Kauai, also known as The Garden Island, is one of the oldest islands in the Hawaiian chain and home to some incredible natural beauty. In addition to exploring waterfalls, jungles, mountains, cliffs, and a variety of top activities, visitors can experience some of the best beaches in Kauai for snorkeling.
The island has a variety of top snorkel spots where you can explore beautiful reefs to encounter colorful tropical fish and other marine species. This is a great place to see Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapuaa (or reef triggerfish). We’ve compiled this list of the best places to snorkel in Kauai to help you plan your adventure.
More resources to plan your trip to Hawaii
- 11 stunning waterfalls in Oahu you can hike to
- Guide to to the best beaches in Maui
- Best snorkelling spots in Maui
- Must-visit snorkeling on Oahu for beginners
How to get the best deal on car rentals
- A rental car on Kauai is a must so make sure you're getting the best deals by using these car rental coupon codes. Stop getting ripped off by these companies!
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Best Snorkeling on Kauai
Kauai is a circular-shaped island surrounded by extensive reefs. Overall, the best beaches in Kauai for snorkeling are found along the north and south coasts, with a handful of other great locations in other regions of the island.
To make it easier for you to plan your snorkel adventures and choose the best place to stay in Kauai, we’ve divided the island into four main areas and listed the best places to snorkel in each instead of ranking them.
Something to keep in mind when planning is that some areas along the coastline are steep and rugged, so it isn’t always possible to drive along the coastline from place to place.
North Shore
Some of the best snorkeling in Kauai can be found along the north shore. This region of the island offers plentiful snorkel spots to choose from, all offering good encounters with tropical fish.
Generally, the north shore offers seasonal snorkeling with the winter months experiencing larger waves.
Read next: Things you can do in Kauai in 3 days
Anini Beach
One of the best beaches in Kauai for snorkeling is Anini Beach. Not only does this location offer a lovely sandy beach, but it’s kid-friendly and has plenty of facilities.
This location is sheltered by Kauai’s largest reef which not only offers abundant marine life but also protects the waters from extreme swells to create a calm, swimmable spot. The only thing to be aware of are the channels in the reef which are marked by buoys as this is where there are strong rip currents.
If you look closely at the map, one of the things you'll notice is that it's quite a long stretch of beach which means you'll have plenty of places to set up. It also connects with the nearby Kalihikai Park.
We love this beach because it's super laid back and mellow.
There's plenty of parking here along Anini Road and you'll also find facilities here as well including bathrooms and showers.
Oh and how can I forget, there are a lot of roosters here.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: April to October. You can come here in the winter because it is calmer but be careful.
Facilities: Kalihikai Park has paddleboard rentals, picnic tables, bathrooms, and showers.
Currents: There can be strong currents in the channels of the reef which can create strong tidal changes.
Lifeguard: None
Parking: There is plenty of parking especially at Kalihikai Park and many spots along Anini Road. To access to most eastern section of the beach, there's a hidden parking off the side of the road that you can find on this Streetsview map.
Tips: It's recommended to snorkel close to shore and to avoid being tempted by the better snorkeling near the channels. The best spot to snorkel is near Anini Paddleboard Rentals and the boat launch there which coincidentally also has the widest section of beach. The eastern most section of the beach usually has warmer waters and is also a hidden spot that has great beach.
Chance of seeing turtles?: A good chance
Why it's great for snorkeling: One of the largest stretch of reef in Hawaii means that there's quite a lot to explore. It's also this reef that creates calmer water conditions in the North Shore.
Hideaway Beach
Hideaway Beach (also referred to as Hideaways Beach and Pali Ke Kua Beach) is a secluded beach that’s a little harder to get to but totally worth it.
Make sure to get here early in the day as the parking area fills up quickly. it's quite tiny especially because it's shared with the nearby Pu'u Poa Beach.
From the parking area, you’ll need to embark on a short, but steep and tricky hike that starts besides the tennis court of the Puu Poa condos that is proceeded by a stair case and path. You'll want to have good shoes to hike down to the beach especially after rain where it'll be quite muddy and slippery. Something like the Keen Newport H2's are highly recommended.
