Pack your gear, start the engine and drive to one of these 5 hotspots – close to one another on both the north and south shores – if you want to see the best of Kauai’s underwater kingdom!
Poipu Beach Park
The first time we went out snorkeling on Kauai was at Poipu Beach. The spot is both popular and very easily accessible. Apart from that there’s a great park next to it where there are a lot of picnic places.
From the shorelines you don’t have to go far to encounter your first colourful fishes. Just a few steps will do. It’s because of that and due to the half moon shaped bay that this beach is popular for beginners and children. This place has a life guard too.
Hawaiian monk seals can be spotted sometimes on the little strip of sand in front of the bay. Last great thing I’m gonna mention is Brennecke’s Beach Boiler, a lovely cafe next to the park where you can fill up on comfort food after a long day of underwater adventures.
Koloa Landing
On the south side of the island close to Poipu Beach, there’s another fine spot for snorkeling: Koloa Landing. For Games of Thrones fans; this name might make you think of something else too :).
Unfortunately there’s no beach in the bay, just a place where the boats go in and out. This landing is easily accessed by car; you can basically drive all the way down to it and there you’ll find ample parking space.
When we were there, the slopes down to the water were very slippery. So make sure you wear some water shoes before descending. Apart from that, the water can be a bit rough out here too, so get in only if you feel comfortable snorkeling. The snorkeling is pretty good on either side of the bay – again lots of fish and you might even spot an occasional turtle.
Lawai Beach
Though there wasn’t much beach when we were there, Lawai beach is a pretty spot. The sea is easily accesible too: you just walk right into it, or you can jump from the rocks on the left side. When the swells are not too high, this is a perfect spot for beginners too.
If you start on the left side, passing the Beach House and entering the sea in front of the Kuhio Shore Condos; from here you can easily float with the current towards the beach. The area is protected by a barrier reef which hosts a lot of fish and turtles! At the time of our visit, one came so close to the shores I could even picture it from the beach.
Since it can be a bit busy at the beach, it’s good to know that there are a lot of parking spots on the street side next to the beach. And if you’re looking for a tasty snack afterwards, the ladies of of the little Riptides corner will provide you one for sure!
Tunnels Beach
We camped at the Haena State Park beach and it was a delight to wake up and jump straight into the waters of Tunnels Beach. The large horse Maniniholo Bay where you find the soft sand beach is a great place for an hour (or two or three) of snorkeling. The views on the lush and green mountains on the left side of the bay are beautiful too. I thought of the mountains of Disney’s Moana several times while gazing at them.
Quite close to the beach you can already spot a lot of tropical fish, but the real deal is at the outer reef. Over there you’ll find a lot of coral formations and some bigger sea animals too. Beware though that currents over here are strong. When we were there, the current was strongly pushing us back to the Haena State Park. Ask someone who just comes out of the water how it flows, that way you know where to hop in.
Ke’e Beach
Last beach is a gem and it’s a popular one too. Ke’e Beach is located at the western end of Kauai’s scenic north shore road and at the start of the Kalalau Trail on the Napali coast. The beach is awesome to go to if you’ve just finished the trail (in case you’ve got some energy left). But also when you’re not going to hike the trail it’s totally worth the drive toward the end of the road.
The beach is in a bay with a reef that breaks the waves and it has crystal clear waters where apart from a lot of fishes you might spot the occasional Hawaiian monk seal, white tipped reef shark (harmless to you) or turtle. It’s basically a perfectly calm pool over there, with a lifeguard and a lot of facilities.
Parking here however is tough. After 10am it might be difficult to find a decent parking spot. This is due to all the people that start the trail early. If you can make it out here, try to come in the late afternoon and stay until the sun sets in to top off the experience.
Here’s where to go! ↓
