Lawa'i Beach — Attraction in Kauai

Its surrounded by time shares so can get pretty crowded and the sand portion of the beach isnt very big, but its a great spot nonetheless. Theres also grass to lay on if the sand is full of tourists. The outer reef provides a mellow surf spot and the inner reef is really good for snorkeling. Monk seals will sleep on the beach so those are cool to check out. The three times i snorkeled there i saw tons of fish, 5 or 6 turtles of various sizes, and some cool volcanic rock formations. Most people that i saw snorkeling were doing it right out front of the sandy portion of the beach, i actually found that part to be the worst area for snorkeling and visibility. If you are a strong swimmer the best sport to snorkel is about halfway to two thirds a way out between the beach and the surf break. If you get that far out the visibility clears up and you will probably see a turtle cruising through. If you stay closer to the shore then i would go out front of the rocky portion of the beach. Many more fish and turtles there too, but the visibility can be tough and the current every day i was there pulled pretty strong to the west. Nothing too dangerous, but it just takes a little work to get back to the sandy portion where it’s easiest to get out. When over there, dive down and look under the rocks and coral, theres probably a turtle taking a nap :)

Also, should be self explanatory, but dont touch the turtles or stand...

Please DO NOT snorkel here unless you are a STRONG swimmer. If you can not deal with your snorkel without stepping down, do not go here. For those who don't know: those rocks you are stepping have coral polyps on them that are too small to see. There are also quite a bit of waves here. I saw at least 6 people stepping on the coral because they were not good swimmers. Including a mom teaching a kid who obviously could not swim well.

For those strong enough, this is a great snorkel spot: we saw a turtle, pufferfish, big parrotfish, and lots of various other fish. It's unfortunate people can not accurately gauge their swimming ability, so who knows how long before the reef is absolutely destroyed by noobs (the reefs on this island are already bleached and not super...

Best snorkeling spot we’ve visited so far, after snorkeling a few spots in Maui and Kauai. Most diverse fish we’ve seen by far, and we were able to follow a turtle in the water for about five minutes. Amazing. A little tough getting in and out of the water due to the rocks. But we saw people of all ages doing it.

Not a whole lot of area available on the beach but we found a spot no problem. Some people set up their beach chairs on the grass next to the Beach House restaurant.

Also got a hot dog from the snack shack across the street, pretty good and convenient. Bathrooms next to the...