bay. Explore tide pools with sea urchin, sea cucumber, and other wild life at low tide. If you're looking for food, thee's a few food trucks right across the street from the beach.

Are you looking to get away from the crowds at Hanauma Bay? If you've got your family or it's just you and a few friends looking to do some snorkeling, free diving or exploring underwater caves, then Shark's Cove is your spot. There is no fee to enter the cove, just park on the side of the street and walk in. You may want to bring sandals or water shoes as it's a little rocky getting into the water. You can also grab food at the Foodland Super Market across the street and set up on the sandy side of the beach. To be safe, don't leave your stuff unattended in the car or on the beach. Also, keep in mind that this spot is best when the surf isn't big, because it will allow you to swim in the deeper areas.

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Beach

Family Friendly

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Shark's Cove Reviews

Sophia Morgan

Scout

Shark's Cove

02/20/25

Great for the family. Lots of shallow pools for kids to explore (my 6 and 4 year old nieces won’t get out of the water here). Parking can be tough, but the snorkeling is well worth it. Avoid holiday weekends and you should be alright! Also has bathrooms and showers, and is across the street from foodland.

5.0

Stephanie Lopez

Wayfinder

Shark's Cove

11/16/24

Staying on the North Shore this is a good place to snorkle, but wouldnt say its great for smaller kids. Its very rocky getting into the water and most of the fish are farther out. The current can also be strong in some spots. It does get pretty busy in the summer but we saw lots of fish and a turtle. Parking isnt great either. Have to park on the side of the road and it gets full.

4.0

Team

Tyler Drake

Team

Explorer

Shark's Cove

10/10/24

The rocky and steep entrance to the beach made it a little tricky for my crew (4 year old and 1 year old). Will be better when they're a bit older. With that said, it was a great opportunity to see sea life and swim in a fairly protected area. Keep an eye out for urchins and explain to your kiddos how to look out for them before you get in the water.

4.0

Andy

Explorer

Shark's Cove

11/23/20

Great place to snorkel. Would recommend if on the north shore. Didn't see any sea turtles here, but lots of fish. Would want to come back and free dive here

5.0

Elena P

Explorer

Shark's Cove

07/07/20

This is a great snorkel spot. Lots of cool tide pools and fish to swim with. There are shallow spots for those who don't want to venture out too far. Climbing around on the rocks on shore is also quite fun.

5.0

Natalie F

Explorer

Shark's Cove

07/03/20

Definitely wear water shoes, basically have to walk on rocks to get out anywhere. Shallow areas for younger kids. It wasn't too crowded on a weekday during the day.

4.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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Shark's Cove

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Shark's Cove Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Catch the Sunset at Pupukea Beach Park

Three Tables

Waimea Bay

Waimea Falls

'Ehukai Pillbox

Turtle Beach

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