Pupukea, which means “white shell” in the
Hawaiian language, is a
long and narrow stretch of beach with a rocky shoreline. On each end
of the park lie two small pocket beaches within the rocks – Shark’s
Cove and Three Tables. Both are very popular and fantastic dive and
snorkeling sites, but mainly in the summer months when the surf is
low. In the winter when the surf is up and dangerous, swimming,
snorkeling and diving is often times not possible or recommended.
Shark’s Cove got its name from a popular story that says that the
outline of a reef outside the cove looks like a shark when seen from
above.
In the summer months,
Shark’s Cove is a prime snorkeling spot and
even though the access to the water makes you wish you were a
mountain goat, it is well frequented, but never too crowded. You
have to climb down some very steep rocks to get to the small
patches, where you can put your beach bag before jumping into the
clear waters.
Three Tables is named like that because of the three flat reefs
that lie off the beach. The “tables” emerge above the ocean’s
surface during low tide. It's another great snorkeling spot, also only in summer
as the surf is too wild and too dangerous in winter. In between both
beaches you
find a beachcomber's paradise with tide pools, surreal lava
formations and the occasional blowhole.
In the middle of the park is the Honolulu Fire Department’s Sunset
Beach Fire Station, an important base for the North Shore of Oahu.
The firefighters stationed here respond to many ocean rescues.
Pupukea Beach Park is a marine life conservation area and has
several great spots to play in the water along its narrow 80 acres
on the side of Kamehameha Highway. Across the street is a Foodland supermarket and you‘ll find a lot of small surf-wear stores
close by.
Pupukea Beach Park in Bullet Points
Pupukea Beach Park is a marine life conservation area and has
several great spots to play in the water
80 acres on the side of Kamehameha Highway on Oahu's North
Shore
Safety Tip
Whatever beach in Hawaii you visit, please have in mind that the ocean can
be very dangerous. Never turn your back against the waves and watch out for underwater
currents and always check the surf conditions. Pay attention to signs posted on
the beach. If you are not sure about the conditions, ask the lifeguards (if any
on the beach). Please click here to
read more about ocean safety in Hawaii.
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