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The city lights of Honolulu, bustling Waikiki Beach and the blocks and blocks of shops and restaurants a stone’s throw from the sand may give the impression that all of Oahu is thoroughly urban, but its wide variety of Oahu marine life tells a different story.
A short drive from Waikiki, for example, lies Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve, a spectacular snorkeling site that requires all visitors to watch an educational video before entering its fragile coral reefs. Only open Wednesdays through Sundays to a limited number of visitors with reservations, the bay saw a dramatic increase in clarity after being closed during the pandemic. Parrotfish, triggerfish and surgeonfish are some of the most common denizens swimming through the coral, which should never be touched or stood upon.
In whale season, which peaks in January and February, you may also spy migratory humpback whales from the cliffs above Hanauma Bay from the beach or another shoreline vista point. Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) are also known to nibble seaweed and algae amid the reefs of Hanauma Bay (like the coral, they should also be left untouched; staying 10 feet back or more is required.)
Schools of spinner dolphins (nai‘a) frequent the Wai‘anae Coast on the west side of Oahu, but also swim back and forth to the South Shore, home to Waikiki. You may also spot them from the shoreline or on a number of cruises. Be wary, though, of companies advertising “dolphin swims”: A 2021 federal law made it illegal to swim within 50 yards of dolphins within 2 nautical miles of the shore and designated waters around Maui, Lana‘i and Kaho‘olawe. That’s because spinner dolphins get most of their rest by day, coming into more protected bays to relax while some of the dolphins stay alert to keep a careful watch for predators.
Dolphins and You observes the restriction on swimming with dolphins, but includes extensive viewing from its boat with a 20-foot water slide, plus an opportunity to snorkel amid turtles, kayak and paddle board and to learn a bit of Hawaiian culture through chant and hula. Its twice-daily, 3-hour tours depart from Wai‘anae with shuttle service available from Waikiki.
Outrigger’s three Waikiki hotels and resorts make convenient launch pads for any ocean adventure. They’re also an easy stroll to the Waikiki Aquarium, where you can get a close-up look at Hawaiian and other Pacific sea life, and Kaimana Beach, now favored as a basking site by the rare Hawaiian monk seal. Just be sure to follow any signs asking you to keep your distance.
