When you want to enjoy all the wonders of North Shore Kauai, you can get your fill at Anini Beach Park. With its two-mile fringing reef running along the shore, the well-protected waters always work well for all your favorite activities.
From swimming and snorkeling to paddle boarding and windsurfing, there’s no limit to what you can do while at Anini Beach Park. If you’d like to just zoom in for a picnic lunch complete with breathtaking views, you can do that, too. There are even picnic tables on site where you can settle in for a relaxing meal. Or you could just spread out a blanket on the beach and get your snack on while watching all the action on the water.
Whether you’re coming here for a quick swim or want to paddleboard all day, don’t forget to spend a little time beachcombing. Unlike at the other nearby beaches, you can often find shells and beautiful rocks on Anini Beach Park, which work great for building little mandalas for all your fellow travelers to enjoy.
Most popular activities at Anini Beach Park include:
Swimming
Thanks to its calm, clear waters, swimming is always a popular activity at Anini Beach Park. You can laze about in the shallow water near the shore or go about ¼ mile out to the deeper water. There’s no lifeguard on duty here, so only go out further if you’re a strong swimmer.
Snorkeling
With the fringing reef running the length of the beach, this location is prime snorkeling territory. Just take it slow, and you’ll get to see all kinds of creatures, like sea turtles, stingrays, hermit crabs, and tons of colorful fish. Since the current is rather strong, you’ll want to wear your fins and pay attention to your surroundings as you gaze in awe at the beauty all around.
Paddle Boarding
The calm waters allow you to master the art of paddleboarding without as much risk of falling off. As you paddle around Anini Beach Park, watch the water for signs of turtles flitting about and fish diving beneath your board. Before you know it, you’ll feel wholly rejuvenated as the peaceful atmosphere soothes your soul.
Windsurfing
Since the wind regularly picks up along this beach, it’s a fantastic spot to go windsurfing. While zooming along the shore of Anini Beach Park, you’ll undoubtedly delight in the wind blowing through your hair as you enjoy the awesome views. Watch for other windsurfers as you move across the water — and catch them on the beach to trade tips, tricks, and tales of your adventures.
If you can’t stand the thought of leaving this beach, get a camping permit, and then grab a spot at the nearby campground and stay for as long as you’d like. Many locals live in the campgrounds on a long-term basis, so it can be difficult to get a site at the drop of a dime. But it’s well worth checking out if you’d like to stay right on the water and enjoy all this beach has to offer.
Insider Tips:
-If you don’t have your own paddleboard to use, you can get a rental just to the east of the campgrounds.
-The turtles hang out about 50 yards offshore near the channel buoy. If you decide to seek them out there, watch out for boat traffic going to and from the nearby boat launch.
-Parking is available all along Anini Road, but it does fill up fast. Plan to arrive by 10:30 am at the latest during the peak of the tourist season or you could miss out on getting a spot.
-While moving through the water at Anini Beach Park, be careful not to damage the reef or disturb the marine life.