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Popular Kauai Beaches
North Shore Kauai Beaches
Many find Anini Beach, a large, beautiful white-sand beach with a vast shallow reef, perfect for swimming. People consider this beach the best for windsurfing, kiteboarding, and kayaking spots on the island.
Overview of Anini Beach
Anini Beach is a 2.5-mile long, sandy beach on the north shore of Kauai. Anini Beach boasts gorgeous white sands, excellent surf, and a stretch of coast that is as private as it gets. Once home to a Hawaiian fishing village and sugar-plantation workers in Hanalei, the area has become increasingly popular with celebrities and other rich and famous residents who own mansions on the cliffs high above the beachfront properties. A few hidden spots remain where you can find solitude on this otherwise crowded strip of Kauai shoreline. Plus, make sure to check out the campgrounds on this beach.
The island's most famous white sand beach with the calmest waters offers excellent snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and windsurfing when conditions are good. Anini's vast reef helps calm the waves that would otherwise crash into shore, making it very suitable for beginner surfers and kids. Besides this beach's beauty, come to enjoy the beach's activities.
Directions to Anini Beach
After crossing the concrete Kalihiwahi Bridge onto Kalihiwahi road, bear right after. Then, weave your way along Kalihiwahi road until you reach Anini road. Follow Anini road to the left, passing stunning sights lining the coast until you stop at the beach. Alternatively, park at the end of Wyllie Rd. in Princeville near the Westin Hotel and walk down the trail to the west end of Anini Beach.
Essential Tips for a Great Anini Beach Visit
The calm ocean conditions often lead swimmers and snorkelers to venture farther onto the reef than they should since it seems relatively benign. This can be dangerous, as the ocean water can rush through channels beneath the reef's surface, creating solid and difficult currents to swim against. We recommend that visitors swim and snorkel primarily on sections of the reef nearer to shore, especially since there is no lifeguard on duty.
Anini Beach Amenities
Although relatively secluded, some amenities nearby can make your day at the beach even more enjoyable. Expect to find parking, grassy lawn, boat ramp, pavilions, drinking water fountains, and more:
Public Restrooms: The beach park has nice public restrooms near the parking lot. These restrooms tend to be clean and well-maintained.
Pavilions With Picnic Tables: Two pavilions on Anini Beach are often reserved for family functions and weddings. However, there are also some picnic tables under the shelter in case of rain or to get out of the sun for a while. These picnic tables make it easy to enjoy a nice lunch while watching the kids play in the tide pools.
Public Showers: Public showers near the parking lot make it easy to rinse off after spending time in the water or on the beach.
Fun Activities at Anini Beach
Family Activities at Anini Beach
Visit Anini Beach and enjoy a day of swimming, snorkeling, picnicking, or just relaxing on the beach. Locals consider the 3-mile crescent-shaped beach a favorite for its gentle surf and shallow waters. The peaceful waters provided by the reef at Anini make this an excellent spot for kids and families to swim or snorkel. The sandy bottom slopes gradually into deeper water so kids can wade in without getting battered by large waves or pull out to sea by strong currents. Moreso, Anini Beach is also a great place to learn how to paddleboard or snorkel. Plus, the children will enjoy building sandcastles.
Anini Beach Activities
Anini Beach offers lots of water activities and other fun things to do.
Snorkeling: Anini is also known for its world-class snorkeling. This beach offers some of the finest crystal clear water in Hawaii. Visitors here will find incredible views of colorful tropical fish, reef fish like Moorish idols, small sharks, Hawaii's state fish- the Humuhumunukunukuapuaa, and green sea turtles swimming in the pristine waters offshore. Anini also features a large reef parallel to its beach, offering another spot for snorkeling enthusiasts to explore. The reef sits close to shore — steps away from the sand — making it easy to enter and exit the water. For snorkeling, visit during the morning for the best visibility of marine life. As the day progresses, the wind stirs up the water and blurs the visibility.
Windsurfing: For an exhilarating experience on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, windsurf on this beach. A fringing reef protects the East-facing beach, and it's a perfect spot for those who want to wake up early. You don't need to be a pro or have any prior experience; local instructors offer lessons, equipment rentals, and other services so you can gear up for a full day of fun in the sun.
Go kayaking: If you have little ones or even not-so-little ones, consider renting a kayak for your group from Anini Beach. The calm waters make for easy paddling, and you'll get an up-close look at sea turtles in the bay and reefs and fish galore once you get out into the ocean.
Swimming: The beach is wide and sandy and great for swimming, with a large reef just offshore that protects swimmers from the rougher surf and creates some fun waves for small children.
Bodysurfing or bodyboarding: At Anini, you'll have the adventure of a lifetime! This is the place to bodysurf Kauai's infamous waves. The reef makes the wave safe, but it's still thrilling to ride. You'll be able to go for long rides, even if you don't have strong swimming skills. And because of the reliable wave conditions at Anini throughout the year, your surfing adventure is a sure bet!
Go Stand-Up Paddleboarding: One of Kauai's most popular water sports is stand-up paddleboarding. It is straightforward to learn, requiring a little balance and coordination.
Picnic at Anini Beach Park: Anini beach has a long stretch of white sand that is great for running around, playing games, or throwing around a frisbee or football. Many trees provide shade for an afternoon picnic with friends or family. Also, check out the tables, too.
Nearby Attractions and Sights of Anini Beach
Discover the many attractions near Anini Beach.
Na Pali Coast State Park: If you want to see some of Kauai's most beautiful scenery, Na Pali Coast State Park is a must. The park is home to the Kalalau Trail, the only land access to the rugged coast. This hike is not for the faint of heart — it's a 22-mile roundtrip that takes at least two days and involves camping overnight. Be prepared and bring proper gear.
Trek to Wyllie Beach: A dirt trail with a splendid view of Anini beach starts from the public access parking lot in front of Westin resort and golf course. The trail leads to Wyllie's beach, on the other side of Anini beach. There are mango trees and a waterfall to see along the way. You can hike or run the trail or have someone drive you there.
Go to Princeville Golf Course: Explore Princeville Golf Course's nine-hole course. This course is the last stop on The North Shore Golf Cart Shuttle, which circles Anini Beach, the Makai Golf Course, and ends at the Princeville Golf Course. If you want to walk there from Anini Beach, here's how. You can find the gold course near the Westin Hotel.
Popular North Kauai Beaches
North Kauai offers up a stunning array of beaches, and each lovely slice of sand is special in its own way. Whether you're looking for exciting activities such as kitesurfing, need to relax with a good book on the beach, or want to take the little ones snorkeling and exploring, you'll surely find the perfect North Shore beach right here.
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