This is the only Kauai beach where you can watch polo being played, snorkel the longest and widest reef in the Hawaiian islands and swim in safe, shallow water. Anini calls you with its dreamlike sparkling sand, colorful fish and beautiful turquoise waters. It’s a place you may never want to leave. You can always stay close by at our North Shore Kauai vacation homes.
I love Anini’s secluded feeling. For years there was never a road sign to help you find the beach. You just knew where to turn from a local guidebook. Now it’s well marked on the highway between Kilauea and Princeville.
On the way to the beach the road hugs the ocean and takes you past many beautiful Kauai oceanfront properties. If it’s busy when I arrive at the park, I’ll often stop at the fish taco truck for a quick bite and then drive towards the end of the road. The crowds are fewer and I’ve enjoyed many Kauai sunsets from here.
My Favorite Anini Beach Experiences.
Walking the three mile soft sand beach. If you’re in luck you may find exquisite shells. From the shore you can watch novice windsurfers trying to stay on their boards and fishermen waiting for their catch of the day.
Snorkeling and swimming in blue water. Especially in summer this is one of the safest spots for kids. The water is shallow and you can snorkel just five to ten feet from shore. Turtles like to hang out here and you’ll see many tropical reef fish. A popular one is triggerfish which goes by its Hawaiian name, humuhumunukunukuapuaa. Be sure to wear safe coral sunscreen when you go out to keep our ocean protected.
Picnicking on the grassy lawn. Prepare lunch at your Kauai vacation rental or stop at one of my favorites, Kilauea Town Market and Deli. You can buy fresh local bread, cheese and other sandwich fixings for a gourmet lunch.
Watching Kauai Polo. The “Sport of Kings” is played here during the summer every Sunday. On non-game days you can admire the horses in the field across from the beach park.
Beach Facilities: Bathrooms, showers, picnic shelters and plenty of parking. There’s no lifeguard so never swim alone or when the surf kicks up in winter.
Driving Directions: Watch for the Anini Beach sign between mile markers 25 and 26. You’ll turn on Kalihiwai Road and stay to the left on Anini Road.
Now it’s your turn to share favorite memories of Anini. We welcome your comments and suggestions.
by JP on November 2, 2011
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“Kalihiwai has it all from the deep sandy beach, shade cover under ironwood trees and spectacular setting nestled between black rocks. You can also swim in fresh water where the Kalihiwai River meets the ocean.” That’s the recommendation from Pat Finberg, our guest concierge manager who helps our Kauai vacation rental guests.
I stopped by recently for a look at this hidden treasure. You can see from my pictures that I wasn’t disappointed. The scenic road to this drive up beach near Kilauea offers beautiful ocean views as you descend from the green cliffs.
Kalihiwai can be great for bodyboarding and the stream is fun for kids of all ages. On the eastern edge there’s a popular surf spot in winter. During flat season in summer Kalihiwai is a good choice for swimming. You might see a large spinner dolphin pod that time of year too. On my visit I saw kayakers paddling from Kalihiwai to neighboring Secret Beach. When the waves aren’t too big this can be a great spot to learn to surf or boogie board.
Kalihiwai Beach is also a perfect setting for a Kauai wedding or civil union. Our guest concierge team can help plan arrangements for your celebration.
After a day at the beach there are two local attractions close by not to be missed.
1. Kauai Mini Golf is situated among beautiful botanical gardens and offers 18 holes. Between now and December 15 you can save 20% when you mention “Web Special.”
2. Next door is Banana Joe’s where the tropical frosty rules. My favorite is their banana-pineapple non dairy treat. It tastes like gelato and is refreshing after a day at the beach.
If you’d like stay close to Kalihiwai Beach, we invite you see our Anini and Kilauea Collection of fine Kauai vacation homes. Kalihiwai Road is a right turn 1/2 mile past Kilauea town, or a left turn before Kilauea if coming from Princeville. Plenty of parking available. Nearest facilities are at Anini.
Have you visited Kalihiwai Beach?
by JP on September 7, 2011
Majestic Kee Beach marks the beginning of the spectacular 11-mile Kalalau Trail for our Kauai vacation rental guests and the end of the North Shore road. It’s the perfect location for a Kauai adventure on land or by sea.
Snorkel at one of Kauai’s most idyllic and tropical locations.
The reef enclosed lagoon has crystal clear water during summer months. Sometimes I’ll see green sea turtles in addition to colorful fish. My advice is to stay to the right when entering as the channel on the left can be dangerous with unexpected currents. The safest time to swim is when the surf drops below 4 feet. If you arrived without snorkel gear, you can backtrack a few miles to Wainiha Store and find rentals.
Hike the famous Kalalau Trail to Hanakapiai Beach.
It’s a strenuous 2 miles each way but worth the effort. Without a reef and a dangerous shore break, Hanakapiai is best enjoyed from the shore. Pack water for the hike and remember sunscreen.
