ALOHA!
So you are thinking about going to Kuhio Beach and want to know if this is a Waikiki snorkeling spot!
Kuhio Beach isn’t known as a snorkeling beach.
But it is a popular beach in Waikiki that is often considered to be one of the most kid-friendly beaches in Waikiki is Kuhio Beach.
So if it’s your chosen beach in Waikiki otherwise (the location means that it does have its conveniences), then yes, you can try to go snorkeling in Waikiki at Kuhio Beach!
Don’t expect to see tons of fish, but you will likely see a few… if you look in the right spot when swimming out from Kuhio Beach!
Can you snorkel at Kuhio Beach?
Yes, you can go snorkeling at Kuhio Beach.
I went snorkeling at Kuhio Beach and saw little fishies swimming around, including the type of Hawaiian pufferfish that can only be found in Hawaii!
It is not the best snorkeling in Waikiki, but for the best snorkeling at Kuhio Beach, the location to search for little fishies is along the rocky barrier.
This rocky barrier can prevent rough waves from coming through, and it’s also where you might find little fishies as you are snorkeling at Kuhio Beach!
Now again, don’t expect to see tons of fish, but if you’ll be going to Kuhio Beach for other reasons, you can have a look for fishies too!
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I went snorkeling at Kuhio Beach in the area with beach access at the intersection of Kalakaua Avenue and Liliuokalani Ave.
An easy landmark is McDonald’s. (map)
Also at the intersection of Kalakaua and Liliuokalani are Morimoto Asia and the Alohilani Resort.
You want to go snorkeling when there’s minimal surf at Kuhio Beach
Kuhio Beach is more protected from the waves, but if there are bigger waves, then those waves could come crashing over the Kuhio Beach sea wall.
You can check the local weather forecast to see if there will be ideal snorkeling conditions before you go.
Specifically, you’ll want to look for the surf forecast.
As a snorkeler, ideally you will want the least amount of surf as possible, which means 0 ft waves is best!
But otherwise, even 1 to 3 ft waves could be doable for snorkeling.
Although keep in mind that any amount of waves can decrease visibility since the waves can stir up sand.
This means you may not be able to see underwater to be able to look for the fish as well.
And in the case of Kuhio Beach, bigger waves can also prevent you from swimming more closely to the sea wall.
If the waves are big enough to be crashing over the sea wall, that can make it less safe to be swimming near it.
You can check local weather at KITV weather for example. The surf conditions are provided with every major weather forecast. (Watch the video!)
Since Waikiki is on the south side of Oahu, you’ll look for the surf conditions on the southern shores of Oahu.
Snorkeling alone in Waikiki
I’ve been snorkeling and swimming at Kuhio Beach several times. While it is best to not snorkel alone in Waikiki (or anywhere), if you are traveling to Hawaii alone, I would generally say would be fine if you are a solo snorkeler at Kuhio Beach, for the reason that there will likely be many people around. There is also a lifeguard.
This at least gives you more of a chance that someone sees you if you get into trouble in the water.
I personally like to try to make myself as visible as possible. This includes swimming with a bright colored swim buoy. I also like to wear a bright colored swim shirt. I’ve also worn a bright colored swim cap.
I also think Kuhio Beach is one of the safest beaches in Waikiki, because the seawall can keep the rougher seas out. (Not that I consider the others not safe. I also think it’s generally fine to swim at any beaches in Waikiki!)
Whether you are snorkeling alone or you have a snorkeling buddy, be sure that you take care when snorkeling, always! The ocean is beautiful, but it’s also powerful and can be dangerous!
What to pack for snorkeling in Waikiki
Here’s your quick list!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this “camera” wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won’t sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat – test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel
- WATER! (and snacks)
I also don’t go snorkeling in Waikiki without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don’t mind getting wet with salt water (it’s not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
And that’s a bit about the snorkeling spot at Kuhio Beach!
If you’re interested in snorkeling at Kuhio Beach, then you may also be interested in this marine life in Hawaii:
- Waikiki turtles
- Laniakea Beach turtles on the North Shore of Oahu
- Hookipa Beach turtles in Maui
- Punaluu black sand beach turtles on the Big Island
- Hookipa Beach seals in Maui
Know before you go! Know what it is when you see it!
- humuhumunukunukuapua’a (Hawaii state fish… it’s not as hard to pronounce as you might think!)
- Hawaiian white-spotted toby (cute little Hawaiian pufferfish!)
More for your trip to Waikiki:
- Things to do in Waikiki (for VIEWS!)
- Banyan trees in Waikiki (including at Kuhio Beach)
- Hula show in Waikiki (at Kuhio Beach!)
- Must-see surfer statue… at Kuhio Beach!
HAPPY SNORKELING AT KUHIO BEACH!
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