Three Tables Beach, part of Pupukea Beach Park.

© Leigh Anne Meeks/Shutterstock

Pupukea Beach Park

Top choice


With deep-blue waters, a varied coastline and a mix of lava and white sand, Pupukea, meaning ‘White Shell,’ is a very scenic stretch. The long beach encompasses three areas: Sharks Cove to the north, Old Quarry in the center and Three Tables to the south. The waters off Pupukea Beach are all protected as a marine-life-conservation district.

The reef formation at Sharks Cove provides an excellent habitat for marine life, including sea turtles, and is good for snorkeling. When seas are calm, this is a great area for water exploring; make sure you always wear shoes to protect your feet from sharp coral. Despite the cove’s name, the white-tipped reef sharks aren’t usually a problem; just keep your distance and don’t provoke them.

At low tide the rock features at Old Quarry appear as if they were cut by human hands, but rest assured that they are natural. Coastal tide pools are interesting microhabitats that are best explored at low tide during calm summer seas. Be careful, especially if you have kids in tow, because the rocks are razor sharp. There are showers and restrooms in front of Old Quarry.

The flat ledges rising above the water give Three Tables its name. In summer (only) the area is good for snorkeling and diving. The best coral and fish, as well as some small caves, lava tubes and arches, are in deeper water further out. Access to Three Tables is just beyond Old Quarry, where there are a few unmarked parking spots.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

2. Waimea Bay Beach Park

0.55 MILES

It may be a beauty, but it’s certainly a moody one. Waimea Bay changes dramatically with the seasons: it can be tranquil and flat as a lake in summer,…

3. Waimea Valley

1.02 MILES

Craving land instead of sea? This 1800-acre Hawaiian cultural and nature park, just inland from Waimea Bay, is a sanctuary of tropical tranquility. Amid…

4. ʻEhukai Beach Park

1.2 MILES

The break off the park is known as Banzai Pipeline, Pipeline or just Pipe; it's probably the most famous surf site in the islands. For expert board riders…

5. Sunset Beach Park

2.34 MILES

Like many beaches on the North Shore, Sunset Beach has a split personality. In winter big swells arrive, along with pro wave riders and the posse of…

6. Laniakea Beach

2.55 MILES

Between the highway's 3- and 4-mile markers, this narrow spit of sand is visited by basking honu (green sea turtles), who migrate here from French Frigate…

7. Haleʻiwa Beach Park

4.29 MILES

On the northern side of the harbor, this park is protected by a shallow shoal and breakwater, so it's usually a good choice for swimming. There’s little…

8. Liliʻuokalani Protestant Church

4.7 MILES

Haleʻiwa’s historic church, first built in 1832, takes its name from Queen Liliʻuokalani, who spent summers on the shores of the Anahulu River and…