While you're here, you'll have a high chance to spot triggerfish, parrotfish, turtles, barracuda, the Hawaiian Gregory and sea cucumber.
The reef here is shallow with plenty of fish to seek out in the deeper pockets. That said, the reef doesn’t offer as much protection from larger waves, and in winter the area is better for surfing than snorkeling.
As with many of the beaches on Kauai, note that there are no lifeguards.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: May to September. Not recommended in the winter.
Facilities: Haena Beach Park has restrooms and showers
Currents: Relatively calm in the summer. There is a surf break along the reef that should be avoided if you're a beginner.
Lifeguard: None
Parking: There is a small parking lot besides the start of the path but it's only good for 9 cars. Once it's full, you'll be out of luck so in practice, this is a great spot for those that live within walking distance or just come very early.
Tips: You'll need good shoes for this walk down so make sure you pick up a pair of Keen Newport H2's before you go to Kauai.
Chance of seeing turtles?: A good chance
Why it's great for snorkeling: Since it's not easy to access, it's a great secluded paradise that has great beach and wonderful reef to snorkel.
Tunnels Beach
Also known as Makua Beach, this is one of the best beaches in Kauai for snorkeling. The snorkeling area is larger than it might appear at first and offers big coral formations, underwater lava tubes, and a large variety of sea life.
Some say it has the best snorkeling on the island because it's protected by a large reef. here you'll have a chance to see
Families also love Tunnels Beach because it's a wide and spacious beach with plenty of sand for the kids to play on combined with the calm waters for snorkeling
Parking for Tunnels Beach is a bit tricky as you'll be tempted to try to find small street access along Kuhio Highway (there are a few small little access roads with street parking) but the easiest place to park is actually at the adjacent Haena Beach Park which has facilities and lifeguards as well.
Beware of currents – and if you’re a beginner snorkeler, maybe find another snorkel spot to try.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: April to October. Not recommended in the winter.
Facilities: Haena Beach Park has restrooms and showers.
Currents: There can be strong currents with flow through the reef gaps towards Haena Beach Park.
Lifeguard: There are lifeguards at Haena Beach Park.
Parking: Easiest to park at Haena Beach Park but there are some small access roads off of Kuhio Highway where you can park off to the side but it is extremely limited.
Tips: It's recommended to snorkel near the inner reef at shore which is located near the northern most bump of the beach coastline. You don't need to venture too far out and in fact the outer reef is not recommended.
Chance of seeing turtles?: A good chance
Why it's great for snorkeling: Wide open spaces of sand with great access to the reef which remains quite calm especially in that inner reef
South Shore
The south shore of the island offers some of the best beaches in Kauai for snorkeling, particularly in the areas surrounding the towns of Hanapepe, Kekaha, and Poipu.
Another benefit of snorkeling here is that these spots aren’t subjected to the same winter swells as the north coast, and so are less seasonal.
Lawa'i Beach
Lawai Beach (also known as Beach House Beach) is a very popular spot is sheltered by a beautiful reef of the South Shore. Not only does the reef offer a wide variety of marine life to see, but it’s also sheltered from the swell and perfect for beginners.
As you swim farther out, visibility improves as does the health of the coral.
Since it’s such a popular spot, it can get crowded, but it does have great facilities like restrooms, showers, shade, and a restaurant.
If you'd like to try snorkel experience by boat, make sure to check out this South Island Zodiac Boat Snorkel Adventure which departs from Koloa nearby.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: All year round but better in the winter.
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, drinking water, restaurant, snack shack, and shave ice. You can also rent snorkel gear nearby.
Currents: Opposite to the North Shore, there can be bigger surf in the summer months so if the start growing in height (>6 ft), that's when the waters might get a bit too choppy for snorkeling.
Lifeguard: None
Parking: There is a parking lot right across the street from the beach near Beach House Restaurant and adjacent to Lawai Beach Resort. It can be busy here but you can also find more parking if you drive past the shaved ice snack shack.
Tips: At low-tide, the beach opens up but at high-tide the beach almost disappears. For snorkeling, the visibility gets better as you swim further out. Just make sure you watch the current as you head out. Since this isn't much of a beach entry, you'll want water shoes or fins to get in.
