My snorkel trip to the North Shore in June

Question

I'd been wanting to snorkel the North Shore for years and finally found a good price on a rental car and took a day trip from where I was staying, Park Shore Hotel.

I rented from Budget, which was next door at the Twin Fin. But when I stopped by there on my first day in town to inquire, they said it would cost $131 for the day, from about 8AM to about 5PM. So... I looked into one of those all-day, round the island tours for just a little more. I did that one, which turned out to be a good idea, as it gave me an idea of what route to take, where to look for parking, etc.

Then (big tip here) I checked online and got a car for just $66. Unfortunately when I went to pick it up all they had was one minivan! This turned out to be a bit of an issue because (second big tip) parking is tough on the North Shore and a big minivan meant I had to skip several spots, including one near Pipeline, and one in Haleiwa.

I stopped at the Foodland in Pupukea for tip #3- a few gallons of fresh water to rinse off. I was pretty sure there weren't any showers where I'd be going.

They were having what looked like an SUP contest at Pipeline, so I drove until I recognized Sunset Beach, where I found a space right next to an entrance.

It was not crowded at all. I geared up and left my towel and sandals right in front of the lifeguard hut. I let him know what I was up to. I walked out to the point and swam directly out, trying to get to where the waves usually break in winter. I was hoping to find GoPros, surfboard fins, etc. On the way out the bottom really changes. It goes from almost shallow and flat to where there are big holes, caves and underwater arches. I can see how surfing big waves there can be so dangerous. Even though it was pretty calm, with almost no waves, I could feel a current. Being out there is not something for a non-expert. I started to head in just as a storm came through. I was worried my towel might get soaked. It was weird, seeing rain falling on the ocean from below! But it stopped after about 5minutes.

As I got closer to where I'd left my things I had a big green sea turtle swim right by me. I started shooting photos and video as it took in some air and swam down to the bottom, where it grazed on some algae. There were a fair amount of fish in the area, like a nice flounder hiding in the sand, though not much else, so it doesn't rank as high as Hanauma Bay in my book. But I did managed to remove a little trash.

Afterwards I drove back to Haleiwa. I stopped next to Pipeline, where I found a space in the lot at Ehukai Beach Park, which had what looked like good showers and restrooms. As I drove by so many beaches which also are known for good snorkeling, there were no parking spaces.

But it was time for lunch so I stopped at Haleiwa Town Center for some poke and visited North shore Surf Shop and a few art galleries. I could spend a full day touring this town, so next time will rent a car for at least 2 days!

So a pretty good trip and worth the money. I probably saw more fish in the Kuhio Pool or just outside of it at the reef, and I certainly found a lot more trash and treasure there (2watches, an earring, 2 pairs of sunglasses and more). Next time I will look into renting a big scooter or motorcycle, which would open up a lot of parking possibilities.

Answer

Your North Shore snorkeling trip sounds like a memorable adventure with a mix of preparation, improvisation, and wildlife encounters. Here are some insights and tips based on your experience to help others plan a similar trip:

Car Rental and Parking:

Parking on the North Shore can be very limited, especially at popular beaches like Pipeline, Sunset Beach, and Haleiwa. Renting a smaller vehicle, scooter, or motorcycle can provide better access to tight spots.
Booking a rental car online in advance can significantly reduce costs, but be prepared for what’s available; sometimes the only option may be a larger vehicle like a minivan.
Check parking lots in advance for showers and restrooms, such as Ehukai Beach Park, to make your day more comfortable after snorkeling.

Snorkeling Tips:

Even during calm conditions, currents near the North Shore can be strong. Only snorkel in areas you are comfortable with, and consider going with a buddy or a guided tour if unsure.
Sunset Beach and Pupukea have varied underwater topography, including holes, caves, and arches. These provide interesting sights but require caution.
Bring freshwater to rinse off if there aren’t showers nearby, as you did with the Foodland tip. This keeps sand and salt off your skin and gear.
Respect wildlife. Spotting sea turtles and fish is a highlight—observe without touching, and try to avoid disturbing their natural environment.

Other Tips for North Shore Day Trips:

Consider starting early to secure parking and avoid crowds, especially on weekends or during contests like SUP events or surf competitions.
Pack snacks or plan for a stop in Haleiwa for poke, casual dining, and exploring local shops and galleries.
Bring a small bag for trash collection—it’s commendable that you removed debris while snorkeling, and it helps preserve the reef.
Plan for flexibility. Weather can change quickly, as you experienced with the short storm, so be prepared with waterproof storage for belongings.

Additional Considerations:

For more fish and marine life, areas like Hanauma Bay or Kuhio Pool on Oahu may provide richer snorkeling experiences in calmer waters.
Spending multiple days on the North Shore can allow more exploration of hidden beaches and tide pools without feeling rushed.
Taking a guided snorkel tour can provide insights into the best spots, safety tips, and local marine knowledge, especially for first-time visitors.

Overall, your trip highlights the balance between planning and spontaneity: securing affordable transportation, scouting parking and facilities, observing safety precautions, and making time to enjoy local towns like Haleiwa. Future trips could benefit from smaller vehicles or scooters, multiple-day visits, and exploring both popular and lesser-known snorkeling spots.