Kauai has some amazing places to see underwater life. While the coral is not as vibrant or colorful as you’ll find in the Caribbean or even off the Big Island, you can be sure to see abundant fish, eels, turtles, and other sea life. Here are our tips on where to find the best snorkeling spots as well as what you need to maximize your opportunity to enjoy the underwater life off the shores of Kauai.
Best Snorkeling Spots
#1 – Tunnels (North Shore)
This is obvious. Ask anyone who’s been to Kauai or lived there and they’ll all tell you that Tunnels has the best snorkeling on Kauai – and is among the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii. The beach itself is among the most beautiful in the world. But it is more widely known for the expansive reef and lagoon. Unfortunately, most of the reef is now off limits to snorkeling due to a state law to protect sensitive fisheries. This means the best part of Tunnels, indeed where you can explore the underwater tunnel-like formations that gave the beach its name, is no longer accessible. But, Tunnels still offers some amazing snorkeling along the shoreline reef formation that you won’t want to miss.
To access the shoreline reef, enter the water on the far right side of the beach as you’re looking at the ocean (see the arrow marking the sand channel that gives you access). Follow the current along the shoreline. The water depth ranges from 3′ to 25+’. Stay close to the reef as currents may try to take you out to sea. Fins are recommended.
Plan to snorkel earlier in the day as the tradewinds in the afternoon may make visibility poor. And remember, Tunnels is only accessible in the summer months due to the larger winter swells on the north shore.
For more information on accessing Tunnels, including parking, check out our North Shore Beaches page.
#2 – Anini Beach – North Shore
Anini is another excellent snorkeling spot on Kauai. The beach itself is a long, thin stretch of sand that is shaded by the ironwood trees that unfortunately drop their pine-needle shaped leaves that are not pleasant to walk or lay on. For this reason, it’s not our favorite beach to spend the day. But, the extensive reef that protects the shoreline offers some excellent snorkeling. You’ll need to swim a good distance from the shore to get to the reef, but the waters are calm and shallow. Some fins are helpful, though not necessary.
Anini is a favorite spot for sea turtles, and you’re nearly guaranteed to see many of them when snorkeling here. Because of the shallower and calmer waters, it’s also a great place to capture underwater photos.
Anini is easy to access, with ample parking, facilities and picnic areas.
#3 – Lawai Beach – South Shore
Lawai Beach is a lesser known spot on the south shore. Most visitors choose Poipu Beach to snorkel, but Lawai offers a much better experience, in our opinion. The small cove is teaming with fish, and the coral formations you’ll find the further out you swim are also worth exploring. Lawai is not much of a beach. It’s more of a tiny patch of sand that does not offer much of a beach day. But because of that, you’ll find it much less crowded. The reef and rocks extend onto shore, making it challenging to enter the water, but it gets deeper quickly as you swim out from shore. We recommend fins here as the reef does not provide much protection from the surf as it does at Poipu or Anini. Parking is easy along the road, and there are facilities and even a snack shack across the street from the beach.
#4 – Hideaways Beach – North Shore
Hideaways is another gem on the north shore. The beach is tucked beneath the cliffs of Princeville, accessible via a fairly steep 10-minute hike from the parking lot between the entrance to 1 Hanalei and the Puu Poa resort. Due to its secluded spot, it’s rarely crowded. The snorkeling is among the best on the island, with abundant fish and coral and the occasional turtle. The beach also offers a lovely view of Makana or Bali Hai. The biggest drawback is the difficulty accessing the beach. If you stay at the Pali Ke Kua resort, you’ll have access to a private path to the beach. Otherwise, you’ll need to arrive early to secure a parking spot in the tiny lot next to the hiking path, or plan to walk or ride a bike if staying in Princeville. And note that there are no facilities at the beach.
#5 – Poipu Beach – South Shore
We’re including Poipu Beach on the list primarily because it’s among easiest beaches to access on the island. We don’t particularly enjoy snorkeling here primarily because the reef is so shallow that we often feel too claustrophobic. We certainly don’t recommend snorkeling here during low tide. The best part of snorkeling at Poipu is the chance to see monk seals and sea turtles, both of whom are frequent visitors, especially in the afternoon. For full details on Poipu Beach, including parking and facilities, visit our South Shore Beaches page.
Snorkeling Tips and Reminders
Here are some tips and important reminders when snorkeling on Kauai:
Use only mineral sunscreen.
Hawaii banned sunscreens containing Oxybenzone or Octinoxate in 2021. The safest option for reefs and fisheries around the islands are mineral-based, containing Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide. We encourage you to only bring mineral-based sunscreen when visiting the islands. It’s hard to apply and even harder to wash off (though this brand is a bit better for both), but it’s worth it to preserve the reefs and underwater life in the islands.
Keep your distance.
Remember that monk seals and Hawaiian green sea turtles are protected, so you must keep a minimum 10 feet away from them, including in the water. Don’t be an obnoxious tourist who tries to get too close to snap a good photo. Please keep your distance.
Don’t walk or stand on the reef.
Like the monk seals and sea turtles, the reefs around Hawaii are threatened and can be damaged by humans. Please don’t stand on the reef and definitely don’t walk on them.
Test your mask before venturing into the water.
Make sure your mask and snorkel don’t leak and you’re comfortable before venturing into the water.
Defog your mask.
Bring defogging spray or purchase some at the rental spots or Longs Drugs on the island.
Put your fins on in the water.
And walk backwards in them once they’re on until you can fully submerge in the water.
Need to rent snorkeling equipment?
There are no shortage of rental shops on the island. We recommend Pedal n Paddle in Hanalei for $6 per set per day, or $20 per week; or Nukumoi Surf Co. in Poipu for $10 per set per day or $30 per week. Many vacation rentals will include masks and fins. The quality obviously varies.
Prefer to invest in a set of your own? We use the Cressi Panoramic masks. Wirecutter’s top pick this year is the Cressi Palau set.
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