Snorkeling in Oahu, Hawaii
Cruise stops can be chaotic — you’ve got limited time, so every decision counts. When our ship docked in Honolulu, I knew two things for sure:
- It was my birthday — so I got to call the shots.
- I wanted to snorkel.
Originally, I had my heart set on Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, Oʻahu’s most famous snorkeling destination. It’s a protected marine sanctuary known for calm, clear waters, an accessible reef system, and the chance to spot green sea turtles. Everything about it sounded perfect — except for one detail I discovered too late: you must reserve a timed entry ticket two days in advance. I checked the website the day before we arrived and found every slot was completely booked. Disappointed but undeterred, I pivoted to Plan B — the North Shore.
Getting Around on Oahu
The Bus (And the Magic of the HOLO Card)
First, let’s talk about TheBus — Oʻahu’s public transportation system. It’s impressively comprehensive. For just $3 per ride, you can get nearly anywhere on the island, including the famed North Shore. But there’s a catch: you’ll need exact change, and no transfers are allowed unless you’re using a HOLO card.
A HOLO card is a reloadable transit pass — just tap and ride. Even better, it works with both TheBus and the Skyline, Honolulu’s tram the runs from Kualaka’i to Āhua. For $7.50, you can get an unlimited 1-day pass. The easiest place to buy one is at any of the numerous ABC Stores around the island. The downside? There isn’t one within easy walking distance of the cruise terminal. So if you’re planning to use the bus system extensively, your best bet is to plan your first stop near an ABC Store, grab a HOLO card, and go from there.
Our Reality: Uber to the North Shore
We were originally tempted to hop on Route 60, which goes directly to the North Shore. Staff at the cruise terminal warned us it could take up to five hours, though we later realized that was probably an exaggeration — it’s usually around two and a half hours, depending on traffic and road closures.
Since we didn’t want to risk it on such a special day, we opted for an Uber, which ran us about $65. For comparison, a taxi would’ve been $150 on the meter, though some drivers offer a $100 flat rate plus optional guided commentary. Uber was cheaper and convenient — though a detour through the charming town of Haleʻiwa due to bad car accident did add about 15 extra minutes.
First Stop: Snorkeling at Three Tables Beach
Our destination was Three Tables Beach, near Pupukea on the North Shore. While this area is known for surfing, not snorkeling, I had read that there are still a few protected bays with good underwater visibility. We were visiting in September, the tail end of the calm summer season, so we hoped the weather would be accomodating.
Three Tables did not disappoint.
This small beach gets its name from the three flat rock formations that sit offshore like (you guessed it) tables. The area around them is dotted with rocky outcroppings and scattered boulders, making for an interesting seabed to explore.
While there wasn’t a large coral reef system, we were pleasantly surprised by the abundance of fish, including many large ones. I was thrilled to spot several of Hawaiʻi’s state fish, the vibrant reef triggerfish (known locally as humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa — try saying that after snorkeling for an hour!).
The water was clear and visibility was great, though we had to stay alert for other snorkelers, as the bay was fairly active. There was also a mild current, especially near the rocks, so I’d advise beginners to stay within the protected area. But if you’re confident, don’t skip exploring near the rock formations — that’s where the most interesting sights are!
Lunch Break
After about three hours in the water, hunger set in. Luckily, there’s a Foodland grocery store just a five-minute walk north — perfect for grabbing snacks or fresh fruit. But keep walking a little farther and you’ll hit a food truck village with options ranging from poke bowls to burgers.
We chose Jax Woodfire Pizza and were not disappointed. We ordered our favorite, spicy Hawaiian pizza, and it arrived piping hot from the oven. As a birthday bonus, the kind owners even threw in a side of cheesy breadsticks (essentially another small pizza!). Jax is a family-run business with multiple locations on Oʻahu, and I highly recommend stopping by.
A Scenic Stroll from Shark’s Cove & Waimea Bay
After lunch, we checked out Shark’s Cove, another popular snorkeling spot just a short walk from Three Tables. It looked promising — a rocky bay protected from the ocean by a narrow inlet — but, at just an hour past low tide, the water was too shallow for proper snorkeling, and the uneven, rocky floor made walking difficult. We decided to save it for another visit.
Instead, we walked south to Waimea Bay Beach Park, where the Waimea River meets the sea. The beach was wide, peaceful, and glowing in the late afternoon sun. The waves were gentle, and we couldn’t resist jumping in for a final swim before sunset. The crimson sky reflecting off the water was the perfect end to a wonderful day.
The Long Way Home
With the sun down and our wallets lighter, we decided to take TheBus back to Honolulu. There’s a stop right across from Three Tables, and boarding was straightforward — we had exact fare and paid $3 each.
Here’s the ”fun” part: we counted 161 stops between the North Shore and the cruise port. It sounds worse than it was. The ride took just over two hours, and while it was too dark to see the scenery, it was smooth and comfortable. We even made it back with time to spare before final boarding, though we did miss our main dining room reservation onboard!
While it wasn’t the snorkeling day I originally planned, it turned into something even better: an adventure filled with surprises, good eats, scenic swims, and one unforgettable birthday on the North Shore of Oʻahu.
