Electric Beach (Kahe Point) Honolulu
A unique Oahu beach known for warm waters attracting abundant marine life, offering exceptional snorkeling and diving.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
Electric Beach (Kahe Point) Honolulu
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer waters
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique Oahu beach known for warm waters attracting abundant marine life, offering exceptional snorkeling and diving.
"The warm water discharge attracts a rich ecosystem, making it a favorite for experienced snorkelers and divers."
🤿 Bring Fins & Float
Fins are highly recommended for navigating currents. A brightly colored float is essential for visibility and rest.
🚗 Secure Your Car
Never leave valuables in your car. Break-ins are common. Consider leaving your phone behind.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Underwater Playground
Near the power plant pipes
Warm water from the power plant attracts abundant marine life, creating a vibrant underwater spectacle.
Sea Turtle Encounters
Throughout the snorkeling area
Keep an eye out for graceful sea turtles gliding through the water alongside colorful fish.
Tropical Fish Galore
Around the warm water discharge
Snorkelers and divers will be amazed by the variety of tropical fish drawn to the unique conditions.
Planning Your Visit
Know Your Swimming Skills
Secure Your Valuables
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤿 Bring Fins & Float
Fins are highly recommended for navigating currents. A brightly colored float is essential for visibility and rest. +1
🚗 Secure Your Car
Never leave valuables in your car. Break-ins are common. Consider leaving your phone behind.
🏊♀️ Swim with a Buddy
Never snorkel alone. The currents can be strong and unpredictable. Always swim with a partner. +1
🌊 Time Your Entry
Be mindful of the waves. Time your shore entry and exit carefully to avoid getting caught in the surf.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤿 Bring Fins & Float
Fins are highly recommended for navigating currents. A brightly colored float is essential for visibility and rest. +1
🚗 Secure Your Car
Never leave valuables in your car. Break-ins are common. Consider leaving your phone behind.
🏊♀️ Swim with a Buddy
Never snorkel alone. The currents can be strong and unpredictable. Always swim with a partner. +1
🌊 Time Your Entry
Be mindful of the waves. Time your shore entry and exit carefully to avoid getting caught in the surf.
🐢 Respect Wildlife
Observe marine life from a distance. Do not touch or feed the animals, especially sea turtles.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Electric Beach offers incredible snorkeling with abundant marine life, including turtles and tropical fish, thanks to the warm water discharge. However, visitors must be strong swimmers due to powerful currents and open ocean conditions. The beach also faces significant issues with car break-ins, so extreme caution with valuables is advised.
"Went there for the first time today, swam out to the pipe ends, and it did not disappoint. The water was pretty clear, lots of fish everywhere, turtles, and I even saw an eel. The dolphins were out a well this morning, but we didn't swim near them. Depending on the conditions, this is a great place. Be cautious and know your skill level."
Scott Linn
"Very reassuring to have the lifeguard station right near the shore area. They have a rescue board staged on the beach & they had a jet ski ready on the lifeguard truck. The signage might seem intimidating, but you'll probably see many people scuba diving, snorkeling, & even body boarding. Just time the wave breaks & get out there."
K Kennedy
"It's a small cove that can get crowded on the weekends with a mix of both locals and visitors. There are basic bathroom facilities and an outdoor cold shower for rinsing off. It's a good snorkeling and shore-based scuba diving spot. There is a parking lot, but it can fill up. The train track in front of the park is functional and tourist trains do go by, so don't block the track when parking. This was is also a popular spear fishing area. We saw both sea turtles and eels while snorkeling here among many fish."
Marcus D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Electric Beach (Kahe Point) is located on the west side of Oahu. The easiest way to get there from Waikiki is by car, which takes about 45-60 minutes depending on traffic. Parking is available but can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
While public buses do run along the coast, it's not the most convenient option for reaching Electric Beach directly. It often involves multiple transfers and a significant walk. Renting a car is generally recommended for easier access.
There is a parking lot at Electric Beach, but it's known to fill up quickly, particularly on weekends and holidays. Arrive early to secure a spot. Be aware of the train tracks in front of the park; do not block them when parking.
Yes, Electric Beach has basic bathroom facilities and an outdoor cold shower for rinsing off after your swim. These amenities are convenient for visitors.
Absolutely! Electric Beach is a popular day trip destination from Honolulu, offering unique snorkeling and diving opportunities. Just be sure to plan your transportation and be aware of the beach's specific safety considerations.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Electric Beach (Kahe Point) is a public beach and does not require an entrance fee or tickets. You can visit and enjoy the beach and snorkeling freely.
