The waters of the Pacific Ocean that surround Hawaii's island of Kauai are warm, clear, relatively calm and filled with coral reefs, all of which means one thing—ideal snorkeling conditions. Kauai's sheltered reefs attract a wide array of marine animals, from endangered green sea turtles and monk seals to schools of tropical fish, eels and the occasional octopus. You can rent or buy snorkeling gear at one of the many surf shops on Kauai. Always check warning signs at Kauai's beaches and check with the lifeguard, if one is on duty, for any tips on places to avoid while snorkeling.
Ke'e Beach
Ke'e Beach is the last stretch of beach that's accessible by car on Kauai's North Shore. Head to Ke'e Beach during the summer, when the waters are calm, creating better visibility and providing the best snorkeling conditions. Ke'e Beach is not the best location to take children or beginners who aren't strong swimmers; even though the water here is calmest during the summer, heed the warning signs as you enter the beach that advise swimmers and snorkelers to be wary of strong currents, dangerous waves and sharp coral.
Makua Beach
Makua Beach, also known as Tunnels, is located just east of Ke'e Beach on Kauai's North Shore. This gorgeous stretch of beach is popular among snorkelers, with accommodations for children and beginners as well as for more advanced snorkelers. Makua Beach has both a shallow reef that's close to shore and a deeper, outer reef that suits advanced snorkelers and strong swimmers. Beach signs warn of strong currents, dangerous waves and sharp coral. The main thing to watch for at Makua Beach is the occasional rip tide; ask the on-duty lifeguard for tips on the safest spots to snorkel.
Anini Beach
Another North Shore snorkeling gem is Anini Beach, located east of Ke'e Beach and Makua Beach near Princeville. The reef at Anini Beach is the largest in Hawaii at two miles long and 1,600 feet wide at its widest point. The sandy beach is narrow and the waters just off the shore are shallow, but there is no lifeguard on duty at Anini, so be wary of strong currents. The large reef often shields the waters close to the shore from big waves, keeping the waters relatively calm and clear.
Lydgate Beach Park
Lydgate Beach Park is located between the towns of Kapa'a and Lihue on the island's eastern coast, and is a perfect place for children and beginning snorkelers. Lydgate has lifeguards on duty and two large man-made ponds that are shielded from waves by boulders, creating still waters and excellent visibility for snorkeling. Fish-feeding is allowed at Lydgate, meaning schools of tropical fish are frequent. More-advanced snorkelers can swim to the outer reef, located beyond the man-made ponds.
Poipu Beach Park
Poipu Beach Park is a popular location in the town of Poipu on Kauai's southern coast. Snorkeling at Poipu is best at the western end of the beach park, just past the sand split. Poipu Beach Park is known for being among the safest swimming and snorkeling locations on the island; the surf breaks offshore, beyond the reef, keeping ocean conditions relatively calm and ideal for novice snorkelers.
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