Kauai offers romantic sunsets and plenty of snorkeling beaches.
Sitting 90 miles northwest of Oahu, the island of Kauai is the oldest in the Hawaiian chain. It was created by one shield volcano which has long ago gone extinct. The three- mile high cone left behind has been sculptured by the wind and the ceaseless waves to create jagged crevices and hidden caves in the long ago hardened lava. The land is home to an endless green carpet of vegetation. Kauai's waters are home to underwater reefs teaming with colorful fish and other marine creatures, and offer some of the best snorkeling in Hawaii.
Ke'e Beach Park
At the very end of Highway 56 on the North Shore of Kauai, Ke'e Beach Park offers one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. There is a reef protected cove, framed by towering cliffs and bordered by a red-gold sandy beach that is safe for snorkeling when the seas are calm, usually in the summer months. The reef is home to colorful fish such as the long nosed butterfly fish and blue stripe snapper. Pacific green sea turtles are frequent visitors.
Ke'e Beach is also a great spot to just relax on the sand and enjoy the scenery. It is exactly what one would expect when dreaming about the perfect tropical setting. The sands are lined with coconut palms, ironwood trees, guava and ti trees. The cliffs of the Na Pali Coast can be seen in the distance.
Ke'e Beach Park is 38 miles north of Lihue International Airport via Highway 56 which turns into Highway 560 past Hanalei. It is part of Ha'Ena State Park.
Ke'e Beach Park
Ha'Ena State Park
Princeville, Hawaii 96722
Anini Beach County Park
Anini Beach has the largest reef on Kauai and is also one of the safest beaches on the island for swimming and snorkeling. The three mile long beach is sheltered by the reef and the water is only about four or five feet deep in most areas. This is the best snorkeling spot for beginners. There is a channel on the northwest side of the reef that leads to deeper water that is popular with SCUBA divers.
The beach is popular with beachcombers for its rich collection of shells. Even the rare Niihau shells, used in making expensive shell leis, wash up here. Anini is also one of Kauai's most beautiful beaches, with its blue lagoon and backdrop of the velvety green North Shore cliffs.
To get to Anini follow Highway 56 to just past Kiauea. Go over the Kalihiwai Bridge and turn right on the second Kalihiwai Road to Anini Road. The beach is 37 miles north of Lihue International Airport.
Anini Beach County Park
Princeville, Hawaii 96722
Poipu Beach County Park
Poipu Beach, located on the southern shore of Kauai, is the sunniest spot on the island. It is here that major resorts such as the Sheraton and condominium complexes like the Kiahuna Plantation have dotted the shoreline. But since Kauai law insists that no building may be taller than a coconut tree, these resorts blend with the land, rather than dominate it.
Poipu Beach County Park is a big wide sandy stretch of beach that is perfect for strolling, swimming or snorkeling. The beach is actually divided into two by a sandbar. The beach on the left of the sandbar is a gentle sandy bottomed swimming beach. It is protected by a lava rock jetty and is great for children and beginning swimmers. To the right of the sandbar, the water leads to the open ocean. Snorkelers and divers can explore reefs that are just off shore. This part of Poipu Beach is also popular with surfers, windsurfers and for fishing.
Poipu Beach County Park is 14 miles south of Lihue Airport via Highway 50 west and then Highway 520 south.
Poipu Beach County Park
2440 Hoonani Road
Koloa, HI 96756
poipubeach.org
Tags: Beach County, Beach County Park, County Park, Poipu Beach, Beach Park, Poipu Beach County, Anini Beach