Kaneohe Bay, Oahu, Hawaii

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Kaneohe Bay, Oahu

 

Kaneohe Bay is on the northeast coast of Oahu. Unlike many of Hawaii’s beaches which are popular with tourists for wide white sand stretches and sparking crystal clear waters, the Kaneohe Bay is famous for having the most studied coral reef systems.

Along the windward coast of Oahu, the Kaneohe Bay is protected from strong, predominant tradewind-induced waves by a large barrier reef. This formation results to conditions which are perfect for the growth of patch reefs and fringe reefs throughout the Kaneohe Bay.

One of the best locations to view the bay from is the Pali Lookout. From this high vantage point, people will be able to see the lovely array of colors caused by the different depths and ocean floor formations across the bay. The lovely hues include teal, ivory, light and dark blue, and brown.

A sandbar, which is the only one of its kind in Hawaii, can be found at the center of Kaneohe Bay. During low tides, a sandy stretch of beach appears, and during high tides this stretch is submerged underwater. The Kaneohe sandbar is a well-known destination for tourists, kayakers, boaters and sailors who want to relax and bask under the warm sun.