IntermediateShore entry

Sharks Cove (Pupukea)

Hawaii, United StatesDirections

Open Water suggested5–20 m depthShore entry3mm wetsuit typical

Sharks Cove (Pupukea) at a glance

Sharks Cove (Pupukea) is an intermediate shore dive site in Hawaii, United States with depths of 4.6–20 m (15–66 ft). Typically most favorable Jul · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Reef fish, Whitetip reef shark, and Spotted eagle ray. Recent reports put the water around 27°C (80°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 1h ago

1.5 mwaves — about a meter and a half expected

Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 27°C · seasonal avg 27°C

Site hazards: Winter surf, surge, rocky entry, urchins, caves/swim-throughs, strong current, overhead entrapment risk, no lifeguards at Sharks Cove/Three Tables, and strict MLCD no-take rules.

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Tue

Fri—

Sat—

Sun—

Mon—

Tue7:00–10:00

Wed7:00–9:00

Thu—

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 5:55 · Sunrise 6:18 · Sunset 18:39 · all windows sit within daylight

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 17 km from site · graded 1h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Forecast · NOAA tide model

Tide & slack timing

Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

Dived here today — did the forecast match?

What Divers Say

Known for: Reef fish, Moray eel, Milletseed butterflyfish

Best time: Late April/May through September/October calm North Shore windows; avoid winter and any 3-5 ft surf.

Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.

Best months, historically

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

Jan16%25°C2.2 m
Feb40%25°C1.8 m
Mar66%25°C1.6 m
Apr77%25°C1.5 m
May89%26°C1.3 m
Jun99%26°C1.1 m
Jul99%27°C1.1 m
Aug92%27°C1.2 m
Sep99%27°C1.2 m
Oct78%27°C1.4 m
Nov57%27°C1.6 m
Dec30%26°C2.0 m

July hastypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.

Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.

Marine life seen at this site

Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Species seen here

The underwater calendar

When these animals are most recorded around Hawaiʻi — from open sighting data, not a promise.

Green sea turtleDec–Feb

Watch the whole year animate on the Migrations map

Fills & rentals nearby

No dive shops mapped within 25 km. Know one? Add it to the map.

Data updated July 2026

Site details

North Shore shore dive/snorkel site inside the Pūpūkea Marine Life Conservation District. The cove and outside reef have lava tubes, caverns, arches, and swim-throughs, with better diving outside the shallow cove. It is generally a summer-only site because winter North Shore surf makes conditions dangerous.

cavereefshore

Winter surf, surge, rocky entry, urchins, caves/swim-throughs, strong current, overhead entrapment risk, no lifeguards at Sharks Cove/Three Tables, and strict MLCD no-take rules.

How deep is Sharks Cove (Pupukea)?

Sharks Cove (Pupukea) ranges from 4.6 to 20 metres deep (15–66 feet). It is a saltwater site rated as intermediate difficulty. Depths vary across the site, so plan your profile to your training and verify conditions locally.

Is Sharks Cove (Pupukea) a shore dive or a boat dive?

Sharks Cove (Pupukea) is a shore dive — you can enter from land. The entry is recorded as a rocky scramble. The entry area is recorded as exposed to surge. Basic facilities are recorded at or near the site, and cell service is recorded as good. Entry details and parking notes, where known, are listed in the access section of this page.

Can beginners dive Sharks Cove (Pupukea)?

Sharks Cove (Pupukea) is rated as intermediate difficulty, which may not suit new divers. Listed depths run from 4.6 to 20 metres (15–66 feet). Access is from shore, with the entry recorded as a rocky scramble. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

When is the best time to dive Sharks Cove (Pupukea)?

Late April/May through September/October calm North Shore windows; avoid winter and any 3-5 ft surf. Not formally closed seasonally, but winter current/wave conditions are extremely dangerous per DLNR and should be treated as a no-go for diving. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at Sharks Cove (Pupukea)?

Divers at Sharks Cove (Pupukea) in United States commonly report sightings of Reef fish, Whitetip reef shark, Spotted eagle ray, Moray eel, and Milletseed butterflyfish. Reef fish, Moray eel, and Milletseed butterflyfish are recorded as common sightings, while Whitetip reef shark and Spotted eagle ray are reported only occasionally. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

What hazards are recorded at Sharks Cove (Pupukea)?

Winter surf, surge, rocky entry, urchins, caves/swim-throughs, strong current, overhead entrapment risk, no lifeguards at Sharks Cove/Three Tables, and strict MLCD no-take rules. Hazards and conditions change, so verify current local information before diving.

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