Electric Beach is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no strict opening or closing times posted, but it's advisable to visit during daylight for safety reasons, especially when snorkeling.
While there is a lifeguard station nearby, it's important to note that lifeguards are not always present, and they do not patrol the entire snorkeling area. The signage can seem intimidating, but many people do snorkel and dive here.
Yes, several tour operators offer snorkeling and diving excursions from nearby marinas like Ko Olina that will take you to Electric Beach. This can be a safer option if you're concerned about swimming out from shore.
Parking at Electric Beach is typically free. However, the lot can fill up quickly, so arriving early is recommended.
🎫 🏊♀️ Onsite Experience
The best snorkeling is found near the warm water discharge pipes from the power plant. You'll need to swim out a bit to reach these areas, so be prepared for open ocean conditions.
Electric Beach is generally NOT recommended for beginner swimmers due to strong currents and open ocean conditions. It's crucial to be a strong, confident swimmer and ideally have experience with ocean swimming. +1
You can expect to see a wide variety of marine life, including numerous tropical fish, sea turtles, and sometimes even dolphins. The warm water discharge attracts a rich ecosystem.
Some TikTok videos mention a 'secret elevator in the rocks' or 'secret tidepools,' but these are likely referring to natural rock formations or small pools that form at low tide. The main attraction is the marine life around the power plant pipes. +1
Wear a swimsuit and consider a rash guard for sun protection. Bringing your own snorkel gear, including fins, is highly recommended. A brightly colored float is also a good safety measure. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The most striking photo opportunities involve the vibrant marine life underwater. Capturing sea turtles, colorful fish, and the unique landscape around the warm water discharge can make for stunning shots.
It is NOT safe to bring your phone or camera to Electric Beach if you plan to leave it unattended in your car or on the beach. The area is notorious for car break-ins. If you must bring it, keep it with you at all times.
Yes, Electric Beach is a great spot for underwater photography due to its clear waters and abundant marine life. Consider bringing a waterproof camera or a waterproof case for your phone.
Morning hours often offer calmer waters and good visibility for underwater photography. The lighting can also be softer and more appealing.
The warm water discharge pipes from the power plant are a unique visual element and a focal point for many underwater photos, as they attract the most marine life.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If your family is composed of very strong swimmers who are comfortable in ocean conditions, and you are prepared with flotation devices and constant supervision, it might be manageable. However, for most families seeking a relaxed beach day with safe swimming for children, there are many other more suitable beaches on Oahu. Consider alternatives like Hanauma Bay (with reservations) or calmer bays on the windward side.
💰 Budget Travelers
The main costs would be transportation (if you rent a car) and any gear you might need to purchase or rent, such as snorkel masks and fins. Bringing your own gear from home can save money. Given the security concerns, it's advisable to minimize the amount of valuables you bring, further contributing to a low-cost outing.
🐠 Snorkel & Dive Enthusiasts
Be prepared for a challenging shore entry and exit, and always prioritize safety by swimming with a buddy and using a float. Experienced divers might find the area around the power plant pipes particularly rewarding. Consider joining a guided tour if you want to explore further or have concerns about navigating the conditions independently.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Currents and Safety
Safety is paramount at Electric Beach. There is no lifeguard directly on duty for the snorkeling areas, and the nearest lifeguard station is some distance away. The risk of getting into trouble is significant, and tragically, there have been incidents of drownings. Visitors are strongly urged to swim with a buddy, wear a brightly colored float for visibility, and be acutely aware of their own limitations. Some suggest that if you are not an expert swimmer, opting for a guided tour from a nearby marina might be a safer and more enjoyable way to experience the underwater wonders of Electric Beach.
Beyond swimming safety, car break-ins are a major concern. Multiple accounts on Reddit highlight the prevalence of theft, with visitors losing phones and other valuables. The consensus is to leave anything valuable at home or secure it extremely well. Some even recommend not bringing your phone at all to avoid the temptation or risk.
Marine Life and Snorkeling Experience
One of the most exciting aspects of snorkeling at Electric Beach is the high probability of encountering sea turtles. These gentle creatures are frequently spotted gliding through the water or resting near the shore. In addition to turtles, visitors have also reported seeing dolphins in the vicinity, though swimming near them is not advised. Eels have also been observed in the rocky areas.
The 'pipes' themselves, where the warm water is discharged, are a focal point for the marine ecosystem. While the water near the pipes is warmer, it's crucial to be aware of the currents in this area. Many visitors find the experience rewarding, describing it as an 'underwater playground' packed with wildlife.
However, the entry and exit can be challenging due to waves, and visibility can vary depending on the day's conditions. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit