Located on Kauai’s beautiful north shore, 3-mile-long Anini Beach is a protected and safe beach for children.
A fringing reef runs offshore along this whole stretch of coastline providing a beautiful stretch of pristine blue water. Kamani trees line the shoreline providing plenty of shady areas. Anini Beach is a great spot for beginning windsurfers while the channel that cuts through the reef is popular among experienced windsurfers and kitesurfers as well as spearfishers. Near the reef on the northwest area of the beach is a sudden 60-foot drop-off that is popular among scuba divers. The channel in the reef provides great snorkeling when the water is very calm. Commonly seen fish are parrotfish, damselfish, unicornfish, and of course Hawaii’s state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapuaa, also known as a triggerfish. When the water is not calm, however, the channel can be extremely dangerous due to a strong rip current.
Great For
Swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, kitesurfing, beach walks, beachcombing, and camping. (permit required)
Highlights
The reef that runs offshore of Anini is part of the longest fringing reef in the Hawaiian Islands. Many homes along the road to Anini have been and are owned by rich and famous people including Hollywood stars. The area has also been the setting for major motion pictures including Honeymoon in Vegas. Many people enjoy beachcombing along Anini Beach because it is one of the best beaches for finding the rare and valuable Niihau shells as well as cowries. Nearby to the beach, the park has polo fields which are often used on Sundays for the sport.
Need to Know
A strong rip current often forms in the channel that cuts through the reef at Anini, creating very hazardous conditions for swimmers and snorkelers–this spot has been the site of numerous drownings. Do not go near the channel unless the water is perfectly calm, and always stay close to shore. Never go in the ocean during times of high surf or rough seas.
Lifeguard
No
Facilities
Restrooms, showers, picnic pavilions, drinking water, campsites, boat ramp.
Access
Anini Beach Park is reached by following Route 56 from Kilauea town toward Hanalei. Soon after you pass over the Kalihiwai Bridge turn right on Kalihiwai Rd. (the second Kalihiwai Road if you’re coming from the south). Just a short way down, turn left on Anini Road which leads you to the beach.