Chance of seeing turtles?: A good chance
Why it's great for snorkeling: There's a high chance of seeing turtles here and there's plenty of reef to explore. While it's not so great for its beach, it has to be one of the top snorkel sites in the South Shore.
Koloa Landing
Ideal for good swimmers and advanced snorkelers, this snorkel spot is exposed to the open ocean and requires a bit of a swim to get to the ample marine life.
In the summer months, the swell can make conditions trickier. Visibility can be affected by the nearby stream, particularly after good rains when runoff can cloud the water.
There’s no beach here. Instead, access to the water is not from the beach, but from an old boat ramp.
For those that are scuba divers, there's the Dive Kauai Scuba Center that does a 2 tank south shore dive that operates out of Koloa Landing.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: All year round but better in the winter.
Facilities: There are portable toilets at the lower parking lot.
Currents: As it is used by boats, the water can get choppy.
Lifeguard: None
Parking: There is a dirt area for parking off of Hoonani Road. If you follow the dirt road downwards towards the boat ramp, there's also a lower parking area (be careful of potholes in the road).
Tips: Entry is via the concrete boat ramp. Since it was designed for boats, there's also a steep drop off. Visibility can be iffy depending on runoff from rain so it can be hit or miss.
Chance of seeing turtles?: A good chance
Why it's great for snorkeling: What experienced snorkelers will like about it is that you have a chance of seeing some bigger fish there such as reef shark. You'll also be snorkeling the rock walls that line the Hanakaape Bay which you'll find a lot of interesting small sea creatures. Ultimately, we think this is probably a better spot for diving but if you're keen on a challenge, this is a good location.
Poipu Beach Park
Poipu Beach Park is a popular spot with great facilities for making a day of it. Unfortunately, during the summer months, the area can experience bigger swells making conditions a bit dangerous.
Since it’s a popular spot, conditions can get crowded. The sandy beach is also popular with monk seals that come here to rest on the sand – give them plenty of room or risk a fine for disturbing them.
The beach is broken up into two sections that separated by what's called a tombolo (sand bar). The first is quite protected and fantastic for kids and if you're facing the water, it's to your left. The other is called Waiohai Beach and is where you'll want to go for snorkelling which is to the right.
The beach is a popular spot for Hawaiian Monk Seals that rest on the beach as well!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: All year round but better in the winter.
Facilities: Restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, pavilions, showers, and bbq.
Currents: As it is used by boats, the water can get choppy.
Lifeguard: Yes, there is a lifeguard on duty.
Parking: There is ample parking across the street in a large lot from the beach.
Tips: The snorkel area isn't the largest here. You'll want to either follow the tombolo side and about 1/4 length into the bay. The other area to explore is the right side of the bay. The reef rock can also be quite close to the beach so wear water shoes if you're worried or enter in from the beach side.
Chance of seeing turtles?: A good chance but may be scared away if there are large groups of snorkelers.
Why it's great for snorkeling: This beach is unique because of the sand bar “island” which makes it an interesting area to snorkel. The large beach also means that you'll have plenty of space to sunbathe and play in the sand, making it a balanced place for the whole family.
Salt Pond Park
Plenty of parking, plenty of marine life, and a snorkeling experience sheltered by an offshore reef are what’s on offer at Salt Pond Park.
There are 3 distinct areas of the park but for snorkelers, you'll want to head away from the main beach area and instead go towards the east side that is directly in front of the air strip. There are tidal pools here that are home to
These calm conditions are great for beginners, and the presence of a lifeguard adds to the safety.
Where this park gets its name is from the salt ponds where native Hawaiians would use to make natural salt, making it quite the important cultural asset.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: All year round as it is not affected by those summer swells.
Facilities: Picnic benches, bathrooms, showers, camping facilities, and bbq.
Currents: As it is used by boats, the water can get choppy.
Lifeguard: None
Parking: Take Salt Pond Road all the way to the end and you'll see plenty of parking.
Tips: This is a shallow sandy bottom so don't expect to find any big fish here. Instead, you'll see smaller creatures like sea urchins, hermit crabs, eels, cuttlefish, and sea slugs.
