Kauai Snorkeling

June 15th, 2004

Where Snorkeling is Good on Kauai

Ke'e Beach at Ha'ena State Park
Located on the north shore at the end of Hwy 560, this beach has a sandy lagoon with lots of fish around the reef area during the calm summers.

Anini Beach
Located on the north shore off Kalihiwai Road. Anini beach's protected waters are great for snorkeling when visibility is good. Mornings are best.

Tunnels Beach
Located on the North Shore, turn off near mile marker 8. Tunnels beach is possibly the best snorkeling beach on Kauai. The beach is large and protected by an even larger reef not too far off shore. This is where practically all the fish on the north shore hang out.

Lydgate Beach
Lydgate beach is off of Hwy 56, just makai of the 5 mile marker. Turn on Leho drive, which leads you to the parking area. This is the best spot for beginners and kids snorkeling on Kauai. The area is completely protected by rocks and there is a small lagoon for kids. You are even allowed to feed the fish here.

Poipu Beach
Located on the south shore at Poipu. This is a great beach to just hang out at, but there are also several good snorkeling spots. Good for kids.

Need a snorkel?

If you aren't bringing a snorkel you can stop in at Walmart and pick one up cheap. A better choice may be to rent one by the day or week. That way, you also can afford a fancier type or a prescription mask, plus fins and maybe gloves .... When I snorkel, at a minimum, I like a decent mask with a wide cloth headband (so it doesn't pull my long hair out) and a snorkel with the valve on the bottom so I can blow more water out. I also use fins (easier to swim faster and in a way that doesn't scare the fish).

Just ask your hotel clerk or rental owners where the closest place to rent snorkeling gear is. (or you could get the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook for a quick list by area, and so much more