Shark's Cove

Shark's Cove, known in Hawaiian as Kapoʻo, is at Pūpūkea Beach Park on Oahu's North Shore, inside the Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District. It is a fairly shallow cove near the north end of the district and a popular place to snorkel and scuba dive. Visibility is generally poor inside the cove and improves quickly outside, where diving conditions are better and the bottom slopes deeper. Look for caves around the cove's northwest point, and to a lesser extent to the south. The tidepools to the left of the cove draw snorkelers at high tide and are good for reef walking or snorkeling, depending on waves and tide. DLNR says the origin of the name is uncertain and sharks are no more common here than anywhere else on the island. From about May through October the water is generally calm, though surges can happen. In winter, current and wave conditions become extremely dangerous here and in the tidepool area, and the State Department of Health says swimmers of any skill level should stay out of the water in high surf. The City's Ocean Safety chief warns that hazards here can change quickly. The City has added a lifeguard tower at Kapoʻo that also looks over Three Tables, and there is a fire station near the tidepools. Apart from a few permitted activities, taking or harming marine life, taking rocks or other geological features, carrying gear for taking marine life in the water, and feeding fish are prohibited in the district. DLNR lists restrooms and showers for the district and parking at both beach parks, and buses serve the area daily. The City closes the comfort station and the beach park overnight.