Anini Beach
Anini Beach
4.5
About
This well-shaded, sinuous beach is home to one of the largest fringing reefs in Hawaii, and an excellent spot for swimming and snorkeling. It’s one of the safest beaches on Kauai, making it especially popular amongst families with kids. Green sea turtles, Hawaii’s state fish (triggerfish), and tropical reef fish are examples of common marine life you can spot in the area.
For those keen on trying watersports, windsurfing is exceptionally popular due to the steady winds. Otherwise, roll out your beach gear on one of the tranquil sandy inlets and enjoy the privacy. Come early and score a picnic pavilion for splendid views.
– Tripadvisor
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
935 reviews
Excellent
584
Very good
249
Average
82
Poor
13
Terrible
7
Blaire Hahn
Royal Oak, MI1 contribution
Jan 2022 • Solo
This beach is definitely more chill and laid back than other beaches in the area. The sand is very rocky, so I recommend sandals or water shoes even in the water. Lots of people snorkeling as there are no waves and lots of shallow area. A good spot for families with young kids to go swimming. The roosters are very annoying and loud which got on my nerves after a few hours of being there. There are people camping nearby but I think this contributes to the chill atmosphere. Not a large area of sand and lots of shade, but still options for sun while we were there (10-2). Lots of spaces to park as well.
Written January 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HELEN DLR
25 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
Anini Beach is a short 10 minutes hiking from Wyndham Ka’Eo Kai. If driving, it’s the end of the Anini Beach Road.
There’s a reef barrier that block out the big waves. A long stretch of sand for kids to play around. Long stretch of coral reefs to snorkel and see big colorful fish. When you look up the cliff, there’s the famous Makai Golf club, hole #7 and #13.
On calm days, the water is crystal clear like a piece of mirror. On rainy days, it has some waves but still safe to swim.
Many days, we had this part of the Anini Beach to ourselves.
There’s a reef barrier that block out the big waves. A long stretch of sand for kids to play around. Long stretch of coral reefs to snorkel and see big colorful fish. When you look up the cliff, there’s the famous Makai Golf club, hole #7 and #13.
On calm days, the water is crystal clear like a piece of mirror. On rainy days, it has some waves but still safe to swim.
Many days, we had this part of the Anini Beach to ourselves.
Written December 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anh N
10 contributions
Sep 2021
We spent the majority of our Kauai trip camping on the beach. For non-residents, it costs $3 per person per night. You do have to get a permit beforehand, but the process can be done online. The campgrounds close once per week on Wednesday. If you camp here, I would keep the roosters in mind. On the first night, they woke me up around 3:30 am. After that night, I did get used to the sound and slept right through it, but earplugs would not be a bad idea.
The waves are very calm because the beach is protected by a reef, which also makes it a great place to snorkel. In some areas, you can find a lot of fish to see, and both times I snorkeled, I was able to see a few sea turtles!
The waves are very calm because the beach is protected by a reef, which also makes it a great place to snorkel. In some areas, you can find a lot of fish to see, and both times I snorkeled, I was able to see a few sea turtles!
Written October 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pokeyslow
Halifax, Canada490 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Please be very, very careful visiting this beach. We read reviews online and knew swimming anywhere in north shore of Kauai is a risk in winter time, but saw a lot of articles saying this beach is generally sheltered and relatively safe for snorkelling. We parked and were walking to the beach when we saw two fire trucks, EMS, and lifeguard trucks here- two people nearly drowned due to being pulled out by rip tide. Lifeguards put their own lives at risk rescuing these people. So please don’t swim anywhere you don’t see locals swimming, if you aren’t sure ask someone who looks local. Even if the ocean looks calm it can be extremely deceptive. If you aren’t a strong swimmer, rent a life jacket, and stay close to shore (waist or chest high, as long as you are strong enough to wade back to shore if needed).
Written December 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
agbowden
Orange, CA401 contributions
Jun 2021
Due to COVID, they only let 100 cars in for the 100 parking spots. We purchased the $10 pp reservation fee, and had a great time at the uncrowded beach. I really hope they keep this effective system in place. Tiem slots are fo 6 hours.