Chance of seeing turtles?: There's a small chance but they have been spotted here.
Why it's great for snorkeling: Since it's out of the more popular Poipu and Koloa area, this beach is pretty quiet which means that you'll be able to snorkel and enjoy the beach here in peace. Snorkeling may not be the best here but you might be surprised but what you'll find!
East Coast
The eastern shore of Kauai has a few great options for snorkeling in Kauai. Much like the north shore, though, conditions are less favorable during the winter months when the swell can make things tricky.
Lydgate State Park
This beach offers some of the best snorkeling in Kauai for beginners. The waters here are protected by a man-made rock wall which forms Keiki Pond which not only keeps the waters calm, but it also encourages the presence of a variety of sea life.
Lydgate State Park is an ideal spot for getting the little ones to snorkel – it’s reasonably shallow (10 feet) and free of currents and rip tides.
There are fish to spot here but know that there isn't actually any coral inside the pond.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: All year round as it is fully protected.
Facilities: Picnic benches, bathrooms, and showers.
Currents: None
Lifeguard: Yes, there is a lifeguard on duty.
Parking: There's plenty of parking at the park.
Tips: It gets quite busy here on weekends.
Chance of seeing turtles?: None
Why it's great for snorkeling: This is a man-made pond with plenty of small fish to see and is perfect for kids (including infants) or anyone starting to learn how to snorkel. It's a controlled space, making it completely safe.
Larsens Beach
This snorkel spot is located on the island’s northeast corner of the island. Unfortunately, this means that often it’s at the mercy of strong currents and battering waves, especially in the winter months.
When the conditions are good, you’re likely to see plenty of marine life in the deep channels that run through the reef. Just make sure you don't follow it too far out as that is where you'll encounter rip tides.
To get to Larsen's Beach (also known as Ka'aka'aniu Beach), you'll have to park at the end of a dirt road, you'll get to the sign that warns of the deaths at this beach. From here there will appear to be 3 paths that can take you down. The one to the right takes you to a lookout but doesn't allow you to go down. The trail left is a short and steep path to the far right of the beach. There is another that is a more gentle slope down to the beach which is about 0.35 miles each way.
It's also worth noting that this beach has a reputation of being a nude beach.
Fun fact: The left side of the beach is where one of Mark Zuckerberg's properties is located.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: May – September. Not recommended in the winter.
Facilities: None
Currents: There are strong currents at the channels in the reef (the deep blue part of the photo above) so heed extreme caution
Lifeguard: None
Parking: To get to the parking lot, drive along Highway 56 northwards until you see a sign on the right that says “Beach Access”. Drive for 0.9 miles at the end of the dirt road is parking.
Tips: Do not attempt this hike down in flip flops. Make sure you have proper footwear. The rip tides should not be underestimated here. You want to avoid the Pakala Channel which is where there's an outcropping of lava rocks.
Chance of seeing turtles?: Chances are low.
Why it's great for snorkeling: Come here for the combination of a secluded beach with decent snorkeling and the surrounding beauty. If you you're an advanced snorkeler and know how to explore some of the reef channels, you'll get to spot lots of fish, interesting topography, and coral.
Na Pali Coast
Most of the snorkeling spots on the Na Pali Coast are offshore and are best visited on a boat tour such as this snorkel and sail experience. These tours will stop at various locations depending on conditions and swells.
That said, there's one beach at the end of the road that can be accessed and is great for snorkeling.
Ke’e Beach
This is one of the only top snorkel spots on the Na Pali Coast that can be accessed by land. From here, you have a great snorkel area, albeit very shallow, but that's complemented by the gorgeously staggered and lush coastline that is near picture-perfect.
Expect some really awesome snorkeling here, especially during the summer. There’s a barrier reef with abundant marine life that varies from trigger fish, parrot fish, surgeon fish, butterfly fish, and large schools. Green sea turtles are known to frequent the area as well.
The famed trailhead for the Kalalau Trail is also located in the same spot as they share a parking lot.
Something new as of 2018, is the reservation system they put in place to help control the number of visitors that come to the area. To make reservations, go to the Haena State Park Access a month in advance to book a parking and entry pass. If those are sold out, look for a shuttle reservation.
