Pupukea Beach Park – Shark’s Cove, Three Tables

Been here a few times and always interesting seeing the formation of the beach and rocks as well as the tide pools. Very popular beaches on the North Shore, which explains how difficult it is to find decent parking.

I love coming to Pupukea Beach to sit and watch the large waves crash against the rocks. It’s very relaxing. The high tide swells are the best.

Randomly stumbled upon Three Tables Beach and you can definitely see the three tables which are rock formations in the water.
Unfortunately it was extremely high tide when we went and the water was too crazy to go in.
There was even a sign that said no swimming but some people dared to go in and play with the waves anyways.
We simply sat on the sand and watched the waves. The sand here is absolutely gorgeous!
They were tons of tiny shiny little pebbles which are probably broken up shells and corals.
Since we couldn’t go in the water and snorkel, we decided to be adventurous and climb out on the rocks to the left.
It wasn’t that difficult to climb over, but he view was definitely worth it !
Nice big tide pools and great view of the beach and huge waves. Definitely recommend it.

This is a great place to snorkel and dive during the summer months and ocasional winter days when there is no swell (don’t dive there during winter season without local knowledge) The underwater topography is fantastic! So many caves and caverns, a really extended wall that hides all kinds of marine life. The snorkel near shore is amazing as well, world class! Stop by the local dive shop Hawaii Eco Divers for some gear and local information. It’s always good to know where to go.

Best place on the North Shore
This Beach park is fantastic! Actually it’s three different places in one. Check out the specific reviews of that (no reviews of The Quarry available though).
Located right on the Highway on the North Shore this place is almost impossible to miss. There are lots of (free) parking lots available around the Foodland area. But don’t park on the Foodland lot itself… the staff checks the cars sometimes, because it’s customer only.
You have the choice of these three sites:
Shark’s Cove:
Fantastic place to snorkel or scuba. There are also underwater caves. We did snorkel side by side with a turtle for a while… wonderful. Lots of fish… but also lots of people. Especially on weekends. Come on a weekday to avoid the crowds… if you not, all you see is other humans.
The Quarry:
A very shallow (maybe 1ft. deep) habitat for fish and small animals. Also a nice little beach. Mostly too shallow to snorkel… maybe some kids can do. A nice little landscape. One day we came two seals were sunbathing here on the rocks.
Three Tables:
Very nice little beach. Nice for swimming and snorkeling. Especially around the three Rock formations (the three tables) there are lots of fish… many in huge swarms. One day I saw a Tiger Moray … just a few inches away from me. A beautiful animal! This beach is not really crowded… even on a weekend.
Altogether this park has something for everybody. Bathrooms (even though dirty) are on site, Foodland is in the back and Food Trucks right next to.
Two things as usual: Don’t leave valuables in the car and rescpect /​take care of the reef and the animals.

You will see fish!
You will also see a ton of people on most days.
Parking can be a pain on some days.
One of the most popular places for snorkeling on the island.
Water entry from the beach at 3 tables is probably the easiest for beginners. Other areas might be more rocky with less protection from waves.
There are showers on the north end only.
Please respect the ocean, beach, and nature. Don’t stand on the reefs and don’t litter.

This is the beach where Shark’s Cove is. The beach itself is alright, but the perk of this beach is really the picturesque cove. But, bear in mind that the rocks in this area are sharp! Like a shark’s tooth. Bring your snorkel and see what you can see, but don’t expect to spend an entire day here, as it’s not that kind of beach.
Bottom line: Camera and snorkel friendly.

I really enjoyed this beach. Not too many people and soooo pretty! The waves were big, make sure you are safe. But I liked the big waves, made for some great photography! The reef looks awesome and there were even djs out there mixing it up! Very exciting, one of my new favorite beaches on Oahu!

Awesome snorkel spot!!! I like to go at high tide when it’s a little easier to move around all the reefs. Plenty of fish to see and even turtles. My boyfriend and I love snorkeling around the island and this is one of the easiest to get to. Nice way to burn up some calories from eating at all the delicious NS food trucks. It’s a beautiful spot and rarely crowded.

This is the only place I like to swim! As a husky, I prefer snow but my mommy thinks that I need to learn how to swim. This place is nice because the rocks block the waves! The temperature is always pretty nice and the water is so clear! Plus, there’s a Foodland across the street for when I need a meaty snack!

