Good point about Shark's Cove (and all of North Shore) in winter. We're going in August which should be fine.
To OP, seasons will inform some of your options so if you know when you might be going, that would be good to know.
Can you explain where to enter for the sheltered (I.e. not open ocean) snorkeling part? And which part/side has more fish? I read someone's description but didn't really follow it. Seemed to imply one side was shallower tide pools, mostly empty. Really looking forward to checking this out!!We love Sharks Cove but you need water shoes to get in, it is really rocky without a smooth entrance. We have only been in the summer so I would think you need to use caution in the winter with high surf. It is a very sheltered area and totally rivals if not surpasses Hanauma Bay in many ways.
Can you explain where to enter for the sheltered (I.e. not open ocean) snorkeling part? And which part/side has more fish? I read someone's description but didn't really follow it. Seemed to imply one side was shallower tide pools, mostly empty. Really looking forward to checking this out!!