The area past the reef is excellent but for expert snorkelers only as rip currents are common so for most, we recommend that you stay in the primary lagoon area.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Best time of the year to go: May – September. Not recommended in the winter.
Facilities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, water fountains, fruit/drink stand, and picnic benches.
Currents: Be careful of strong currents that flow out of the channels in the reef.
Lifeguard: There is a lifeguard on duty from 9AM to 5PM.
Parking: There is a limited parking lot that can now only be accessed if you have reserved a spot in advance. These bookings go out incredibly fast so if you know which day you'd like to come, make sure to go to the park reservation page exactly 30 days prior at 12:01AM Hawaii Time. For instance, if you want to book for January 30, the booking for that date opens on Dec 31. The cost is $10 per vehicle and $5 entry passes per person. There are 3 time slots available – Morning (6:30AM – 12:30PM), Afternoon (12:30PM – 5:30PM), and Evening (4:30PM – sunset)
Shuttle: If you can't manage to get a parking reservation, they also have a shuttle option which are sold as round trips and depart at specific times. The park and ride location allows you to take your car and hop on the shuttle. Review the shuttle route before booking as well. The cost is $35 for adults (16+) and $25 (4-15).
Tips: They say that snorkeling at Tunnels Beach is slightly better as the reef offers a bit more protection but you'll still see plenty here. Also note that at this part of the island, there is no cell signal so make sure you stay with your group and be prepared to be disconnected and make sure to print your tickets in advance. The best side to enter for snorkeling is away from the left side because of that out-flowing channel. There are also chances of the park being closed due to weather so make sure to check their announcements on their FAQ the day of (no refunds are provided if this happens). Lastly, if you're taking the shuttle, make sure you get to your specific time slot well in advance (30-45 minutes) because they still limit the number of people on the beach and you might get bumped to a later hour.
Chance of seeing turtles?: A good chance
Why it's great for snorkeling: Not only is the snorkeling great here with its abundance of fish, turtles, the occasional monk seal, and other underwater life, but you also get to do it with the backdrop of the Na Pali Coast.
Map of thBest Snorkeling on Kauai
The below is a map of all of the snorkelling locations mentioned above. From this embedded Google Map, you'll see where they are clustered especially as you start putting together your Kauai itinerary whether it's 3 days like ours or shorter/longer.
Best Snorkeling Tours in Kauai
Check out these top snorkeling tours in Kauai to get you to the very best reefs and snorkel spots. If you’re short on time, check out this list of top things to do in Kauai if you only have 3 days.
Lucky Lady – Deluxe Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour:
Explore the offshore snorkel spots along the Na Pali Coast from a catamaran. Enjoy views of the lush hillsides and valleys, mountains, and cliffs, as well as dolphins and seas turtles. The half-day tour includes breakfast, lunch, and drinks.
Hanalei River Paddle and Bay Snorkel Tour:
Paddling along the Hanalei River into the Bay where you’ll snorkel in the tropical waters of the Bay Reef Lagoon. You’ll pass lush tropical scenery along the way and encounter incredible tropical fish beneath the waves.
Kauai’s Ultimate Guided Shore Snorkeling Adventure:
Explore the south shore reefs on this small-group boat tour. Skip the crowds and enjoy an interactive and informative excursion in the company of your knowledgeable guide. Snack and water are included.
Frequently Asked Questions
In general, the best snorkeling is in the summer because all of the beaches in the north open up with more favourable conditions.
As long as you bring your own snorkel gear, access to the beach and parking is free. The only exception is Ke'e Beach which has a reservation system and has costs associated to parking and entry.
Kauai is reknowed for its snorkeling because of its water conditions, white sand beach, easy access, and abundance of aquatic life that you'll find including sea turtles and the humuhumunukunukuāpuaʻa (state fish of Hawaii). In addition, many of its beaches are quite family friendly. On the other end, if you're looking for a secluded beach, they have those secret beaches too.
If you need to rent a snorkel set, I recommend checking out Boss Frog's which has locations all around Kauai.
Yes, there are many green sea turtles that can be found along the beaches of Kauai so the chances are high.
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