Another option instead of the hike is to follow the path around the point at Kee Beach for dazzling views of the Na Pali Coast. After the last home a path leads you up hill to the site of the ancient Ka Ulu A Paoa Heiau, birthplace of the hula.
Stop at Limahuli Garden before or after.
Ranked the best natural botanical garden in the United States, this beautiful and unique terraced hillside garden is now part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden.
Kee Beach is close to our Haena Vacation Rentals.
Enjoy easy access to, among other great activities, hiking or boating along the North Shore. If you’re staying at one of our other Kauai vacation rentals and drive to Kee, you’ll find parking easier to find in the morning or late afternoon. The on-site facilities feature new bathrooms and showers.
We invite you to share your tips and experiences at Kee Beach.
Tunnels is my top choice for snorkeling on Kauai. Hands down.The only complaint I hear from visitors is the lack of parking. I have two strategies to help.
First, arrive before 10am when parking is easier to find and the beach is less crowded. My second strategy is to stay at one of our Haena Kauai vacation rentals. Then you can walk over any time of day and enjoy this spectacular beach.
Tunnels is teeming with tropical fish both large and small. You may get lucky and swim with sea turtles. I’m always amazed by the underwater life here and the stunning views above.
The reef break far offshore is popular with surfers. When the ocean creates a large tube it’s like a tunnel. While Tunnels is the name you hear most often, the Hawaiian word for this beach is Makua.
Take your time and walk along the 2 mile white sand beach. You can find shells and admire the views of Mount Makana. It’s also known as Bali Hai from the movie South Pacific.
Snorkeling is best in the center portion of the beach with its half moon shaped reef. My advice is to get in the water. It can be unnerving at first swimming over the reef but there’s more room than you think. The bottom terrain varies and there’s a big hole offshore where large fish congregate.
Spend the day, bring food and water, and relax on the North Shore Kauai. After your visit come back and tell us about your day at Tunnels.
Beach Location: Just past the 8 mile marker on Hwy 560 you’ll find beach access for the best snorkeling. If parking is an issue you may need to go to Haena State Park and walk back.
Reminder: You can help protect the reef by not stepping on coral. Mahalo!
No matter which Kauai vacation rental you choose, there’s a spectacular beach close by to enjoy. When we asked our Facebook fans to name their favorite Kauai beach, Nikki Campbell wrote, “How can you pick just one?” That’s a good point, Nikki, and we agree.
The beaches that scored the highest in our poll were Poipu and Polihale.
I voted for them too but a personal favorite never made the cut. It’s Lumahai Beach located near our North Shore Kauai vacation rentals and just a few miles beyond Hanalei.
Hollywood star, Mitzi Gaynor, washed a guy right out of her hair on this beach fifty years ago. During the filming of South Pacific, Lumahai became her all time favorite.
I like Lumahai because the strong currents keep the beach in constant change.
There’s always something different to explore when I visit. The ocean can create small pools in the lava rocks and even waterfalls. Then there’s the crescent shaped beach which is a perfect setting for Kauai weddings or a Kauai commitment ceremony. I held mine here which makes Lumahai a sentimental favorite.
During periods of big surf Lumahai is best appreciated from the shore for its rugged beauty and remote location. It’s exposed to the open ocean and the waves can be powerful. In the Winter season standing on the rocks is not recommended due to unexpected ocean currents.
Directions: To reach Lumahai, drive beyond Hanalei and look for cars parked between mile markers 4 and 5. If you see the sign that reads, “Lumahai Beach,” you’ve gone too far.
Do you like Lumahai too? Let us know your tips for enjoying this spectacular beach on Kauai’s North Shore.
A rainbow swept over this black sand beach and left behind many colors. Each tint can be found in particles of multicolored glass. Softened by the ocean to dull edges, the glass fragments remain vibrant.
I like to search for blue which is my favorite and not always easy to find. In addition to color, I consider shape and size. When I leave it feels like taking a part of the rainbow in my pocket.
An old dump nearby is responsible for how the glass ended up here. The tide and surf determine how much I find on any given day. I hope the glass is plentiful when you visit. Just taking a few pieces from the beach will be a nice souvenir of your Kauai vacation.
Glass Beach is not the most spectacular on Kauai. It’s too rocky for swimming and small in size. Then there’s the location issue. Right behind you is an oil storage facility that provides a not so pleasing industrial backdrop.
There’s more to see but you have to drive uphill a short distance. Park near the old cemetery and hike down to the lava shelf. To the right you’ll find metal and glass embedded in the sides of the cliff. Going left will take you to the lava arch where the ocean playfully churns. Watch for blowholes and hike when the tide is out.
If you go to Glass Beach I invite you to share your experience.
What to bring: Closed toe shoes for hiking. A small container for glass. You can leave your beach towel in the car.
Location: Within 30 minutes of The Parrish Collection Kauai South Shore vacation rentals. Near Port Allen in Ele’ele.
Directions: When you reach the traffic light in Ele’ele (at the shopping center), turn left and drive down to Port Allen. The last left turn will take you to Glass Beach.
