ALOHA!
One of the big differences between Kuilima Cove and Sharks Cove is that in the winter there’s a good chance that you can go snorkeling at Kuilima Cove.
They are both North Shore beaches, but Kuilima Cove is more protected.
So on the far north end of Oahu is the Turtle Bay Resort.
This is the only resort on the North Shore, and this is also where the Kuilima Cove snorkeling beach is located.
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While this is the beach that resort guests go to, you don’t need to stay at Turtle Bay in order to snorkel here or visit this beach.
It’s a public beach, so if you are looking for beginner-friendly snorkeling spots on the North Shore, you can consider going to Kuilima Cove as a beginner snorkeler!
The immediate swimming area off the shores of the Kuilima Cove beach can be a bit more sheltered because of the bay formation.
As described by Turtle Bay Resort:
Kuilima Cove is a sandy inlet that features one of the safest beaches on the North Shore for swimming, protected by a reef from ocean swells.
More of Hawaii marine life
If you’re interested in snorkeling at Kuilima Cove, you may also be interested in these 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!)
What the people of Oahu want you to know about Kuilima Cove
But while it is considered a safer beach, it is still the ocean! So, always use caution!
No lifeguard on duty.
Swimming area has sharp coral bottom
Dangerous current beyond buoys.
Stay to the right of the buoys.
Food near Kuilima Cove
Roy’s Beach House is basically right at Kuilima Cove, making it a beachfront bar and restaurant on the North Shore.
You can also order food for take-out here.
Pictures (and Roy’s Beach House menu food prices!) are from 2017.
And that’s a bit about snorkeling on the North Shore!
For more snorkeling spots on the North Shore, have a look to Shark’s Cove that’s in the Pupukea marine life conservation district.
And be sure to see the snorkeling essentials for Hawaii to pack for your trip to Oahu!
And for after your snorkeling at Kuilima Cove, have a look at more things you can do on the North Shore!
HAPPY SNORKELING AT KUILIMA COVE!
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