Written June 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandra1515
Mansura, LA79 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
This beach was the nicest beach for snorkeling and swimming in Kauai. All other beaches’ waters were very rough looking, and we weren’t interested in trying to swim or snorkel because it seemed too dangerous, but this beach had very calm waters. When I snorkeled, I had to go out a little far from the beach in the water, but never felt in danger. I saw two turtles and a variety of fish in the water. Very clear beautiful water.
The parking was easy and the beach was lined with trees, so if you didn’t have an umbrella, you could sit in the shade. I would recommend wearing swimming shoes when first walking in the water because there were broken coral that hurt your feet until you got into deeper water and then began to swim. Restrooms weren’t the cleanest but none of the restrooms I went into anywhere on the any of the beaches were very clean. The beach was not over-crowed. Enjoyed it very much. Would go back to that beach again.
The parking was easy and the beach was lined with trees, so if you didn’t have an umbrella, you could sit in the shade. I would recommend wearing swimming shoes when first walking in the water because there were broken coral that hurt your feet until you got into deeper water and then began to swim. Restrooms weren’t the cleanest but none of the restrooms I went into anywhere on the any of the beaches were very clean. The beach was not over-crowed. Enjoyed it very much. Would go back to that beach again.
Written September 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Olga
Los Angeles, CA52 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Anini Beach is one of those places where Google maps can only help you up to a certain point. It's not a dot on the map. There is a campground with restroom facilities and a parking lot. But for the most part Anini is just a long string of access points to what might very well be the best beach on the island. Totally worth parking on the side of the road and having no place to change. The water is crystal clear and almost wave-less. It's shallow far far out, but not too shallow, perfect for a safe, leisurely swim or snorkeling. The bottom is sand for quite a while. Then you get coral and that's great because there's lots and lots of fish. It's truly a perfect snorkeling place. We even saw a large puffer fish. An added bonus - even though it's located on the North shore, the beach is facing westward enough that you can watch the sunset.
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy K
Minneapolis, MN30 contributions
Apr 2023
Beautiful!! So glad we decided to stop at this beach on the way to Hanalei. Although the beach is smaller than the other ones we visited, it wasn't crowded. The water is clear and calm. We didn't have snorkeling equipment with us, but it appeared to be a great spot and we saw several people doing it. One lady said she snorkeled over several sea turtles that were hanging out not far off the beach. My husband and I walked the beach and got several beautiful pictures. Definitely worth a stop if on the North shore.
Written May 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jazmine
15 contributions
Oct 2022 • Family
Beautiful and secluded. Not crowded. Calm water, very small light waves. Perfect for small children to enjoy. Might need some water shoes in some areas due to coral and rocks. We hiked down from Princeville Westin parking lot. Hike was steep downhill but short 10-15 mins down. The way up was a good workout, not that bad. We had ages 7,11,22,31,51,55… everyone did great.
Written October 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No_Grief
1 contribution
Dec 2022
Highly non-recommended for snorkelling in winter. The rip current near the reef is very strong. I saw a family of 4, all were decent swimmers) get caught in the current and unable to get out. Within minutes, I too was caught in and if it were not for a few by-standers who called 911, I wouldn't be writing this message.
The very next day, in the same spot and at around the same time (1 PM), a man got swept away by the current.
Please stay away from this beach of your main goal is to snorkel / swim.
The very next day, in the same spot and at around the same time (1 PM), a man got swept away by the current.
Please stay away from this beach of your main goal is to snorkel / swim.
Written January 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pinnipedia
Boston, MA187 contributions
Hello, I would be a solo traveler. Are there any tour companies that do snorkeling expeditions for individuals or small groups?
4Montys
California1 contribution
Which part of Anini Beach did you find was the best for snorkeling?
Straight Info
Louisville, KY92 contributions
We snorkeled about 60 yards to the right of the big tree in the water. Lots of wish and coral.
Maria L
Albuquerque, NM2 contributions
Is it a far walk from the parking lot to the actual beach?
