Nature is the real star on Kauai. Whether you’re hiking the Na Pali coast, gazing at Waimea Canyon, lounging along the shores of one of Kauai’s postcard-perfect beaches, or exploring one of Kauai’s many other natural wonders, there’s plenty on Kauai to take your breath away.
But don’t let your adventures on Kauai be confined to land! Grab a snorkel mask and a set of fins to experience a whole new world of breathtaking sights, including tropical fish of almost every shape and color, plus other fascinating sea creatures, like octopus, turtles, rays, even dolphins—many of which you won’t be able to see anywhere else.
To help you make the most of your time in the water, we’ve compiled a list of the best snorkel spots on Kauai. We’ll show you where to go, what to look for, and what amenities to expect so you can plan the perfect day in and around the water.
First, let’s start with some quick tips for a safe and fun snorkeling experience around the Garden Isle.
4 Tips for a Great Day of Snorkeling on Kauai
Slow Is the Way to Go
If there’s one single tip that will vastly improve your snorkeling excursion, it’s this one: Take it slow. Fast movements tend to scare marine life. Adopting a leisurely pace is the only way you’re going to see some of the coolest stuff on the reef. If you’re speeding around, you may miss the octopus that’s cleverly camouflaged itself among that pile of rocks. Same for the tiny, vivid nudibranchs (a.k.a. sea slugs!) that make their home on the reef.
In summary, embrace that island pace and float serenely over the reef. You’ll spot a lot more that way!
Beat the Fog
Nothing ruins a great day snorkeling faster than a foggy mask. A tiny bit of dish soap or tear-free baby shampoo can make a world of difference. Rub a pea-sized amount on the inside of your mask. (Or less; it only takes a little bit!) Rinse briefly, then pop the mask on your face to enjoy super-clear snorkeling. If you’re a frequent fogger, you’ll need to reapply before each session.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
In 2021, Hawaii banned the sale of sunscreen containing the reef-damaging chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate. Although you can bring sunscreen containing these chemicals to Hawaii, consider purchasing reef-safe sunscreen to help preserve Hawaii’s delicate marine ecosystem for generations to come. If you need some advice on finding reef-safe sunscreen, check out this article from Hawaii magazine.
Check the Conditions & Always Snorkel with a Buddy
The incredibly blue Pacific waters around Kauai are as gorgeous as they are powerful. Hawaii’s isolated position in the ocean, combined with near-constant tradewinds mean that you’ll find waves, rip currents, undertows, and other ocean forces at work on Kauai’s beaches. Check the conditions before you go out, and aim for areas less affected by wind, swell, and waves. Finally, always snorkel with a buddy, just in case. If you’re at all uncertain, choose beaches with lifeguards, and ask the lifeguards about the day’s conditions before you go out.
Now that you’re prepped for a safe and comfortable day of snorkeling, let’s talk about where to go on Kauai.
The 7 Best Snorkel Spots on Kauai
Anini Beach
Best for groups of snorkelers of different levels
Anini Beach has one of the largest reefs around Kauai. Because the reef is so extensive, it also blocks a great deal of the ocean swell, so it can be a very calm place to snorkel. If you’re a beginning snorkeler, stick to the sandy areas close to shore. However, if you’re more comfortable in the water, explore the outer reaches of the reef. There’s a ton to see, so make sure to give yourself enough time to fully enjoy all of Anini’s fascinating inhabitants.
Makua Beach / Tunnels
Best for enjoying eye-catching underwater architecture
As a north-facing beach, Makua (also known as Tunnels) is best for snorkeling in the calm summer months. It’s also one of the best spots to see really large coral formations, plus underwater lava formations, including the lava tubes that gave this beach its nickname. Beginning snorkelers can paddle around close to shore, where there’s still plenty to see. More advanced snorkelers can branch out to thoroughly explore this huge reef and the incredible variety of marine life it contains. You may even get to spot turtles or a monk seal at Tunnels. If you do spot either one, remember to keep a respectful distance. Parking is limited so make sure to arrive early.
