Anini Beach — Attraction in Kauai

This review will focus on the details of snorkeling and paddling. We arrived in the morning around low tide and parked near the "Anini Beach Park Campground" icon on google maps (west of the boat ramp). We dropped our stuff on the beach just north of where we parked and set about figuring out how to navigate a swim path to the ringing reef (where the waves are breaking, maybe 1/2 mile out).

We found some brief channels that were at least a few feet deep, but much of the area was only inches deep, meaning that you must be very subtle in your movements and move slowly, so as not to disturb the reef you'll be swimming directly over. (Remember that this was at low tide, I think -0.6 ft that day.) Although it gets tiring being that vigilant and slow, it forces you to hone in on very small details - tiny corals nested within tiny corals, tiny fish, etc. Not that we didn't see some larger things...there was a huge turtle resting under a rock shelf in about 8 feet of water, and a moray eel in another spot.

Anyway, I would say that the snorkeling was excellent, even though we abandoned hope of making it all the way out to where the waves are breaking. But, I would recommend this spot at low tide ONLY for experienced snorkelers who won't accidentally kick the coral, be tempted to stand on coral to rest, or grab a piece of rock with an urchin nesting there.

We had our paddle boards with us as well, but at that time in that spot, we wouldn't have been able to take them out without leaving the fins off (remember a SUP fin usually extends down about 9 inches, so you can't paddle over a shallow reef in 6 inches of water).

We left for lunch and returned in the early-mid afternoon, maybe 3 hours before high tide (I think high tide was just over 2 ft that day). This time, we parked slightly east of where we were in the morning, and this is where I recommend most snorkelers and paddlers park. For reference, this spot is east of the "Anini Beach Park Campground" icon on google maps, and just slightly west of the "Anini Beach" icon. If you select satellite view for the map, you can see that there is a green (sandy bottom) channel extending from roughly the Anini Beach icon all the way out to a break in the reef.

In real life, this green channel is the boat channel, marked by red and green buoys/poles. Although we wound up not paddling out, we saw one SUPer paddle out into the open water without incident.

For snorkeling, we hugged the west edge of the boat channel, taking care to stay OUTSIDE (west of) the channel markers. I suppose we could have done the same thing on the east side of the channel, but we didn't. The water was plenty deep enough to not worry about kicking coral, and the diversity of sea creatures was excellent. We made it about 80% of the way out to where the waves are breaking and then turned around.

If we had decided to paddle/snorkel, the plan would have been to paddle out to where the waves are breaking, then jump in and do a one-way snorkel back to shore. There wasn't much current or chop, so dragging the board behind on its leg leash probably would have been fine, but I would caution people who like to do this to make sure the board isn't drifting into the boat channel or bonking anyone else on the head. The water was fairly deserted the day we were there, so I wouldn't have worried too much.

In summary, I would rate Anini as excellent to outstanding for snorkeling, especially given its protection from rough seas by the outer reef, making it accessible when other north shore spots aren't.

The other thing that makes this beach great is there is tons of natural shade if you just move back a bit from the water. Then when you want more sun, just shift back closer to the water. No need for beach...

Our family recently visited this incredible beach, and it truly exceeded our expectations in every way. The breathtaking views were just the beginning of what turned out to be an unforgettable experience. From the moment we arrived, we were welcomed by a warm and inviting family atmosphere. The beach is perfect for families, offering a safe and enjoyable environment for kids and adults alike.

One of the highlights of our trip was the snorkeling. The clear, turquoise waters provided excellent visibility, allowing us to see a vibrant array of marine life up close. Our children were thrilled to swim alongside colorful fish and explore the underwater world. It was both educational and exhilarating, making it a memorable part of our visit.

For those seeking a bit more adventure, the beach also offers fantastic kite surfing opportunities. The steady winds and open spaces create ideal conditions for both beginners and experienced surfers. Watching the kites dance across the sky added an exciting element to our day, and it's an activity we highly recommend trying.

Of course, there’s also the simple pleasure of walking along the sandy shores. The relaxing aura of the beach is perfect for a leisurely stroll, allowing us to unwind and take in the stunning scenery. The soft sand beneath our feet and the gentle sound of the waves created a tranquil experience that left us feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

This beach is undoubtedly a worthwhile destination on the island. Our family had an incredibly pleasant experience, and it’s clear that this location offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, this beach has it all. We are already looking forward to our next visit and highly recommend it to anyone seeking a perfect beach getaway. We...

Prior visits this beach was a lot nicer with less people—July ‘21 its been quite crowded.

With that being said, this beach is a great mellow spot to snorkel/swim. The reef at the distance keeps things safe for the whole family. In all of my visits to the island, this has always been where I saw turtles. There hasn’t been a visit when I didn’t see one, three or five. If you do see one, they’re there; usually eating. When you do see them, let them do their thing. If you try to take a photo, give them space and just crop it after. If you remain still often they’ll go by and/or under you (depending on how deep the water is). Once one went at me, so I got out of the way because they have a mouth after all… It goes without saying, don’t touch them. Would you like to be touched and bothered while eating breakfast and/or lunch? Didn’t think so…. Bonus, there are other small fish here, too. As you move along the reef you will see more. Remember, if you’re snorkeling over the reef and feel tired, swim to non-reef areas before standing. This preserves...