Anini Beach

Anini Beach is a hidden gem on Kauai’s North Shore, tucked down a quiet road between Princeville and Kilauea. It is gentle enough for children and a popular spot for snorkeling, paddle-boarding and windsurfing.

Kauai, HI Home Page Anini Photos Other Key Regions Where-to-Stay Ideas
Home » Destinations » North America » Kauai, HI » Anini
Explore Anini Beach, North Shore
The Protected Lagoon

Anini Beach is a hidden gem on Kauai’s North Shore, tucked down a quiet road between Princeville and Kilauea, often called one of the safest and most protected beaches on the entire North Shore thanks to Hawaii’s longest fringing reef (about 2 miles long!). This creates a calm lagoon-like area perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and family fun, even when the rest of the North Shore gets rough winter swells. Lots of shady ironwood trees. Great spot paddle-boarding and for windsurfing as well.

The Beach Park has restrooms, showers, camping, and picnic facilities, although you can turn off the
road at almost any spot, park, and find your private paradise.

Safety info: No Lifeguard. During high surf, particularly in winter, the current running parallel to the beach can become strong enough to pull an unwary swimmer out of the lagoon through the channel in the reef at the west end of the park. Stay inside the reef.


Good To Know…
  • Snorkeling & Swimming: The reef keeps waves gentle inside, making it family-friendly and great for beginners. Spot colorful tropical fish, Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu), triggerfish, and more. Visibility is often excellent in calm conditions. Stay closer to shore for the safest spots; channels outside the reef can have stronger currents.
  • Beware: No Lifeguard. Always swim/snorkel with caution, check conditions (high surf warnings common in winter), never alone, and heed ocean safety rules. https://www.surf-forecast.com/
  • Other Activities: Windsurfing/kiteboarding (consistent breeze), stand-up paddleboarding, fishing from shore, beachcombing for shells, picnics, or just lounging under ironwood trees.
  • Fun Fact: “Anini” means “dwarfish” or “stunted” in Hawaiian, possibly from the short trees or reef.
  • Fun Fact: Rainbows are basically a daily special. Thanks to the misty mountains and frequent showers, double rainbows are super common.
  • Fun Fact: One of the luxury homes lining the bluffs was used in the 1992 film Honeymoon in Vegas (starring Nicolas Cage and Sarah Jessica Parker).
Access & Facilities…
  • From Kapaa, head northwest on Kuhio Highway (Route 56) toward Princeville/Hanalei, pass Kilauea (distinctive roundabout), between mile markers 25-26, turn towards the ocean at the Kalihiwai Rd just north of the long bridge. Bear left at the fork, and follow the road as it winds downhill.
  • From Princeville/Hanalei, head east on Kuhio Highway (Route 56) toward Kilauea. Turn into Kalihiwai Road (between mile markers 25-26), then left on Anini Road, and follow it to the beach (about 10-15 min drive).
  • Parking: Free and plentiful along the road/ocean side, no reservations needed (unlike nearby Haʻena State Park). Arrive early for spots near facilities.
  • Amenities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic tables/pavilions (some reservable), grassy areas, drinking water spigots, and a boat ramp. Camping available with county permits (check kauai.gov/parks).
The Protected Lagoon
honu cleaning station
Turtle Central

Anini is it’s one of Kauai’s most reliable spots for spotting Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) up close, especially when snorkeling in the protected lagoon. The long fringing reef creates ideal conditions: calm, shallow waters where algae grows abundantly on the coral, perfect grazing grounds for honu. Turtles often hang out here to let cleaner fish nibble algae off their shells (a natural “cleaning station” service!), which is why they’re frequently seen lounging, feeding, or gliding slowly just offshore.

protective reef
Windsurfing Heaven

One of the island’s premier spots for windsurfing (and increasingly kiteboarding) thanks to consistent trade winds and the protective reef that creates flat, lake-like conditions inside the lagoon. It’s widely regarded as the safest place on Kauai to learn windsurfing: shallow, protected lagoon means no big waves to worry about, and the sandy bottom is forgiving for falls. Local schools like Windsurf Kauai (family-owned) run lessons right here

calm conditions
Stand-up Paddleboarding (SUP)

The ultimate “heaven” for calm conditions. Hawaii’s longest fringing reef creates a 2-mile-wide lagoon that’s flat, shallow, and protected – ideal for beginners learning to stand, families, or anyone wanting a chill session. Spot honu (green sea turtles) grazing below, colorful fish, and sometimes rays. Year-round safe, even in winter when other beaches get rough. Stay inside the reef for safety reasons.

go-to for families
Young Kids

Anini is widely regarded as one of the best family-friendly beaches on North Shore for young children, toddlers, and babies, thanks to its massive protective reef that creates shallow, calm, lagoon-like waters. No big waves knocking young kids over. 2-3 miles of wide, soft sand for running, sandcastles, or picnics. Lots of ironwood trees provide natural shade, plus picnic tables, pavilions, restrooms, showers, and grassy areas for breaks. No lifeguard. Always supervise closely; never leave little ones unattended in the water.

