Visitors Share Kauai's Best Destinations To Snorkel
By Hillary Louise Johnson
VACATIONS
Poipu Beach
The shallow, sheltered waters at the public Poipu Beach teem with a veritable aquarium of species, like exotic zebra moray eels, parrot fish, Moorish idols, and more.
Tripadvisor visitors loved watching the sea turtles march up the sand. The beach has showers, restrooms, and lifeguards, making it an excellent option for beginners and kids.
Anini Beach
Anini Beach on Kauai's North Shore boasts Hawaii's longest fringe coral reef, which shelters the snorkeling grounds from the waves and currents in summer.
Long, shallow sandy stretches let you wade out to the coral reef unobstructed. There are lots of colorful fish, including the Hawaiian state fish, the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a.
Hideaways Beach
You can reach this snorkel beach by hiking down a steep hill. A Tripadvisor user described it as "Gorgeous clear water teeming with fish, turtles, and eagle ray."
Ke'e Beach
Ke'e Beach in Ha'ena State Park has solitude in which you can commune with the wildlife. You'll have to get a permit in advance, but it's worth it for the views.
The beach has two-toned blue and yellow damselfish, color-changing goatfish, and convict fish in their jailhouse stripes. Many locals call it their preferred snorkel beach.
Lehua Crater
When plankton cloud the waters of this crater off Ni'ihau Island, the fish have a feeding frenzy. You may see Hawaiian monk seals, whales, dolphins, and sharks, too.