All You Need to Know About Shark’s Cove and Three Tables!
First of all, it’s important to understand that Shark’s Cove and Three Tables are on the North Shore, which means that it is only safe (and sometimes not even then) to enter the water during Summer months. Winter means unpredictable, large, dangerous surf. In the Summer, however, the surf is flat. Although some think it’s safe in the tide pool area in Winter, they are wrong. It’s actually extremely dangerous.
Shark’s Cove and Three Tables are in the Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District and are «NO TAKE» zones. It is illegal to catch, harass, harm or bother in any way the marine life that lives there. This includes everything from Turtles to hermit crabs… including shells and coral.
There is an organization called Mālama Pūpūkea-​Waimea who cares for, educates about, and protects the area. They set up their Community Outreach Tent on Saturdays at Sharks Cove. The group is extremely knowledgable and friendly. I highly recommend stopping by to talk with them before going in the water if you’re there on a Saturday. They are also always looking for volunteers to help conduct in-​water fish counts, beach clean ups and other activities. You can find out about them at
These areas are home to a huge variety of marine life and makes for some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii in Summer.
Tips For Success:
–Do not make your own way down the eroded areas and rocks to the water at Sharks Cove. The erosion is killing the reef. Instead, enter down the path near the rock wall. To enter the tide pools, follow the sand to the left of the restrooms.
–Never step on rocks, reef or coral. It kills tiny things you can’t see. Also, the rocks are sharp and home to «wana» which are sea urchins, some poisonous. Nothing is worse for those of us who live here to see visitors stepping all over the fragile reef.
–Don’t load up on sunscreen then get in the water. It kills stuff. Instead, wear a long sleeved rash guard.
–Don’t bring those small hand nets kids love. Remember, it’s a protected area and collection of any kind is prohibited.
–Do bring a waterproof camera. The sea life is pretty tame. Just remember to keep your distance and let the critters be. Never chase them for photos.
–Once you’re in the water, relax, and enjoy the view!
–Pack your trash. Please don’t leave litter of any kind behind.
The folks who care for this place welcome you to enjoy all it has to offer. Just be respectful of the environment.
More Tips:
**Remember, Shark’s Cove is a natural environment and is unpredictable.
**A popular questions is «Are there sharks?» The answer is yes. It’s open ocean. Although dangerous sharks are pretty rare in the area, it is a wild environment and anything is possible.
**The rocks are like razor blades. Walking out on the rocks is not recommended unless the surf is completely flat. Dozens of people are injured each year due to waves knocking them down.

Ok NO SHARKS Best snorkeling for amateur swimmers, kids, and adults alike! As soon as you step in the water you will be greeted with school of fish and different colorful reef fish! This is a natural park so PLEASE respect the sea life in their natural habitat… it is not Hanauma Bay… it’s free so pls. enjoy its pristine state while it last. Malama pono!

Pupukea Beach Park is a perfect place to watch the sunset or just sit and listen to the harsh waves crashing in. As we made our way up Kamehameha Hwy the waves appears to get more rough and aggressive, but as the coral partitions the waves from the land in this little section you are able to swim and bathe without feeling like you’re going to get sucked out in to oblivion.
Bring a towel, possibly some water shoes, and your snorkeling gear. The shoes are because there is a mine field of jagged rough coral to hustle over to get to the actual water and believe me it is very sharp and has a tendency to slice and dice it’s victims. Okay maybe it’s not that harsh but the water shoes help. Once you get to the water, the water is quite shallow in places and is never really so deep that you just float on out to the main ocean. When the water comes in though, it really rushes in and will pull you a bit so keep your footing firm.
There are so many fish and creatures swimming around and hiding away from snorkelers, so take your time and just enjoy the nature of the shark’s cove. I didn’t see and sharks but fish were a’ plenty. It’s really cool how the waves and water is so rough on the other side of the rock wall and the water just cascades in through certain areas just keeping the tide pools fresh. Again, this was a perfect place to snorkel and it’s free.
Then, my sister and I exited the water and the coral and watched the sunset on our last night in Oahu and it just was a beautiful way to end the day. There are rest room services and a shower to get the sand and debris off you before you get back in the car and head out. It is also a short walk to some neat places to eat if you’re famished after a day of whatever the beach has thrown at you.

