Three Tables Beach

Set on Oahu’s North Shore, this pretty little beach is surrounded by some of the best known surf spots on the planet. In fact the famously huge waves of Waimea Bay break only around 100 yards away from Three Tables. But that’s not why people come here.

Three Tables beach is perhaps best known as a snorkeling spot and for good reason. The name of the beach comes from three sections of flat coral reef that protrude from the water at low tide. Not only do these “table tops” give the beach its name, they provide a natural breakwater. This shouldn’t be much of an issue during the summer as there aren’t usually any waves, but in the winter it’s a different story and with no lifeguards swimming and snorkeling are a big no-no.

While the snorkeling here might not be quite as good as at neighboring Sharks Cove it is still some of the best in Hawaii. Three Tables also has the advantage of being backed by a lovely stretch of white sand and trees, which you won’t find next door as it is all rocks.

Once in the water there is a mass of marine life to see. The coral itself is pretty interesting but add to this turtles, urchins, squid and all manner of colorful tropical fish, not to mention Humuhumunukunukuapua’a - yes that’s a real fish!