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Short answer: Shark’s Cove is part of Pūpūkea Beach Park on O‘ahu’s North Shore. The city lists no parking fee. The park is closed from 10pm to 5am, and the Shark’s Cove restrooms are closed from 10pm to 7am. Parking is limited, so arrive early on calm summer days.
Shark’s Cove is the best-known snorkel spot on the North Shore, across Kamehameha Highway from Foodland Pūpūkea and the food trucks, just north of Waimea Bay. Parking is the hard part.
Pupukea Beach Park hours
From the city’s park closure hours list:
- Pūpūkea Beach Park: closed 10pm to 5am.
- Shark’s Cove comfort station (restrooms): closed 10pm to 7am.
Where to park
There are small parking areas along Kamehameha Highway by the park, plus roadside spots. On calm summer days and weekends they fill early. One common visitor tip: the part of the park just to the south, toward Three Tables, can be easier for parking and is a short walk to the cove. Park only where it is marked, and don’t assume the Foodland lot across the road is for beachgoers.
Summer only, usually
Shark’s Cove is a summer snorkel spot. When the winter swell arrives, waves often make swimming and snorkeling there unsafe. Check the surf before you make the drive up from town.
Marine life rules
The cove is inside the Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District. Read the state’s rules for the district before you go: it limits what you can take or disturb.
Leave nothing in the car
This is a busy visitor spot and rental cars stand out. Take your keys and valuables with you or leave them at your hotel.
Plan the North Shore day
For timing around the island, see how long it takes to drive around O‘ahu. On the way up the windward side? Stop at Kualoa Regional Park. Picking up the car first? See the Honolulu Airport rental car guide.
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Photo: Tony Webster, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Researched and written by Neo Pecorro. Facts on this page were checked against the City and County of Honolulu Department of Parks and Recreation and Hawaii DLNR, plus the other sources linked above. Hawaii rules change often, so confirm on the official page before you go.
Last updated: October 19, 2026.