Sandbars are also known as offshore bars which are landforms, submerged or partially exposed near beaches. It could be a ridge of sand or rough sediment built by waves over a long period of time. They are formed by offshore deposits from a beach. 

Let’s find out more about the sandbar in oahu that has everyone curious. 

What is a sandbar

What is a sandbar

A sandbar is a strip of narrow and long sand bank near the mouth of a river. It could also be a beach in the middle of the ocean. Depending on the weather, the water stays high or low- it could be as low as to dip just our ankle or be hip high.

The kaneohe sandbar is home to a sandbar that stretches for about 2.5 miles in length and 8 miles in width. This sandbar in hawaii is  a major attraction for tourists looking for a getaway.

How to get there

How to get there

One can get to the oahu sandbar by a boat or by kayak. The pricing varies depending on the company you choose. You can also choose to visit via a charter if you have the means. It takes $150 on an average to take a private charter with six people together. The charters can be timed for mornings or afternoons.

What to carry to a sandbar

What to carry to a sandbar

You could carry swimwear, reef safe sunscreen, a towel and a pair of sunglasses. These are some of the most essential things to pack when going to the beach. Wearing the swimsuit under your clothes can help you easily move in and out of the water. 

What to expect at the sandbar

What to expect at the sandbar

These sandbars and surrounding reefs are perfect for snorkeling, beach volleyball, picnic lunches, and views of the Ko’olau Mountains. This natural formation is located in the center of Kaneohe Bay on the windward side of Oahu. Depending on the tide, it can be waist-deep or completely exposed, creating a small beach in the middle of the ocean. The sandbar is about a mile  from the shore, so you’ll need a boat or kayak to get there.

The Kaneohe Bay Sandbar on Oahu is a collection of exposed islands surrounding a coral reef, the only such place in all of Hawaii. This natural formation is located on the windward side of Oahu, in the center of Kaneohe Bay, between Chinaman’s Hat and Coconut Island. Protected by coral reefs, this sandbar is only visible at low tide as a small white sand beach, and at high tide it is waist-deep. 

No Hawaiian vacation is complete without visiting one of Oahu’s top activities, Kaneohe Bay Sandbar. The Kaneohe Bay sandbar is about a mile from the coast. If you want to go to the sandbar alone, you  need a boat or kayak. Kayak rentals are readily available, but a boat license issued by the Kaneohe Marine Corps Base Marina is required to rent and operate a boat. Your Kaneohe sandbar tour includes pick-up, snorkel gear, beach activities, and even lunch. 

To save time and effort, booking a sandbar tour is the easiest way to enjoy your time on the sandbar.The closest boat harbor to Kaneohe Bay Sandbar is Heeia Kea Small Boat Harbor. The distance is about 26 miles and it takes about 40-45 minutes to drive from Waikiki to the boat dock. Parking is free, but spaces are limited and only available in designated areas. Make sure you park in the correct space. There is also street parking outside the harbor.  

Some companies have sister boats that can provide a larger group trip for a larger crew of holidayers. Having less than six people, or to be more specific, for two to three people a larger charter can be opted to travel more comfortably and economically. Sharing a charter between two groups on a larger charter is a better choice and can save you a ton of money.

Some charters give access to various amenities available on board. Paddleboarding is one option available. They also provide light snacks such as chips, granola bars, drinks like water juice, sodas and a BYO allowance. With a cooler on board carrying a little food becomes a lot easier. 

Carrying your sunscreen is a must as it is with a rashbar or a long sleeve 

You may not find any restrooms here but you can find a few at Heeia Kea Small Boat Harbor and the Heeia Kea State Park. Wearing your swimwear beforehand can save trouble of finding a restroom to change. 

(FAQs) Frequently Asked Question :-

This Hawaii sandbar is sure to get you packing for a weekend off. Here are some quick bites to know everything before you jet off to this secret getaway-

1. What is a sandbar?

Ans: Sandbars, such as the Kaneohe Bay Sandbar, are aquatic formations composed entirely of sand, pebbles, or silt. They often form small islands or overpasses and act as natural barriers to tidal currents.

2. How much time do I need for a Kaneohe Sandbar Tour?

Ans: The duration of the tour depends on the tour book, but it is about 3-4 hours.

3. How to get to Kaneohe Sandbar?

Ans: The sandbar is easily accessible by boat or kayak. It takes about 10-15 minutes by boat and 45-60 minutes by kayak, depending on sea conditions.

4. Can you swim to Kaneohe Spit?

Ans: Due to its remoteness from the coast, it is impossible for the public to swim to the sandbar. 

5. Are there sharks at Kaneohe Sandbar?

Ans: Yes, but don’t worry. Kaneohe Bay is said to be home to hammerhead sharks, but there have been few sightings and no reported attacks. The Kaneohe Bay spit is one of the safest areas in the waters around Oahu.

6. Is Kaneohe Spit Worth Visiting?

Ans: Yes, in any case! It’s one of Hawaii’s most beautiful locations, with stunning views of the Ko’olau Mountains featured in the movie Jurassic Park. The sandbars are also very family-friendly and the shallow waters of the sandbars are a must-see when visiting Oahu.

7. What to do at Kaneohe Sandbar

Ans: Whether it’s high tide or low tide, there’s plenty to do on the sandbars. In addition to just relaxing in the water, you can set up a net for a game of volleyball, kayak or stand up paddle in the calm waters, or snorkel the nearby reefs.

8. Can I fly a drone over Kaneohe Sandbar?

Ans: Due to the proximity of the Kaneohe Bay Marine Corps Base, the use of drones within a certain distance of the base is prohibited.

9. When is the best time to visit Kaneohe Sandbar?

Ans: Early in the morning, the tide is low, and the weather and sea conditions are often calm. 

Conclusion

If you are planning to visit this sandbar in oahu, we hope you have enough info now to make the necessary planning to take off. This sandbar is sure to have you get all tanned with a view that’s unlike others. 

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