The 5 Best Snorkeling Spots on Kauaʻi in 2025
The ocean surrounding Kauaʻi proves that sometimes the best sightseeing can be found beneath the sea. So, grab a snorkel and a pair of fins and check out the snorkeling spots on Kauaʻi that HAWAIʻI Magazine readers love the most.
Nicknamed the Garden Isle, Kauaʻi is known for its emerald valleys, lush scenery and epic hiking trails. However, the crystal-clear waters surrounding the island are filled with vibrant coral formations and a beautiful array of marine life, offering a unique adventure under the sea.
Snorkeling in the waters off the Garden Isle provides a window into an electrifying underwater world. Here are the top five snorkeling spots on Kauaʻi that HAWAIʻI Magazine readers love the most.
1. Poʻipū Beach
Poʻipū Beach is popular among families thanks to a protected cove, lifeguard tower, restrooms, picnic tables and a recently renovated playground. It’s also a top spot for snorkeling.
Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)/Ben Ono
Located on the island’s sunny south shore, Poʻipū Beach is popular among families thanks to a protected cove, lifeguard tower, restrooms, picnic tables and a recently renovated playground. And year after year, it also ranks as one of best snorkeling spots on Kauaʻi. Here, snorkelers can spend a day swimming with tropical fish and above a colorful coral reef.
2. ʻAnini Beach
During the summer months, the calm waters provide the perfect conditions to explore the extensive reef at ʻAnini Beach.
Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)/Ben Ono
Beginner and avid snorkelers can find ʻAnini Beach on Kauaʻi’s North Shore, just past the town of Kīlauea. During the summer months, the calm waters provide the perfect conditions to explore the extensive coral formations. Swimmers can enjoy the clear ocean and snorkel over the reef that appears never-ending.
3. Mākua Beach (aka Tunnels)
Mākua Beach is often referred to as Tunnels because of the labyrinth of underwater lava tubes.
Photo: Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA)/Tor Johnson
Mākua Beach is often referred to as Tunnels because of its labyrinth of underwater lava tubes. Beginner snorkelers are advised to stay closer to shore—but there’s still plenty to see. Here, snorkelers can see towering coral formations and an array of marine life, like unicorn fish, goatfish and moray eels. More experienced swimmers can venture to the outer reef—when the conditions are calm—to see even more marine species and different coral formations. Along with many snorkeling spots on the island’s North Shore, snorkeling at Mākua is typically only possible in the summer months. During the winter, the strong currents and large waves make it just too dangerous.
4. Kēʻē Beach
At Kēʻē Beach, swimmers can duck beneath the surface to see a spectacular underwater world and then glance up at the incredible cliffs of the Nāpali Coast.
Photo: Getty Images/Adam-Springer
The road ends and the Nāpali Coast starts at Kēʻē Beach. Located on the island’s North Shore, the stunning vistas at Kēʻē Beach make the drive worth it; but you’ll want to stick around to snorkel. Here, swimmers can duck beneath the surface to see a spectacular underwater world and then glance up at the incredible cliffs of the Nāpali Coast. There are also restrooms, showers and a lifeguard tower at Kēʻē Beach. But like Mākua Beach, the waters are the clearest and calmest during the summer months.
5. Lāwaʻi Beach
Lāwaʻi Beach is just down the road from Poʻipū Beach.
Photo: Getty Images/wallix
Lāwaʻi Beach is a small coastline down the road from Poʻipū Beach. It’s a great spot for beginner snorkelers thanks to its abundance of tropical fish close to shore. It’s also usually less crowded than Poʻipū Beach.
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