Snorkeling Kaiona Beach Oahu: A Hidden Gem for Turtle Encounters

Oahu is famous for its incredible snorkeling spots, but if you’re looking for a quiet, crowd-free location with crystal-clear water and plenty of sea turtles, Kaiona Beach Park might be the best-kept secret on the island.

When I first arrived in Hawaii back in 2014, a friend let me in on this little-known snorkeling spot, calling it “Honu Heaven” because of the many green sea turtles that feed here. Since then, I’ve snorkeled almost every corner of Oahu, and Kaiona Beach remains one of my favorite places to explore.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know about snorkeling at Kaiona Beach such as how to get there, what to expect, the marine life you’ll see, and my best tips for an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or just getting started, this spot offers a peaceful, turtle-filled adventure away from the usual tourist crowds.

Where is Kaiona Beach Park?

Kaiona Beach Park is tucked away on the southeast coast of Oahu, near the charming town of Waimanalo. If you’re looking for a peaceful snorkeling spot away from the crowds, this is the place to be.

How to Get to Kaiona Beach

Getting here is pretty straightforward. If you’re coming from Honolulu or Waikiki, you’ll take H-1 East, which turns into Kalaniana‘ole Highway (Route 72). The drive takes about 35–40 minutes without traffic, but trust me, it’s worth it. Along the way, you’ll pass some of Oahu’s most famous spots:

• Hanauma Bay – Oahu’s most famous snorkeling spot, but often crowded.
• Sandy Beach – A favorite hangout for bodyboarders (and where President Obama chills on vacation).
• Makapu‘u Lighthouse & Lookout – A must-see stop with breathtaking ocean views.
• Waimanalo Beach Park – Known for its powdery white sand and turquoise waters.

Once you pass Waimanalo Beach Park, you’re just a minute away. Kaiona Beach Park will be on your left, and you’ll know you’ve arrived when you see the calm, inviting waters with Rabbit Island in the distance.

Why Kaiona Beach is a Hidden Gem

What makes Kaiona Beach truly special isn’t just the scenic backdrop or clear waters it’s the lack of crowds. Unlike other famous Oahu snorkeling spots, this beach is mostly visited by locals, making it one of the most peaceful snorkeling locations on the island.

Pro Tip: If you visit in the morning, you might have the whole beach to yourself for a few hours, just like I did on one unforgettable Saturday. The quiet atmosphere, the sound of gentle waves, and the occasional sight of a sea turtle gliding by? Pure magic.

What’s Nearby?
📍 Sea Life Park – A marine park where you can see dolphins, rays, and Hawaiian monk seals.
📍 Kaohikaipu Island State Seabird Sanctuary & Rabbit Island – Beautiful offshore islands that add to the stunning view.
📍 Local Eats in Waimanalo – Stop by for a bite at places like Ai Love Nalo (for healthy, plant-based Hawaiian food) or Ono Steaks and Shrimp Shack (for a plate lunch after your snorkel session).

Snorkeling at Kaiona Beach: What to Expect

One of the best things about snorkeling at Kaiona Beach is how relaxed and easy-going the experience is. Unlike the more crowded spots on Oahu, here you can take your time, enjoy the clear, shallow waters, and have a good chance of spotting Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) without having to swim too far.

The water is usually calm, making it perfect for beginners, but still interesting enough for experienced snorkelers. The ocean floor is a mix of sand, coral, and rocky areas, which means plenty of places for fish to hide and turtles to feed.

Pro Tip: The best time to snorkel is in the morning when the water is clearest and the beach is nearly empty. Avoid snorkeling after heavy rains, as runoff can reduce visibility.

Marine Life at Kaiona Beach

Over the years, I’ve lost count of how many Hawaiian green sea turtles I’ve seen at Kaiona Beach. These gentle giants love grazing on the algae-covered rocks, and if you move slowly and respectfully, you’ll often get an up-close encounter.

But it’s not just turtles, you’ll also see plenty of colorful reef fish. Here are some of the marine creatures you might spot:

• Parrotfish (Uhu) – These guys love chomping on coral, which helps create the soft, white sand you see on Hawaiian beaches.
• Butterflyfish (Lau Hau) – Bright yellow and black fish that are usually seen in pairs.
• Unicornfish (Kala) – Sleek, silver fish with a horn-like feature on their heads.
• Fantail Filefish – A shy, camouflaged fish that blends into the coral.
• Moorish Idol (Kihikihi) – One of the most stunning reef fish, with long trailing fins and bold black, white, and yellow stripes.
• Moray Eels – If you look carefully between the rocks, you might see one peeking out.
• Surgeonfish – Named for the sharp spines near their tails watch your fingers!
• Reef Triggerfish (Humuhumunukunukuāpua‘a) – Hawaii’s state fish, and yes, its name is a mouthful!

Want to know exactly what fish you saw? Check out our Hawaiian Fish Guide for a complete list of the most common reef fish in Hawaii!

Respect the Ocean & Marine Life

Kaiona Beach is a local’s beach, and Hawaiians deeply respect their land and waters. Here’s how you can snorkel responsibly:

• Use reef-safe sunscreen – Chemicals in regular sunscreen harm coral reefs and marine life.
• Keep a respectful distance from turtles – It’s illegal to touch or harass them. Let them swim freely!
• Don’t step on coral – It’s alive and takes years to grow. Stick to sandy areas if you need to stand.
• Pack out what you bring in – There are no trash bins right on the beach, so keep it clean.

Facilities & What to Bring to Kaiona Beach

Kaiona Beach Park is a beautiful, no-frills beach, meaning it has just the basics so you’ll want to come prepared.

Facilities at Kaiona Beach Park
✔️ Bathrooms & Showers – Convenient for rinsing off after your snorkel session.
✔️ Limited Parking – Parking is available but can fill up on weekends. Arrive early!
✔️ Picnic & BBQ Area – There’s a fenced-in barbecue area, perfect if you want to bring lunch and make a day of it.
❌ No Lifeguards – Unlike bigger beaches, there’s no lifeguard on duty, so snorkel with a buddy and stay aware of ocean conditions.
❌ No Food or Rentals Nearby – There are no concession stands at the beach, so bring snacks, water, and all your snorkel gear.

What to Bring for a Perfect Snorkeling Day

1. Snorkel Gear – There are no rentals here, so bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins.
2. Reef-Safe Sunscreen – Protect your skin and the coral by using ocean-friendly sunscreen.
3. Water & Snacks – No food stands nearby, so pack what you need.
4. Towel & Change of Clothes – Useful after rinsing off at the showers.
5. Dry Bag – Keep your phone, wallet, and keys safe from water and sand.
6. GoPro or Underwater Camera – You’ll want to capture those turtle encounters!

Pro Tip: If you want to grab food after snorkeling, head to Waimanalo for some of the best local eats. Try Ono Steaks and Shrimp Shack for a hearty plate lunch or Ai Love Nalo for delicious plant-based Hawaiian dishes.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Snorkel at Kaiona Beach

If you’re looking for a peaceful snorkeling spot with clear water, plenty of fish, and a high chance of spotting turtles, Kaiona Beach is one of Oahu’s best-kept secrets. It may not have big tourist crowds or rental shops, but that’s exactly what makes it special.

I’ve snorkeled almost every corner of Oahu, and Kaiona remains one of my favorite places to escape, relax, and explore underwater. If you’re on the island, do yourself a favor and check it out!

Have you snorkeled at Kaiona Beach before? Drop a comment below and share your experience!

You can read more about Ken’s experience on: snorkelstore.net

Inspired? Pin it!