A trip to Oʻahu, or any Hawaiian island, is not complete without snorkeling, and Oʻahu has many fantastic spots for it, whether you go on your own from the beach or join a guided tour! To me, swimming is always so calming and relaxing, and exploring the underwater world lets you dive into a completely different world beneath the surface. In this article, I’ll share with you my favorite snorkeling spots on Oʻahu, along with tips for making your own trip as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.

When the tide goes out, a hidden world of marine life is revealed—full of strange and beautiful creatures clinging to rocks or tucked beneath seaweed. Tide pooling offers a rare glimpse into this world, and in this guide, I’ll take you to my favorite spots near San Francisco, with tips on when to go, what to look for, and how to explore responsibly.