Russell3939
Castle Rock, CO745 contributions
Not at all
Maria L
Albuquerque, NM2 contributions
How far a walk is it from parking lot to the beach area and can it be done with a rollator walker?
ahippgirl
Minneapolis, MN310 contributions
Depends on weather of course and which lot you park in but there are flat grass surfaces with natural tree debris on them that one can ambulated through. Definitely worth the visit!
Susanne T
5 contributions
How is parking availability?
Susanne
nickjesspetritz
Butte, MT83 contributions
We went early in the morning and parking wasn't an issue. It did fill up fast as the day went on. There was more parking than at some of the beaches in the area.
karynj28
Denver, Colorado1 contribution
Hello. We are looking for some great snorkeling beaches in Kauai that are still open after the rain closures that are also kid friendly. Thanks
Whitney B
Huntington Beach, CA7 contributions
Poipou beach park and Anini were our favorites when we went a month ago. Many others were still closed, but may be open now.
mavstevens92
Tucson, AZ1 contribution
Hi, is this beach open? Is there a brown water advisory here? Is there any damage from the flood waters? We are planning a trip in about 3 weeks and would like to know what to expect. Thank you
George H
3 contributions
I was just at Anini May6th/7th. It didn’t appear to have any damage at all. We camped about 15 feet from the ocean. The water was clear so it should be nice for your trip!
NicandLisa W
5 contributions
I am traveling to Kauai around the 1st of June and wanted to know how anini Beach was after there flooding? I like to snorkel there because there is usually turtles but was wondering if the water was brown and foggy from being stirred up by the storm.
Whitney B
Huntington Beach, CA7 contributions
We were just there snorkeled on May 14th, clean and clear water. Probably your best best for snorkeling in all of Kauai right now since tunnels and Keke as well as Lydgate are all inaccessible at this point.
200vero
Honolulu, HI
My friends and I wanna camp at Anini beach. The question is what is the easiest and cheapest way to get there from the airport ? We already looked for Uber but it’s not available any other ideas ?
MtEverest
Las Vegas200 contributions
Looks like a long stretch to beach. Where does everyone recommend to go? Some say to the "right of the boat ramp" but where is the boat ramp?
J M
Nashville, TN2,204 contributions
Just drive to the end of the road and then go back to the area you think you would like the best. Closest to the main road, rougher waves and rocky. Then there is the beach park. Past the beach park, calm and shallow. It is all beautiful.
Anini Beach (Kauai) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Anini Beach
- We recommend booking Anini Beach tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 6 Anini Beach tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Anini Beach:
- Best of Kauai Tour by Land and River (From $194.40)
- Private Luxury Tour of Kauai: North & East Shores (From $322.56)
- Kauai Snorkeling Adventure (From $131.04)
- Princeville - Snorkeling Shore Excursion (From $131.00)
- Kauai Audio Driving Private Tour (From $12.99)
- Hotels near Anini Beach:
- (0.14 mi) Beachfront on Anini Beach! Relaxed Outdoor Living, Large Lanai, Manicured Garden
- (0.21 mi) Spacious tropical getaway with lanais - just steps from the ocean
- (0.21 mi) Spacious tropical estate with lanais - located just steps from the beach
- (0.21 mi) Charming cottage, nearby access to Anini beach - 85 steps away
- (0.32 mi) Newly Constructed home at Anini Beach
- Restaurants near Anini Beach:
- (1.89 mi) Lapperts Ice Cream
- (3.39 mi) Pink's Creamery
- (3.24 mi) Wishing Well Shave Ice
- (1.90 mi) Foodland Princeville
- (1.35 mi) Nanea Restaurant and Bar
- Attractions near Anini Beach:
- (0.08 mi) Sunrise Surf Lessons
- (0.89 mi) Kauai Scuba Adventures
- (0.84 mi) Sunshine Helicopters Princeville
- (1.04 mi) Princeville Ranch
- (1.30 mi) Hike Kauai With Me
Anini Beach Information
Excellent Reviews | 579 |
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Very Good Reviews | 250 |
Anini Beach Photos | 453 |