Three Tables Beach
Oahu's North Shore gem for incredible snorkeling with vibrant marine life and stunning sunsets. A must-visit for nature lovers!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, best visibility
Three Tables Beach
Best Time
Calm waters, best visibility
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Oahu's North Shore gem for incredible snorkeling with vibrant marine life and stunning sunsets. A must-visit for nature lovers!
"The most perfect snorkel spot on Oahu, but you want to get here before 10 am."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited; aim to arrive before 10 AM to snag a spot. :car:
🤿 Prime Snorkeling Spot
Excellent for snorkeling with abundant fish and turtles. Best before 10 AM for clarity. :tropical_fish:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Underwater Wonderland
The 'tables' offshore
Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with tropical fish and graceful sea turtles. A true underwater paradise!
Sunset Spectacle
Beachfront
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the Pacific Ocean.
Gentle Waves for All
Shoreline
Enjoy calm, clear waters perfect for swimming and wading, especially during summer months.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Prime Snorkeling
Respect the Marine Life
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited; aim to arrive before 10 AM to snag a spot. :car:
🤿 Prime Snorkeling Spot
Excellent for snorkeling with abundant fish and turtles. Best before 10 AM for clarity. :tropical_fish:
🐢 Respect Sea Turtles
Give sea turtles plenty of space. Admire them from a distance. :turtle:
☀️ Summer is Ideal
Summer offers the calmest waters and best visibility for snorkeling. :sunwithface:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking is limited; aim to arrive before 10 AM to snag a spot. :car:
🤿 Prime Snorkeling Spot
Excellent for snorkeling with abundant fish and turtles. Best before 10 AM for clarity. :tropical_fish:
🐢 Respect Sea Turtles
Give sea turtles plenty of space. Admire them from a distance. :turtle:
☀️ Summer is Ideal
Summer offers the calmest waters and best visibility for snorkeling. :sunwithface:
🧺 Pack Out What You Pack In
Keep the beach clean! Leave no trace behind. :recycle:
🛍️ Near Foodland & Food Trucks
Conveniently located across from Foodland for picnic supplies and nearby food trucks. :icecream:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Three Tables Beach for its exceptional snorkeling, vibrant marine life, and stunning sunset views. While parking can be a challenge and the beach access requires some care, the clear waters and proximity to amenities like Foodland make it a highly recommended North Shore gem.
"The sand on this beach is a little larger than most. It can be difficult not sliding down the hill getting to the beach because the trees drop a lot of debris. Once there it's got great views and good snorkeling. The beach drops right off into deeper water. Once out by the tables you'll start seeing a variety of different fishes. I did see one sea urchin. We also had a pod of dolphins swimming by with some doing acrobatics for us. Caught some on video. Watch your currents or you'll get sucked out past the tables."
Larry Holcombe
"Beautiful beautiful that's away from the hustle and bussle. Excellent snorkeling with lots of different fish to swim with! This beach is also the perfect spot to watch the sun set on a beautiful evening! Bring a beach blanket to watch the sunset and foodland is across the street to make it a picnic or dinner!"
James Bennett
"My favorite spot! Excellent snorkeling beach and super close to Foodland. Parking can be a bit tough so go earlier in the day, but being within walking distance to the Foodland you can easily spend all day here. Please --> pack out what you bring in. No need to leave trash on the beach or water access. Enjoy nature and leave no trace!"
Blas Herrera
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Three Tables Beach is located on the North Shore of Oahu, near Pupukea. If you're driving from Waikiki, take the H-1 West to the H-2 North, then continue on Kamehameha Highway. Parking can be challenging, so arriving early is recommended. Public transportation options are limited for direct beach access, making a rental car or ride-sharing service the most convenient. +1
Accessing Three Tables Beach can involve navigating some debris from trees, and the hill down can be a bit slippery. However, once you're on the beach, the views are great.
Many visitors opt for a rental car to explore Oahu's North Shore, including Three Tables Beach. This offers the most flexibility. Ride-sharing services are also an option, but may be less readily available for return trips from this more remote location.
While public buses do run along the North Shore, they may not drop you directly at Three Tables Beach, and schedules can be infrequent. It's best to check TheBus routes and schedules for the most up-to-date information.
Parking at Three Tables Beach can be quite difficult, especially during peak hours and weekends. Visitors strongly advise arriving early in the morning, ideally before 10 AM, to secure a spot.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Three Tables Beach is a public beach and does not have an entrance fee. You can enjoy its natural beauty and snorkeling opportunities for free.
Three Tables Beach is accessible year-round, from sunrise to sunset. There are no official operating hours, but it's best to visit during daylight for safety and visibility, especially for snorkeling.
No advance booking is required for Three Tables Beach as it is a public access beach. However, securing parking early is crucial.
The main considerations are respecting the marine life, packing out all trash, and being aware of ocean currents, which can be strong.
