Your Trip to Kauai: The Complete Guide SEE FULL GUIDE prev next Kauai's Luaus Guide to Na Pali Coast State Park Food to Try on Kauai Nightlife on Kauai Kauai's Top Restaurants Best Time to Visit Weather & Climate Lihue Airport Guide Best Snorkeling Tours Top Helicopter Tours Top Things to Do Free Things to Do Kauai Museum Guide Kauai's Best Beaches Hiking on Kauai Snorkeling on Kauai Your Trip to Kauai: The Complete Guide close Overview United States Hawaii Where to Go Snorkeling on Kauai By Katherine Gallagher Katherine Gallagher Instagram Katherine is a freelance writer who covers Hawaii and California travel for Tripsavvy. TripSavvy's editorial guidelines Updated on 08/06/19 As the least developed of all the major Hawaiian islands, Kauai contains pristine water and an abundance of happy ocean life. The island’s reef-protected beaches create calm waters perfect for beginner snorkelers, while more experienced swimmers can look forward to less populated ocean spaces with vibrant, healthy coral and unique species of fish. Don’t forget, coral is full of vibrant living organisms (even the coral itself is delicately alive), so remember to avoid stepping on, touching, or disturbing any wildlife while snorkeling. No matter your swimming ability, be sure to stay mindful of the strong ocean currents and never turn your back on the ocean. Although the underdeveloped charm of the island might make it more difficult to access certain snorkel spots around Kauai, the extra effort will be more than worth it once you jump into the water and find your own impressive slice of snorkeling paradise. 01 of 10 Lawai Beach TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre View Map Lawai Beach is known for being one of the best snorkeling spots on the island, and you’ll often find snorkel lessons or tours taking place within its waters. That’s not to say there won’t be room for everyone—there’s plenty of ocean to go around here. The further you go out towards the reef at Lawai, the better the visibility gets and the more fish you’ll see, so make sure you've got your fins and some solid swimming skills! 02 of 10 Anini Beach TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre View Map Address Anini Beach, Kalihiwai, HI 96754, USA Get directions The reef along the coast of Anini Beach is one of the longest in the state, and the water can get pretty shallow (especially during low tide in the winter). For this reason, it’s a very popular snorkel spot for both beginner snorkelers wishing to stay in the water near the shore and for more advanced snorkelers wanting to swim further out near the reef. You’ll often find families at Anini enjoying themselves and taking advantage of the facilities like restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. 03 of 10 Poipu Beach Park TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre View Map Address Poipu Beach, Koloa, HI 96756, USA Get directions Web Visit website With the exception of the occasional large swell, the southern shore of Poipu Beach Park is a great first-snorkel spot for the beginner. The bottom of the ocean here is mostly sand, and bright, tropical fish swarm it regularly. You won’t be alone unless you get there early—it's known as one of the best beaches in America, making it understandably quite popular. 04 of 10 Koloa Landing CJ Foeckler / Getty Images View Map Address Koloa Landing, Koloa, HI 96756, USA Get directions On the south side of the island, Koloa Landing offers a one-of-a-kind option for intermediate to advanced snorkelers. The most unique part? There is no beach here, so instead you’ll be entering the water off of an old boat ramp. Then make your way to either side of the bay where the coral is most abundant thanks to the horseshoe-shaped reef that surrounds the ramp. Opt for some tough water shoes in addition to fins since the ramp can get pretty slippery while you’re walking out. Continue to 5 of 10 below. 05 of 10 Lydgate Park TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre View Map Address Leho Dr, Lihue, HI 96766, USA Get directions Phone +1 808-241-4463 Web Visit website For children and beginner snorkelers, it doesn’t get any better than the Keiki Pond at Lydgate Beach Park in Lihue. All throughout the year, you’ll find calm waters in this area thanks to the small waves and protective man-made rock wall. And if you or someone in your group is an advanced swimmer, the water can get as deep as 10 feet, so it offers a fun challenge. For what the pond lacks in coral, it makes up in safety and convenience away from Kauai’s notoriously unpredictable surf. 06 of 10 Nukoli’i Beach Park TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre View Map Address Kauai Beach Rd, Lihue, HI 96766, USA Get directions Web Visit website Right next to Lydgate Park, Nukoli’i Beach Park is one of those sites you’ll want to avoid in the winter months or when the surf is large (locals refer to the surf break here as “graveyards,” if that gives you any indication). When the water is calm, however, there are plenty of good opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling thanks to the offshore reef that provides protection for swimmers during the low surf season. Best of all, this beach is hardly ever crowded. 07 of 10 Tunnels Beach TripSavvy / Christopher Larson View Map Address Tunnels Beach, Hawaii 96746, USA Get directions Located on the north shore of Kauai, Tunnels Beach (also known as Makua Beach) has something for everyone. The horseshoe-shaped outer reef offshore is great for intermediate or advanced swimmers while the protected shallow spots along the shore are better for beginners. As the name implies, the inner reef contains a number of caves and tunnels popular with scuba divers and free divers (just be sure not to disturb the coral). Just like the other Hawaiian islands, Kauai’s north shore sees larger swells in the winter, and Tunnels is no exception. 08 of 10 Hideaways Beach 3bugsmom / Getty Images View Map Address Princeville, HI 96722, USA Get directions Officially known as Pali Ke Kua Beach, Hideaways certainly got its nickname for a good reason. Getting here will require a hike down a steep trail from the St. Regis Resort on the north shore of Kauai in Princeville. Only accessible by foot, the journey means that the beach isn’t often busy, so you might just end up with your own private oasis. When conditions are good, the beautiful blue water with deep pockets of reef here is snorkeling perfection. Continue to 9 of 10 below. 09 of 10 Ke’e Beach TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre View Map Address Ke'e Beach, Hawaii 96746, USA Get directions Web Visit website Right next door to the trailhead for the famous Kalalau Trail and the gateway to Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Ke’e Beach houses a barrier reef full of Hawaiian fish, turtles, and even mellow white-tipped reef sharks. The outer reef is best saved for more advanced snorkelers who have experience with Kauai’s currents, but there is also a smaller protected shallow lagoon area perfect for children or beginners. 10 of 10 Nualolo Kai photo75 / Getty Images View Map Address Nualolo Kai Beach, Hawaii 96796, USA Get directions One of the best snorkeling spots on the island is also one of the least accessible. Located along the majestic Na Pali Coast, Nualolo Kai can only be entered by boat (anchor only, no beach landing allowed) thanks to the 2,000-foot Na Pali cliffs. Adventurers can opt for a kayak rental or book a snorkel tour with a boating company in order to experience this gorgeous snorkel site. A Guide to Kauai Luaus Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Share Pin Email Tell us why! Submit Share Pin Email