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Derekb
Derekb

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Kahe Point, nicknamed “Electric Beach” because of the electric power plant located nearby, is a popular snorkeling spot of Oahu. Two large cooling pipes outflows warm water to the ocean, attracting scores of sea life, including reef fish, sea turtles, eagle ray and even pods of spinner dolphins to the area. Due to the potentially dangerous currents that may occur in the area, this spot is not recommended for beginners.

How to get to Electric Beach for snorkeling?

Electric Beach is located on the west coast of Oahu, approximately a 40-minutes drive from Honolulu. Once you reached the coast, watch for Kahe Beach Park signs. The parking lot is just before the electric plant, on the left.

Electric Beach, Oahu snorkeling map

Getting into the water at Electric Beach

Entering in the water can be challenging on this spot, due to waves and currents. Get into the water from the tiny beach, and swim out the small channel (which can be quite turbulent) to reach the open ocean. Wear swim fins, and do not enter the water if the surf is too strong.

Electric Beach snorkeling tips and recommendations

The area to explore covers the surroundings of the large outflow pipe (↕6-30ft/2-5m). The warm water released by the electric plant and the structure has created an artificial reef, abundant with sea life.

Electric Beach, Oahu
Electric Beach shore.

Around the pipe and the others underwater structures, covered by some coral, you will find a great variety of reef fish, including butterflyfish, surgeonfish, parrotfish, damselfish, and moray eels.

Green sea turtles are very common on this spot, usually hanging out near the water outflow. If you are lucky, you might spot a pod of spinner dolphins, which pay regular visits to the area, or even a blacktip reef shark darting above the sand in the deepest areas.

Snorkeling at Electric Beach, Oahu
A school of yellowfin goatfish found along the pipe.

The top of the structure is approximately 10ft under the surface of the ocean. Do not dive down in front of the openings to the pipes, as the flowing water can be strong.

Restaurants and accommodation nearby

There is no restaurant available near the beach. Bring at least your own water with you.

 

  • Level required Intermediate
  • Maximum depth30ft/5m
  • Water entranceSurf dependant
  • Potential DangersWaves, currents
  • LifeguardNo
  • Visitor numbersMedium
  • Access costsFree
  • Restaurants nearbyNo
  • Public toilets & showersYes

MAP Spot

These spots are accessible to anyone with basic snorkeling skills, and feeling comfortable in the water and with his snorkeling gear. You will enter the water from the shore (beach, pontoon, ladder, rocks) or from a boat. The water height in the sea entrance area is reasonable, but you will not necessarily be within your depth. Moderate currents can occur in the area, even when the sea conditions are good. The distance to swim to reach the most interesting snorkeling areas of the spot does not exceed 200 meters.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.