The BEST place to snorkel with turtles and dolphins on Oahu

When we were told by a local Hawaiian that this was THE most recommended place to snorkel, we knew we had to check it out! Just picture it: a calm bay with a small sandy beach leading into the ocean, warm water being pumped from a pipe attracting schools of colourful fish, turtles munching on coral and if you’re super lucky, you might even come across dolphins! Not to mention, the water clarity was fantastic all winter long! This immediately became one of our favourite places to snorkel when we lived in Oahu.

Where: A short 30 minute drive West of Honolulu brings you to this local gem. The beach is called Electric Beach, or as locals call it, E Beach. It also shows up on Google maps as Kahe Point Beach Park. It is located across the road from a power plant and there is a large parking lot, showers and bathroom facilities on the left hand side of the road. If you arrive at Tracks Beach Park, you have gone one too far.

Sandy bottoms and clear water at E Beach.

When: Personally, I always prefer to dive early in the morning. The water tends to be calmer, there are less people and this is the most likely time of day to come across dolphins.

How to get to the dive spot: From the small sandy beach, wait for a break in the waves before heading into the water. Follow the big cement pipe on your right until you reach the end of it, about 150m. This is where you will find the most coral, turtles and fish gathering as the warm water flows out of the pipe. Watch for turtles who swim down and catch a ride on the current!

If you stay to the left of the pipe, you will find lots of open ocean with a sandy bottom. If you follow along closer to the shoreline, you might come across a harmless (and timid!) reef shark napping amongst the rocks.

And if you are super lucky, you may come across dolphins as they pass through this bay in the morning!

One of our encounters with spinner dolphins while snorkelling at Electric Beach.

Things to note: Unfortunately car break ins are common so leave nothing of value in the car and leave nothing visible. Be mindful when swimming in the open ocean: always know your swimming ability versus ocean conditions, swim with a buddy. Be aware of the current as it can be very strong here at times. If in doubt, don’t go out! Be respectful and keep your distance from all wildlife.