Yes, Three Tables Beach is generally suitable for families, especially during calmer summer months. The clear, shallow areas near the shore are good for younger children, while the offshore tables offer exciting snorkeling for older kids and adults.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
The best time for snorkeling at Three Tables Beach is during the summer months when the ocean is typically calmer and visibility is highest. Aim for early morning, before 10 AM, to avoid crowds and enjoy the clearest water. +1
You can expect to see a variety of tropical fish, coral formations, and often sea turtles (honu) at Three Tables Beach. Some visitors have even spotted dolphins. +1
Yes, ocean currents can be strong at Three Tables Beach, especially outside the main reef areas. It's important to be aware of these currents and not venture too far out if you're not a strong swimmer.
Bring your snorkeling gear, reef-safe sunscreen, a beach towel, water, and snacks. A beach blanket is great for sunset viewing. Consider water shoes for easier navigation on the beach.
Yes, Three Tables Beach is good for swimming, particularly in the areas closer to shore. The offshore 'tables' create a natural reef that can offer some protection, but always be mindful of currents.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Three Tables Beach is conveniently located across from Foodland, a supermarket where you can buy picnic supplies. There are also food trucks in the vicinity, offering a variety of local eats. +1
Absolutely! It's a great spot for a picnic. You can grab supplies from the nearby Foodland or enjoy food from local food trucks.
Food trucks in the North Shore area often offer a diverse range of options, including local Hawaiian plate lunches, seafood, tacos, and more.
Yes, Foodland across the street is a good place to purchase drinks, snacks, and other essentials for your beach day.
No, there are no sit-down restaurants directly on Three Tables Beach. The dining options are primarily the nearby supermarket and food trucks.
📸 📸 Photography
Three Tables Beach offers stunning photo opportunities, from the clear blue waters and vibrant marine life underwater to the dramatic sunsets. The unique rock formations offshore also make for interesting shots. 
Yes, Three Tables Beach is excellent for underwater photography, especially when conditions are calm. You can capture colorful fish, coral, and potentially sea turtles. Bringing a GoPro or waterproof camera is highly recommended.
Early morning offers soft light and fewer crowds for beach shots, while sunset provides dramatic colors. For underwater photos, midday with good sun penetration is ideal.
You can photograph sea turtles, but always maintain a respectful distance. Avoid using flash, as it can disturb them.
The offshore 'tables' themselves offer unique perspectives for underwater shots. For beach and sunset photos, the shoreline provides a beautiful panorama.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To ensure a smooth family experience, pack plenty of sunscreen, hats, and water. Consider bringing water shoes for easier walking on the beach and in the water. The proximity to Foodland and nearby food trucks makes it easy to grab snacks or a full meal, minimizing the need to pack extensive food. Arriving early is key to managing parking and ensuring a less crowded, more enjoyable experience for everyone.
🐠 Budget Travelers
Instead of expensive boat tours, you can experience incredible underwater exploration right from the shore. Renting snorkeling gear for the day is generally affordable, or if you have your own, even better. Enjoying the sunset is another free activity that provides a memorable experience without costing a dime.
🐢 Nature & Wildlife Enthusiasts
+1Visiting during the summer months provides the best conditions for observing wildlife with optimal water clarity and calmer seas. Remember to practice responsible tourism: maintain a respectful distance from all wildlife, especially sea turtles, and avoid any actions that could disturb their natural behavior. The 'leave no trace' principle is paramount here to preserve this precious habitat.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Snorkeling Paradise: What to Expect
+2To make the most of your snorkeling experience, it's highly recommended to visit early in the morning, ideally before 10 AM. This not only helps you secure parking but also ensures you experience the calmest waters and the best visibility before the trade winds pick up or crowds increase. Remember to use reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the delicate coral ecosystem. While the snorkeling is excellent, be aware of ocean currents, which can become strong, especially outside the protected reef areas. Always swim within your limits and stay aware of your surroundings.
For those looking to capture the underwater beauty, bringing a waterproof camera or GoPro is a must. The clear waters and abundant marine life provide fantastic opportunities for photography. Remember to always give sea turtles and other wildlife ample space and avoid touching them. The sand at Three Tables can be a bit coarser than other beaches, which some find makes it easier to clean off.
+2Navigating the North Shore: Getting to and Enjoying Three Tables
While public transportation exists, it can be less convenient for reaching specific North Shore beaches like Three Tables, often requiring transfers and longer travel times. For this reason, a rental car or a pre-booked tour might be the most practical options for many travelers. Once you arrive, be prepared for a slightly challenging descent to the beach, as the terrain can be uneven and sometimes slippery due to fallen debris.
Beyond the snorkeling, Three Tables Beach offers a beautiful setting for relaxation and enjoying the coastal scenery. It's also conveniently located across from Foodland, a supermarket perfect for stocking up on picnic supplies, and is in proximity to popular food trucks that serve up delicious local fare. This makes it easy to spend a full day enjoying the beach, from morning snorkeling to a sunset picnic.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit