Tall ironwoods provide a natural shade canopy at this white crescent Kauai beach with picturesque views of the Kalelea Mountains. Located on the windward side of the island between our Princeville rentals and Lihue, it is a refreshing stop on the way to or from North Shore Kauai.
This beautiful half mile stretch of sand lies hidden from the highway and is surrounded by one of the most Hawaiian communities on the island. Depending on when you visit you may see dancers from a hula halau (school), smell the cooking of a tailgate barbecue or watch local families gather for a luau.
Anahola Beach Park is frequented mostly by locals and is one of the safest for swimming on the east side. An offshore reef affords protection from high waves most of the year. You can park near the beach and easily walk to the ocean where a sandy bottom and gentle slope offer easy access to the water. On the north side of the main beach the shore break is ideal for surfing and bodyboarding. A river separates the smaller north beach that is popular for shelling and less often visited.
Kids love this beach too and so do our Kauai vacation rental guests looking for Kauai snorkeling and diving opportunities. Children can be seen playing in the river and locals often pole fish here. If you are a beginner snorkeler, be sure to stay on the beach side of the coral. While the ocean side of the reef is teeming with fish, only attempt this in calm surf and check with the lifeguard if unsure.
Anahola Beach Park offers something for everyone from a taste of local life, a place for picnics, enjoying ocean sports or just relaxing under the shade of the ironwood trees and grassy park. If you want to come when it is less crowded, plan a stop here midweek and enjoy peaceful moments of your own under the tropical Kauai sky.
Kauai Beach Tips at Anahola Beach Park
Facilities: Restrooms, showers, picnic tables and lifeguard station.
Caution: We recommend visiting this beach during daylight hours when a lifeguard is present. Watch for rip currents near the old pier and at the mouth of the river. Do not swim if high waves are present and check with the lifeguard for safety instructions. Rocks can be slippery and the coral is sharp.
Kauai Road Directions to Anahola Beach Park
Located on the “Coconut Coast” of Kauai, turn towards the ocean on Anahola Road which is 3 miles north of Kealia Beach and just after Mile Marker 13. You will find the main section of this Kauai beach a half mile from the highway. The north beach area above the river is reached via the first Aliomanu Road exit from Kapaa (which is the second Aliomanu Road if you are traveling from Princeville).
Bookmark our Kauai Beach Explorer to stay current on Kauai beaches and facilities. Watch our Kauai video with important ocean safety information. It’s six minutes of your time that can save your life or that of a loved one.