Sharks Cove Oahu, Hawaii Guide and Warnings

Our family has been visiting sharks cove for years, there are some things about the place that you should really know before you go in order to keep safe and have the best experience.

This is the ultimate guide to Oahu’s natural Sharks Cove including snorkelling and Warnings you need to know before you go! Sharks cove is easily one of the best places on Oahu to snorkel.

Sharks Cove Oahu, Hawaii Guide and Warnings

Where is Sharks cove?

Sharks cove is located on the island of Oahu in Hawaii. More specifically on the North shore at the Pupukea Tide pools in Haleiwa, Oahu.

How far is Sharks Cove Oahu from Waikiki?

Sharks cove is 35 miles from Waikiki going north, is takes approximately 40 minutes to reach sharks cove from Waikiki. It is right on the popular Kamehameha highway, the best scenic drive on Oahu!

Are there sharks in sharks cove on Oahu?

I have snorkelled this area at least 10 times and I have never seen a shark in the area. Sharks generally do not like coved off areas as it limits their speed when they are hunting. I did some research on if there has ever been a shark attack at sharks cove and there were none. Sharks cove is pretty much shark free. If you were to ever see a shark in this area, it is unlikely that they would be in the cove area, more likely near the outer wall of the cove.

How did sharks cove get its name?

Sharks cove got its name from the local Hawaiian fisherman on Oahu that assumed that there were sharks in the cove. At night, they would fish the exterior wall of sharks cove for bigger game, and at the time there were white tip reef sharks in the area. Since then the area see’s very little sharks.

Are there sea turtles at sharks cove Oahu?

Yes there are a lot of sea turtles in the large bay area of sharks cove. If you are snorkelling the area, you are very likely to see a sea turtle. The turtles in Hawaii have their favourite spots and sharks cove is one of them, for its varying depth and lots for a turtle to eat.

Where can you eat neat sharks cove, Oahu?

There is a food truck area right across the street from sharks cove with a large parking lot and 6 food trucks. We ate in this area and had all sorts of good food. My sister ate at the shrimp truck, that served up local Hawaiian shrimp on a bed of rice with a salad. She said it was really good. My kids had pizza from the pizza truck, I took a bite out of one of their pizzas and it was great. Large portions and it was inexpensive. We also had burgers from the burger truck, that had pineapple right in the burger. And I had the fish tacos, that I found really salty for my taste from the taco truck.

There were annoying birds all around our table at sharks cove and they would not leave us alone, at some time literally 25 or more birds and the staff there did nothing about it.

After lunch we all had shaved ice from the shaved ice stand, this was our favourite part of lunch. And the best part was that the birds were not interested in the shaved ice! They don’t know what they are missing….dumb birds lol.

Sharks Cove and sharks cove beach oahu North shore

Sharks cove Oahu parking

There is a small skinny parking lot right in from of sharks cove that gets pretty packed up. For additional parking you can park across the street in the food truck parking lot. That is what we usually do, because when you are done at sharks cove you are going to be hungry. Genius positioning for this food truck stand.

Is Sharks Cove Oahu Safe?

For the most part it is safe. I would not be snorkelling in Sharks cove like some tourists do in the winter months because the swells can be massive and the wave can easily smash you against the rock. It is a good way to ruin a trip, you getting hurt at sharks bay. The rock in sharks cove Oahu is also jagged lava rock, so you should be wearing water shoes and mind your step. Falling on this will hurt bad.

So yes it is safe if you follow the right precautions, however it can be dangerous if you don’t. Keep reading as I will out line how to stay safe here and all of the potential dangers of sharks cove.

Is there a tour that goes to sharks cove Oahu?

Yes there are tours that do an island tour and those will visit sharks cove. The tours cost around $130 USD per person. I really think this is a waste of money. You can rent a car on Oahu for dirt cheap and drive the whole island. Driving is very safe here, and sharks cove is easy to find, right off the highway.

What will I see at sharks cove Oahu?

You will see load of fish including Parrotfish, multiple colours of tangs and surgeonfish, reef triggerfish like the Humuhumumunukunukuapua’a! You will also see butterfly fish, ocean snapper, moorish Idols, Goatfish, trigger fish, trumpetfish, wrasses and much more.

Other things you are likely to see here are turtles, stingrays, eels, Octopus, coral and monk seals!

Rough waters at sharks cove. Oahu north shore attraction

What is the best time of day to snorkel sharks cove?

The best time of day to snorkel in sharks cove Oahu is early in the morning 5-7am or in the evening 7-9pm. These are the turnaround times when the nocturnal creatures and the day animals are out at the same time feeding. It is an amazing frenzy that you are not going to want to miss.

What is the best time of year to go to sharks cove Oahu?

The best time of year is in the summertime. During the winter months sharks cove has huge wave and swells, making it dangerous for swimmers. You usually cannot snorkel in the bay area from October to April. So if you are travelling to Oahu during these months avoid planning on snorkelling sharks cove. Actually you should probably avoid snorkelling the entire north shore as this is when the big waves happen. It is called the Banzai pipeline and it is famous for surfers during the winter months.

