Get the kids to explore under the water

Snorkeling at Mokuleia Beach Park

By Mark Fitzgerald

Trees shading Mokuleia Beach Park

I believe a key part of raising children is providing experience to help them explore the world they live in.  Snorkeling can open a new view to a foreign and exciting environment.  The calm ocean, shallow approach and combination of sand and rock at Mokuleia Beach Park can make it easy to try snorkeling for the first time.  

Snorkeling does not have to be complex.  It helps to have the proper gear but we started with basic swimming pool goggles and a simple snorkel.  Just go far enough to stand, put your face under and look around.  From there it is easy to progress to swim and confidence levels.

When we went Mokuleia Beach Park did not have huge schools of fish but it did have a wide variety of fish, colors, shapes and sizes.  It also had lots of rock, coral and anemones.  Certain times of years also have turtles!  Mokuleia was also very quiet without a lot of people, even on a Saturday afternoon.  

The beach is really only accessible by car.  Located on the north shore, it is west of Haleiwa, the closest community you can access via public transportation. There is a port-a-potty at the beach and a place to shower off, but no permanent bathroom or changing facility.  

To give you an idea of what to expect under the water check out this quick video.  Notice how much of the beach we had to ourselves as well!

Mokuleia Beach Park is technically a city park of Honolulu and information can be found on their website at http://www.honolulu.gov/parks/dpr-park-closure-hours.html

The beach itself in on the Farrington Highway and is adjacent to an old army airbase, Dillingham Field, which is now used for sky diving and other private airplanes.  Note on the map below the amount of trees that can provide shade to the thin strip of beach.

Mokuleia Beach Park stretching along Dillingham Field

Going on a family vacation builds memories, provides life changing experiences and helps teach about the world we live in. Take time to explore, enjoy and have fun. If the Mokuleia Beach Park sounded interesting, you may also like Kaena Point. You can also look at our entire list of Hawaiian Attractions.