A Secret Stretch Of Hawaii's Coast Is A Unique Snorkeling Paradise Of Warm Waters And Colorful Sea Life

O'ahu's natural wonders never cease, from the iconic Waikiki Beach to the surfer-loved coasts of the North Shore. Tucked into the island's southwestern shoreline, lies one of Hawaii's best snorkeling and diving spots. Kahe Point Beach Park, more commonly referred to as Electric Beach, is located in front of the Hawaiian Electric Kahe Power Plant, which uses water to cool its machinery. Once the water is too hot to continue cooling the machines, it is then dispersed into the ocean where a variety of marine life flocks toward the reefs that have grown up around the stream of warm water. Because of this, some of the best snorkeling is found next to the pipes that run from the station. However, snorkelers visiting this beach should be exceptionally good swimmers as the reef is located between 300 and 600 feet offshore, where the currents can be strong. 

Electric Beach is located in Kapolei, a tropical paradise city like Honolulu without the crowds and is about a 25-minute drive from the Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. There is parking available at the beach, but the lot can fill up quickly on weekends. The best time to visit for calm waters and the clearest visibility is during the summer months, particularly early in the day when the conditions are optimal.

While Hawaii is revered for its world-class snorkeling, the unique conditions at Electric Beach make it a must-visit for any snorkel enthusiast. While many visitors to O'ahu beeline to the more famous (and more expensive) Hanauma Bay for snorkeling, the hidden treasure of Electric Beach is that it's free to visit. While this beach does have rather industrial surroundings, the true beauty waits beneath the water's surface where you can spot a stunning array of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, reef sharks, manta rays, eels, octopuses, and sometimes even dolphins. Due to the reef's distance from the shore and the presence of potentially dangerous currents, the best and safest way for non-swimmers to go snorkeling is to bring flotation devices or visit with a knowledgeable guide on a group tour. If you are a certified diver, you can join a group boat tour for a shallow reef dive at Electric Beach.

On top of the large variety of sea life, the water at Electric Beach is quite clear. Once you've reached the reef, you will be able to see up to 80 feet underwater, making for the perfect conditions to admire the colorful marine world. According to one reviewer on Tripadvisor, "On our first visit, we saw plenty of fish, an eagle ray, and even a sea turtle." Another reviewer shared that, "It's not a glamorous spot like Hanauma Bay — but we watched spinner dolphins from the cliffs by the carpark, saw several turtles playing in swell around the caves under the cliffs, and that was before the snorkeling!"

Another great thing about Electric Beach is that there is plenty to do nearby. If you're up for more adventurous pursuits after snorkeling, drive about five minutes north to Mermaid Cave, a secret, surreal, and dreamy underwater cavern that is a true hidden gem. This cave should only be visited during low tide to avoid powerful waves and currents. Once inside, travelers will be rewarded with the ethereal experience of swimming or wading inside these otherworldly caves, illuminated only by the sun streaming in through cracks in the limestone. For inland activities, head to the hills behind the Hawaiian Electric Power Plant to visit Camp Pālehua, a 1,600-acre conservation area in the Wai'anae mountains. Here, visitors can embark on horseback rides on picturesque trails that afford spectacular ocean vistas. 

If you want to find a place to stay near Electric Beach, one good choice is Ko Olina, a classy resort town renowned for its beaches that is only 1.5 miles away. This exclusive community boasts top accommodations, including the luxurious Four Seasons Resort, family-friendly Aulani A Disney Resort, and Marriott's Ko Olina Beach Club, which has multi-bedroom villas that are ideal for groups. Ko Olina also features protected lagoon beaches, a large marina for fishing and snorkeling charters, and an 18-hole golf course.