Snorkel Kauai and Discover Some of Hawaii's Best Snorkeling!

Kauai's colorful reef fishes await snorkelers and divers

By far one of the most popular and unforgettable attractions on Kauai is snorkeling. Few things in life compare to drifting effortlessly among a school of brightly colored tropical fish in the clear, warm seas of Kauai, which are among Hawaii's finest waters.

The best snorkeling on Kauai is usually found inside the island's many protected lagoons. Coral reefs on Kauai, Hawaii are home to hundreds of species of fish, one third of which are found nowhere else in the world. Since Kauai is millions of years older than the other inhabited islands in the Hawaiian island chain, Kauai has by far the most protective reef lagoons and therefore some of Hawaii's best snorkel spots.

Kauai's warm clear waters host
a myriad of colorful reef fish

Favorite Snorkel Locations on Kauai
You don't have to be an accomplished swimmer to enjoy snorkeling on Kauai. With minimal instructions, even beginners can snorkel in no time. With proper flotation even the non-swimmer can enjoy snorkeling. Kauai has snorkel beaches suited to all comfort levels.

Poipu Beach Park - Kauai's South Shore
Poipu Beach Park is one of Kauai's safest beaches boasting some of the clearest waters in Hawaii. From a sheltered, shallow beach suitable for tiny tots, to the renown body surfing Brennecke Beach, Poipu Beach Park has repeatedly ranked among the best family beaches in Hawaii. Poipu Beach Park's sheltered cove is ideal for small children and novice snorkelers. Some of the best snorkeling is found on the far right side of the beach park, west of the tombolo or sand split. Click here for more on Poipu Beaches.

Lydgate Park - Near Wailua on Kauai's East Side.
Enclosed within an array of boulders, the protected waters of this man-made lagoon make it a great place for beginners. Lydgate has a surprising number of fish including a school of friendly, large and incredibly colorful parrotfish.

Yellow tang off Poipu Beach, Kauai

Anini Beach -- Kauai's North Shore.
The water at Anini is very shallow in parts, but the reef appears to go on forever at this beach, with the largest reef on Kauai. Anini provides more than ample exploration of the underwater canyons at the reef's edge where larger reef and pelagic or deep-sea fish can sometimes be seen. Anini is suitable for beginners, but for safety sake only venture there during an incoming tide--which occurs immediately after a low tide. Beware: currents draining the reef on an outgoing tide can be strong.

Tunnels -- Kauai's North Shore, Beyond Hana'le'i.
Tunnels is named for the vast labyrinth of pathways that intersect its wide fringing reef. This shallow reef is interspersed with narrow, sometimes cavernous canyons. The variation in undersea terrain makes for exciting explorations and an ideal home for a wide array of reef life.

Endangered sea turtles are
often seen at Poipu Beach, Kauai

Ke'e -- At the very end of the road on Kauai's North Shore.
Ke'e offers great snorkeling destination during summer months and during calm seas, and is worth the drive to see the towering cliffs of Kauai's Na Pali Coast and azure waters of this lovely lagoon sparkle like a rare gem. Ke'e's natural beauty alone recommends it. The wide variety of colorful fish plying the coral reef are an added bonus. Pacific green sea turtles often congregate in an outer lagoon beyond the inshore reef. While here, you might want to walk the world famous Kalalau trail to the first lookout (about one mile).

Snorkeling Tips
To get the most out of your snorkel adventures on Kauai and to insure that this Hawaiian paradise remains as beautiful the next time you come to visit, please remember these snorkeling tips.

Since storms and tides can make swimming conditions unpredictable, it is always important to evaluate ocean conditions carefully before entering the water.

1. Always snorkel in areas where there are other swimmers and snorkelers.
   
   
2. Do not snorkel near surfers or body surfers.
   
   
3. Do not snorkel if the water is unclear, rough or choppy.
   
   
4. Look up out of the water periodically to keep your bearing. This easy precaution will keep you from drifting off course without knowing it.
   
   
5. The best snorkeling is in calm clear water. Try mornings.
   
   
6. Do NOT feed the fish under any circumstances. It fouls the water and sickens the fish, which makes them susceptible to predators.
   
   
7. A good way to attract fish is to just bring a zip lock bag! Put a leaf or any other colorful object in the bag, fill it with water and allow it to float near you. You'd be surprised at all the curious fish that will swim up to inspect your bag.
   
   
8. Help protect Kauai's reefs! All coral reefs are marvelous ecosystems that take thousands of years to develop and only seconds to destroy. Float over shallow reefs, but do not walk on them. Paddle to a sandy spot to stand.
   
   
9. Admire sea turtles and monk seals only from a distance! Both the Pacific green sea turtle and the monk seal are protected under the Endangered Species Act. It is against the law to harass them in any way, including touching. These laws are strictly enforced in Hawaii. If you are fortunate enough to see one of these rare creatures in the water, enjoy them from a respectful distance.
   
   
10. REMEMBER ALWAYS CHECK LOCAL CONDITIONS FOR SAFETY BEFORE ENTERING THE SEA. HIGH SURF AND STORM SURGES CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS ANYWHERE THEY ARE OCCURRING. LISTEN TO WEATHER FORECASTS, TALK TO LOCAL PEOPLE AND PLAN YOUR SNORKEL LOCATION ACCORDINGLY.

For a Poipu Beach map showing the location of Kauai vacation rentals, resort condos and villas offered by Suite Paradise, along with their access to sandy beaches and other Poipu Beach attractions, click here.

A splendid way to combine adventure, scenic beauty, and snorkeling on Kauai is by boat cruise. Click here for details about these exciting and fun adventure cruises for which Suite Paradise guests receive a special discount when booking with CondoReady Guest Services. Click here for more info.

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