Sharks Cove

Sharks Cove is a wonderful reef located on the North Shore where a large variety of marine life can be seen in their natural environment. The reef can only be accessed during calm seas. Turtles are frequently seen in this cove. This is a wonderful beach for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving during the months of March through October when the seas are calm. There are no lifeguards. Wear shoes at all times due to the sharp coral and rock formations. The Ocean drops off to about 25 feet at the end of the reef.

Matt and I have snorkeled here many times and it is great.  You can see so many varieties of fish and different colors. If you look close enough you could even find Nemo.  The water is up to your waist and the farther you go out the deeper it gets.  The area shown above is all waist level and easy for beginners to start their snorkeling experience.  Bring an underwater camera to capture the great creatures and Hunu. (Hawaiian word for Turtle) Bring a nice casual outfit so that after snorkeling we can have dinner in Haleiwa.  There are many nice restaurants to eat at and to see the sun set.  We can decide the day of where to go for dinner.

Driving Directions:

Get on the H-1, heading west towards Pearl City.  If you are staying outside of Honolulu, find a highway that heads towards Pearl City (H-3 if you're in Kailua, H-1 East if you're on the west side of the island, etc.)  You can find free maps all over the island in the tourist coupon books if you need one.

Once in Pearl City (look for Pearl Harbor / battleships on the S. side of the road, a big mall on the North side), follow signs to get on H-2.  You can only go North on H-2 from Pearl City.

Take H-2 until it ends (approx. 15 min).  At this point you will be in Wahiawa.  Just keep going straight for about 5 minutes (you'll be on Wilikina Dr.), you should pass Schofield Barracks on the left.  Right after passing this, the road will dip, and there will be a fork in the road.  Take the right fork in the road (Kamananui Rd.) and continue on.  (Or just follow the signs on the road to the North shore)

This road will come to a stoplight (T intersection).  Take a left at the light onto Kamehameha Hwy (99).  You will pass Dole Plantation on the right, and will be heading towards the North shore / Haleiwa.  You will stay on Kam. Hwy all of the rest of the way to Sharks Cove.

Stay on Kamehameha Hwy and go past Haleiwa.  Haleiwa will be a left turn off of Kam. Hwy, but just pass it and keep going straight (about 10 minutes left to Sharks Cove).

You're almost at Sharks Cove when you hit Waimea Bay.  This is impossible to miss- you'll see a large bay and the road will curve around it.  Sharks Cove is about 1/2 a mile past this.  When you see a Foodland grocery store on the right you're there- Sharks Cove is directly across the street.  Look for a round cove made out of lava rock... park your car and grab your snorkel gear.  There's lots of beautiful fish- so an underwater disposable camera would be a good idea.

More maps:  Click Here

If you get hungry or thirsty, check the Foodland across the street- there's lots of goodies inside, including a Starbucks.  If you want a good meal, head back to Haleiwa town (back the way you came on Kam. Hwy about 10 min.)