Is sharks cove a good place to watch the sunset?

No sharks cove is not a great place to watch the sunset, although you can get some really pretty shots in the area. The sunset will usually be inland from sharks cove, so you will not get as much reflection off the water as you would like during an epic sunset.

Can I rent snorkel equipment at sharks cove?

Yes, there is a little shop by the food trucks that rents snorkel equipment. It cost around $10 bucks for 2 hour rental.

What else is there to do around sharks cove?

If you are making the drive out to visit sharks cove, then you should pair it with The dole plantation, Waimea falls hike and waterfall, turtle cove beach, or Kuala ranch.

Is the beach at turtle cove nice?

Yes there is a beach at turtle cove, and no it is not nice. There are sharp rocks sticking out of the sand. I guess if you are going during the summer months and you are with people who don’t snorkel, then the beach area is fine for them to hang out at. However it is hard to put a umbrella in the sand here for sun cover because of the rocks and it is really not a pretty beach.

Is Sharks cove Oahu good for kids?

I would have to say no, I would not take my kids into sharks cove. The Hawaiians have made this area very popular because of its abundance of sea life, but there are way safer places around Oahu to take your kids to snorkel. If you are going to the north shore to do some snorkelling then turtle bay is a much better cove for kids as the entrance is sandy and there is hardly any waves.

Can you scuba dive in sharks cove?

Yes there are companies that take diver out to sharks cove. It is generally safe, however there can be a strong current. Last year emergency response had to save some diver out at sharks cove.

Food truck in Oahu North shore near sharks cove

Sharks cove Warnings

Jagged volcanic rock

If you are going to Sharks cove, please make sure you are wearing water shoes as the volcanic rock is very sharp here. I see a lot of tourist going in the water with their flip flops and that can be very dangerous as you can easily slip or the flip flop can go to the side.

Coral that can sting

Don’t touch the coral! Some coral can sting very badly and sharks cove has some of that coral there.

Jellyfish

Check the water for jellyfish, they like to come in packs. If there are a lot of jellyfish do not go in the water. They can really pile into the bay at sharks cove and can sting you and even kill you if it is the right species.

Don’t touch the turtles

It is a Hawaiian law that you cannot touch the turtle, that is one of the reason there are so many around Oahu. They can also bit you if you are not careful and their bite could take a chunk out of you. The turtles Hawaii are lovely, you should enjoy them from afar.

Sharks cove sea life

Huge waves and swells

Do not enter the water if it is wavy or looks dangerous. You don’t want to get caught in Sharks cove during the winter months when the swells are high.

Caves to get stuck in

There are 2 caves in the sharks cove area and some of the locals like to talk about it. One of the caves you can swim into and it is really neat. I did it, and it was really scary getting there. You have to be able to hold your breath for at least a minute. And you have to know what cave to go in. It is easy for swimmers to get pushed into caves if you are diving down and there is the right current. Be careful.

Current and rip tides

The north shore can have a strong current, and sharks cove is no exception. The current here can suck you out to sea if you are not careful. Do not go beyond your capabilities, if you are not a strong swimmer, avoid sharks cove.

Our experience at turtle cove

I have visited the turtle cove on Oahu several times over the years and I absolutely love it. The first time I went was a few years back, and it was one of my favourite all time snorkel experiences.

The water was calm, as we were there during the summer and the visibility was unreal. I started off in the shallow area where I saw a high concentration of small fish and guppies, as well as crabs. And as I got deeper, I saw much larger sea animals like turtles and rays. I had to have seen 6 turtles that day. I continued on and spotted and eagle ray gliding around the bay looking for food. It was majestic.

As I swam around the bay, I noticed a hole in the water that some locals were going in. I take some risks and asked them about it. They told me there is an opening, but I would have to swim through a short cave. I did it and it was scary as hell. As I swam through the cave I noticed all sorts of dark dwelling fish that like the still dark waters of the cave. If got to the opening after about a minute of swimming through the water. After a few pictures I decided to head back, the reward was not really worth the risk.

When I got back into the cove, I noticed a huge group of large convict tangs swimming in the water feeding and mating! It was crazy, it was like a giant fish orgy and other fish were following them. I pulled up my trusty go pro and followed the group for at least 20 minutes. There had to have been 500 fish!

They went very shallow as I think the concentration of eggs and semen are better in shallow water.

After I was done viewing the spectacle, I exited the water and accidentally stepped on some of the jagged rock on the edge where I cut my foot. I was mad at myself for taking the water shoes off too early.

Signs at sharks cove Oahu

Sharks Cove Packing list, What you need to snorkel sharks cove

1. Towel

2. Reef safe Sunscreen

3. Water shoes

4. Cash $30

5. Snorkel set

6. Swim suit

7. Underwater camera/gopro

8. Water

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The Rampersauds at Ko Olina Beach in Oahu, Hawaii