Shark’s Cove is a spot where you can swim with countless fish in Hawaii’s beautiful ocean.
It’s truly a fish paradise, boasting more fish than Hanauma Bay on the East Coast or Electric Beach on the West Coast, making it the number one spot in Hawaii.
It’s a popular spot visited not only by Hawaii locals but also by many people from all over the world who come to enjoy snorkeling!
As soon as you enter the water, even in the shallows just a few meters deep, it feels like a natural aquarium. You can encounter more than 40 species of fish of all colors, sizes, and shapes within snorkeling distance.
While you can’t enter during the winter season due to strong waves, it’s the most recommended snorkeling spot for the summer season!
Best Season and Important Tips for Shark’s Cove
When people hear “Shark’s Cove,” they often ask, “Are there sharks?” The name actually comes from the shape of the cove, which resembles a shark’s bite.
Rest assured, sharks don’t come into the swimming area!
However, if you do want to see sharks, there are tours that depart from Haleiwa on the North Shore to take you offshore by boat.
Recommended Season
The best season for Shark’s Cove is from May to September. During the winter months, from November to March, the waves are high and dangerous, making it mostly inaccessible.
In April and October, conditions vary, so whether you can enter depends on the day.
The period when the waves are truly calm and you can almost certainly swim is from late May to early September.
Precautions for Shark’s Cove
The water gets to a depth of about 5 meters (16 feet) almost immediately after entering, so those who cannot swim at all should enjoy the adjacent Pupukea Beach instead.
Pupukea Beach is protected by a rock wall, which blocks most of the waves. The water is only knee-to-waist deep, making it accessible even for non-swimmers.
Also, getting cuts on your feet from the rocks is a common injury at Shark’s Cove.
This is because the rocks in the area are naturally sharp, and even a slight bump can cause a cut.
Therefore, be sure to always enter and exit the water from the sandy area!
Areas with Abundant Fish and Sea Turtles
Inside Shark’s Cove, you’ll always find large schools of fish along the rocky area on the far left.
Large schools of fish are also often seen in the shallow area near the shore in the central part of the cove.
The offshore central area gets deeper and doesn’t have many fish, so you can probably skip it.
If you swim along the rocky area on the right side of the cove, you have a high chance of encountering sea turtles.
Diving is also recommended, as the surrounding area features underwater caves, guaranteeing an enjoyable experience watching the diverse marine life.
Shark’s Cove General Information
| Name | Shark’s Cove |
| Address | 59-671 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa, HI 96712 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 24 hours |
| Closed | None |
| Time required | Approx. 15 minutes ~ |
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Parking | Yes (Free) |
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