Three tables is the beach right as you come up from Waimea, headed north. There is some parking right of the road to the left and then a little more parking farther up to the left in a lot/​dirt area.
Sharks Cove is the beach farther down; about a ten minute walk from three tables.
Three tables is beautiful, especially for watching the sun set! However, in my opinion, it isn’t the best beach to come spend the day at the the North Shore.
The nearest bathrooms are a walk away, closer to Sharks cove. During the winter, the surf looks amazing as it breaks on to the rocks but it can also be very dangerous for swimmers. Three tables beach also doesn’t have a spot to rinse off.
Three tables is walking distance from Foodland. This can be a great place to get supplies and sandwiches if you forgot to stop in Haleiwa on your way down. The sunset here is often unparalleled… A must see on the north shore!

Three Tables Beach is not to be confused with Sharks Cove, which is where all the shallow tide pools are. Three Tables is a small local beach that is just a short 10 minute walk south of Sharks Cove, and it is a gorgeous beach at that (and personally my favorite on the north shore). Came here in September, and the water felt so perfectly warm it was hard to leave!
The sand, however, is what makes this my favorite beach. It’s large grain sand (not fine dusty sand like at Lanikai), BUT it is not coarse at all. If you look closely, each grain is a very smoothly rounded out shell, and the colors vary in ivory, white, grey, and brown. So with this smooth grain sand, you kind of feel like you’re walking on tiny little pearls, and the large grain makes it heavy enough to settle quickly in the water so it doesn’t cloudy the water after each wave. The sand is also not packed into the ground, so your feet sink deep into it with every step, so it’s easy on your joints and foot beds.
Snorkeling is great here too! There are lots of schools of colorful fish, and I’ve frequently spotted the Hawaiian state fish Humuhumunukunukuapua’a multiple times snorkeling along the reef! Lots of rainbow parrot fish and schools of angel fish here too :)
Try to visit in the evening to watch the sunset over the rocks — it makes for a gorgeous view for photos and for swimming!

Choppy waters if you like surfing. I think the area is known for having great surf. Shark’s cove provided great snorkeling. can’t wait to go back and try again!

Clean waters, great for snorkeling!

We came here after hearing about the tide pools. It is tough navigating down to the beach from the parking lot because there is the path is a steep decline and rocky. And once down, there is very little sand to set up your stuff in (this is not place to go lay out or throw the frisbee). Now that is all the bad.
The good is that the tide pools are pretty good. You can see schools of colorful fish from just walking around the shallow waters. You don’t even have to get in it fully. Again, it is quite rocky and challenging to navigate, but worth it. There are some deep parts further out that people jump off of the rocks into, but I did not venture out that far. This is a good stop along your North Shore tour.

Very pretty, never stopped here before, on previous trips to the island. Thanks to the local who told me the name before we left. Mahalo!
Not crowded at all. There were a few people on the beach (maybe three handfuls, if that), but far less people out there (maybe 3 or 4 guys), surfing; hubby caught a surfer wiping out on film. Great views for taking pictures, which is what we did. My husband got the prettiest picture that we chose to blow it up into a large print, and it’s hanging in our living room, as a matter of fact. It’s showing the greenery, the rocks, and the waves crashing (I love the different textures in contrast). There are a couple trees for shade closer to the grassy area of the beach park (about 20 feet away from the water). I don’t remember seeing any tables in the grassy area. I don’t remember seeing showers, either.
As we were leaving, past the bathrooms, noticed that there was a «camp» in the trees, talk about a beach bum…
Large parking lot, down a ways (just walk, it’s good for you). Public bathroom is very minimal, but hey, if you can’t hold it, by all means. TIP: I had to grab some tissue out of the car though. So, bring some in your purse or pocket, and you’re good to go.
Picturesque and out of the way of crowded Waikiki Beach/​Honolulu, this is a nice change of pace, and if you don’t want to be rubbing elbows with strangers on the sand, come here. And don’t forget your camera.

Nice place to fut around in the tide pool or snorkle on a calm day. Or just a pit stop to just snap some photos. I love when this place is pumping and the waves hit that outside reef. Its one hell of a sight to see. Today wasnt that bad people were still snorkling in the tide pools. Great place to learn to snorkel on a calm day too.
The one thing wrong with this place is the restroom. It fricking STINKS! Seriously, you have to take really short breaths in here. And what? Nobody remembers how to flush the fricking toilet? I wouldn’t with my hands I use my feet at least. I dont even touch the faucets or bump the walls. When we cruise the country side we carry hand wipes and hand sanitizer just because of this.
Who cleans this bathroom? Whoever does would be surprised what a pressure wash at least twice a week with bubble gum scented cleaning solution would do.