Best Beaches and Snorkeling on Kauai

This post has been written specifically for our readers that are looking for fun things to do on the Island of Kauai, and continues a series of articles based on Kauai. Today’s topic is about the Best Beaches and Snorkeling on Kauai; Written by Maui Sights & Treasures staff: Athena Walsh

Makua Beach (Tunnels) w/ Bali Hai in the background

Kauai is one of the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands, and as such has some of the best beaches in Hawaii.

For many visitors to Kauai, the highlight of their vacation is finding that perfect beach.

Couples looking for romance will want to take a quiet stroll as the sunsets over the Ocean, while families will be looking for beaches with facilities and calm ocean conditions. Here in Hawaii, we have what we locals call “Baby Beaches”: beaches that are protected by off shore reefs and are good for all ages looking for calm ocean conditions. Baby Beaches can also be good for snorkeling.

Kauai is famous for its Hiking Trails and some of these hiking trails end at some of the best secluded beaches in Hawaii, all with stunning scenery!

While we all love to see beautiful long, wide sandy beaches, they are not always the best for families as they can have big waves. Not to mention it takes a while to lug all your stuff across those fluffy sandy beaches.  Hawaiian Monk Seals can be found more on the Island of Kauai, than any other Hawaiian Island.

Hawaiian Monk Seal on Kauai

Here is a list of popular Kauai Beaches in Hawaii

• Poipu Beach on the South Shore of Kauai is good for snorkeling during the day and Sunset strolls in the evening.
• Haena State Park on the North Shore has some of the best beaches on Kauai!: Makua Beach (Tunnels) with Bali Hai in the background is good for Boogie Boarding, Snorkeling, SUP etc.
• Few beaches have such a lush setting as Ke’e Beach on the North Shore, at the entrance to the trail to Hanakapiai Valley and the Na Pali Coast.
• Families will like Lydgate Beach on the East coast of Kauai, great for beginner snorkelers and young children. There is also a big Playground for kids.
• On the West side of Kauai is Salt Pond Beach Park, a protected crescent shaped cove.
• In front of the Marriott’s Kauai Beach Resort is Kalapaki Beach; the ocean is protected by a jetty and the calm water makes it a great place for SUP Lessons and Canoe Rides.
• Hanalei Bay and the famous Hanalei Bay Pier. Somewhat protected from the Ocean waves, Hanalei Bay is a large crescent shaped beach that is a favorite for Kayaking, SUP, Snorkeling, Boogie Boarding and more. Hanalei Bay is also the departure for several of the Napali Coast Rafting and Snorkel Tours. A Kayak Tour up the Hanalei River is also a must do.
• On Kauai’s South-West shore is a secluded and pristine beach hikers and campers like called Polihale Beach. Water conditions are not always conducive to swimming, yet it is one of the longest beaches on Kauai, with Sand Dunes at the end…

The Hawaiian Sea Turtle is ready to come off the endangered Specias list anytime now.  What that means for snorkelers in Hawaii, is that there are Honu (Turtles) everywhere along the Kauai coastline;  the Hawaiian Sea Turtles are easier to find when there are so many…

Hawaiian Sea Turtles -Honu

For more information on fun things to do on Kauai and Kauai Tours, call the ladies at Maui Sights & Treasures at 808-879-6260 Ext. #1.  You may also E-Mail us for more information. Mahalo for reading our Fun Things to do on Kauai (part 5) Blog Post.

Aloha Nui Loa