Salt Pond Beach Park
Best for a family day at the beach
A protected swimming area, lifeguards, facilities, tide pools, and a fascinating Hawaiian cultural tradition make this a great spot for the whole family to make a day of it. Kids and beginning snorkelers can enjoy the often-calm waters to build their skills while spotting fish along the park’s reef. Additionally, families will enjoy exploring the tide pools along the eastern side of the park, which are home to tiny crabs, shrimp, fish, and urchins. From May to September, you may also get the chance to witness local Hawaiian families harvesting salt from the adjacent salt flats, which have been passed down for generations. In other words, Salt Pond is an excellent place to turn a snorkel stop into a day-long, only-in-Kauai experience.
Lawa’i Beach
Best for spotting a wide variety of marine life
There’s not much beach at this snorkel spot, but you’ll find plenty of activity along the reef at Lawa’i Beach. Entry can be a little tricky, so take care as you navigate the sharp rocks along the shoreline. Parking can also be a little tricky. However, it’s well worth the effort to find a spot. In fact, some say the abundant fish life make it the best snorkel spot in Kauai. The Beach House Restaurant sits right next door to Lawa’i, so you can easily clean up at the showers across the street and stay for a sunset cocktail.
Ke’e Beach
Best for a land and sea adventure
You’ll find Ke’e Beach at the very end of the road along Kauai’s North Shore. As with many of Kauai’s other north-facing beaches, Ke’e is often subject to huge waves during the winter months. However, during the calmer summer months, Ke’e can be a great place to snorkel. You’ll encounter a nice variety of tropical fish in the area, and often a turtle will make an appearance. Make sure to stay toward the center of the bay as you snorkel. There’s often a strong current near the rocky area on the western side of the beach. Give it wide berth. Finally, because Ke’e is located within Ha’ena State Beach Park, you’ll find restrooms, showers, and lifeguards at the beach.
If you don’t have a Hawaii driver license or state ID, you’ll need to make a reservation online at gohaena.com to access Ha’ena Beach Park, including Ke’e Beach. However, once you’ve made your reservation, you’re also welcome to hike the incredible Kalalau Trail as far as Hanakapi’ai Beach. If you’ve got an active group, it can make for an excellent day of land and sea adventure.
Lydgate Beach Park
Best for first-time snorkelers and kids
Everyone was a beginning snorkeler once. It takes a few tries to get the hang of it all: keeping your snorkel out of the water, blowing it clear when water creeps in, perfecting your flutter kick with your fins on, and getting comfortable in the water overall. If you’ve got younger kids who want to learn to snorkel—or others in your party who simply need a little more practice—head on over to the protected waters at Lydgate Beach Park. Although there’s no real coral in these gentle waters, there are a few fish. It’s a great spot for everyone to get their sea legs before attempting anything more advanced.
Poipu Beach Park
Best for groups who want more than just snorkeling
When you head to a place like Lawa’i, snorkeling is the main attraction. However, at Poipu Beach Park, you’ll find plenty to do in addition to snorkeling. There’s a long stretch of beach, shaded picnic areas, plenty of room to splash in the Pacific waters and, of course, snorkeling. If you’ve got a group that wants plenty of options for a full day at the beach, Poipu is a great choice. Plus, parking is easy and amenities are plentiful. You’ll also find lifeguards at Poipu to keep an eye on everybody. There’s just one catch: You may need to share the beach with a few turtles and Hawaiian monk seals, who often choose this beach to snooze in the warm Kauai sun.
Taking in Kauai’s Undersea Wonders
If you’ve got a strong appreciation for getting outdoors and exploring, you’ll love Kauai. (And maybe you’ll even love it enough to make it your permanent home!) Use these seven snorkeling spots on Kauai as a jumping-off point for your outdoor adventures. The detours you’ll take along the way (wet and dry caves, anyone?) will keep you plenty busy.
Considering a move to Kauai? We’d be happy to help you get your belongings to your new home on the Garden Isle! Just reach out to one of our experts to get a complimentary quote for your move.
