Plan your visit
Plan your Visit
Timing is everything at Ahu o Laka. Read our advice on tides, transport, and strict local rules before you go.
Getting there
You cannot walk or drive to the sandbar. You must take a boat or kayak from He'eia Kea Small Boat Harbor.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tour: Join a guided catamaran tour which usually includes Waikiki shuttle transport, snorkeling gear, and water sports. | 3-4 hours | $120-$160 | Commercial tours are legally prohibited from operating on Sundays and federal holidays. |
| Boat: Charter a private boat or pontoon from He'eia Kea Boat Harbor. | 15-20 mins | $300-$800 per group | Requires booking well in advance; military members can sometimes rent pontoons from the Marine Corps base. |
| Kayak: Rent a kayak near He'eia State Park or the harbor and paddle out to the sandbar. | 45-60 mins | $60-$90 | A physically demanding 1-to-2-mile paddle against wind and currents; recommended only for physically fit individuals. |
When to go
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QuietModerateBusyPeak
Visit between May and September for the best weather. The water depth depends entirely on the tides. Aim to arrive an hour before low tide if you want to walk on exposed sand.
What to bring
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Remember to pack reef-safe sunscreen, which is required by Hawaii law.
Also bring a dry bag, water shoes, and plenty of drinking water.
How the day runs
Suggested ways to structure your trip.
Take a guided catamaran for a relaxing morning on the water.
- Arrive at Harbor
Park at He'eia Kea Small Boat Harbor.
- Board Catamaran
Cruise 15 to 20 minutes out to the sandbar.
- Walk the Sand
Explore the exposed sand and wading shallows.
- Snorkel
Snorkel near the drop-offs at Turtle Canyon.
- Return
Head back to the harbor.
A self-guided paddle for physically fit individuals.
- Rent Kayak
Pick up your gear near the harbor.
- Paddle Out
Paddle 1 to 2 miles against the wind.
- Anchor
Anchor at the sandbar and relax in the shallows.
- Return Paddle
Paddle back with the wind pushing toward shore.
Preparing for your trip
Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a UV rash guard, and water shoes. There are no facilities or trash cans on the sandbar, so you must pack out all your trash. Bring plenty of drinking water.
Maintain a legal distance of at least 10 feet from any Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles you see while snorkeling. Remember that Ahu o Laka is a sacred site and requires respectful behavior.
Easiest way to do it
Kaneohe Sandbar Snorkeling Tour
2 h 45 min 4.9 (509)
- Snacks (granola bars, chips and spam musubi)
- Snorkeling mask, mouthpiece
- Taxes and fees
- Stand-up paddle boards, floats, balls, etc. (Limited numbers)
From$180per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
Can you walk to the Kaneohe Sandbar?
No. The sandbar is located roughly 1 mile offshore from the harbor. You must take a boat or kayak.
Is alcohol allowed?
The State of Hawaii strictly bans alcohol and drugs on the sandbar during three-day holiday weekends like Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day.
Are there bathrooms on the sandbar?
No. There are zero facilities on the sandbar itself. Use the restrooms at the harbor or on your tour boat.