The End of the Road – Attractions, Info & Map

This crescent of golden-white sand, backed by lush greenery and volcanic cliffs, is a postcard-perfect paradise but dangerous. Keep in mind that the trek down from the road may take you through slippery mud (showers are frequent on the north), and the trip back up can be worse, especially if you have to carry a tired child. The setting for the Bali Hai scenes in South Pacific. No Lifeguard. No restrooms.

Popularly known as Tunnels Beach, Makua Beach has a large lagoon perfect for swimming because it is protected by two reefs, the outer reef favored by surfers for perfectly formed
arcs, and the inner reef filled with cavities and crevices to explore for fish and sea life. Listen to the surf reports, and plan any winter visits for times when surf is manageable, and preferably at low tide. In calm conditions, bring the kids and let them paddle about on boogie boards while the older ones try their luck with mask and snorkel. If you see a monk seal lying on the beach, give it a wide berth. It’s probably exhausted, sleeping before heading out to sea. Seals don’t trust humans and need privacy to rest. No Lifeguard. No restrooms.

Past Tunnels is Ha‘ena Beach Park, a lovely golden sand beach. Reefs bordering both sides of the beach, named ‘Maniniholo’ after striped convict fish, can provide summertime snorkeling, swimming and rafting. During winter months, large waves can break right onto the beach, making swimming, even standing, hazardous. Restrooms, showers, picnic and barbecue facilities; camping by permit. Lifeguard. Parking limited but possible.

At the literal end, “Ke’e” means “avoidance” in Hawaiian, tied to legends of the goddess Pele chasing her lover Lohi’au here. It’s a protected lagoon perfect for summer snorkeling & swimming (calm inside the reef), with ancient heiau (shrines) nearby linked to the birthplace of hula. Believed to have strong vibrations of spiritual energy. Lifeguards on duty in summer; stay safe in winter swells! Need permit to access: gohaena.com up to 30 days ahead only.

Hanakapi’ai Beach (often spelled Hanakāpīʻai) is the stunning reward at the end of the first 2-mile section of the famous Kalalau Trail along Kauai’s wild Na Pali Coast. This remote golden-sand beach, backed by towering green cliffs and lush valleys, feels like a hidden paradise—but it’s also one of the most dangerous spots on the island due to powerful rip currents, shore break, and unpredictable waves. Swimming or even wading in the ocean here is strongly not recommended—year-round rip currents and high surf have claimed many lives (signs at the beach track drownings as a stark reminder).
The hike starts at Ke’e Beach. The trail is moderate-strenuous: ~4 miles round-trip (2 miles each way), with steady ups/downs, roots, rocks, and mud.

Maniniholo Dry Cave (also called Manini-holo Dry Cave) is a fascinating, easily accessible lava tube cave right across the street from Ha’ena Beach Park. This massive, dry cavern—formed thousands of years ago by ancient ocean waves eroding the volcanic rock when sea levels were higher—stretches about 150–300 feet deep into the base of the cliffs. It’s wide and tall at the entrance (easy to walk in), but the ceiling lowers toward the back, with a sandy/rocky floor and natural light filtering in during the day (no flashlight needed for most of it, though one helps for deeper exploration).
Named after Maniniholo, the legendary chief fisherman of the menehune (Hawaii’s mythical little people known for their strength and nighttime building feats). According to lore, the menehune dug this cave while chasing an evil spirit (or thieves) that stole their fish from Ha’ena. As they tunneled through the rock, they created this huge opening in pursuit of justice! Geologically, it’s a former sea cave that became “dry” as the island rose and the ocean receded.

Limahuli Garden and Preserve is a breathtaking 1,000-acre botanical gem and cultural preserve on Kauai’s North Shore, just west of Hanalei, past Tunnels and Maniniholo Dry Cave, before Ke’e. Part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG) network, it’s a puʻuhonua (place of refuge) dedicated to protecting rare and endangered native Hawaiian plants, restoring the land using ancient Hawaiian practices, and sharing Indigenous knowledge. The publicly accessible 17-acre garden sits in one of Hawaii’s most biodiverse valleys, with the remaining acres as a protected nature preserve.
Admission: ~$20 per person (self-guided); reservations often required.

Also spelled Ka Ulu Paoa is a sacred ancient Hawaiian heiau (stone temple) perched on the hillside above Ke’e Beach at the very end of the road in Haʻena State Park. The heiau honors Laka, the goddess of hula, forest, and fertility holding deep cultural significance as one of the legendary birthplaces of hula—the spiritual dance and chant tradition central to Hawaiian heritage. Ancient halau (hula schools) trained here in isolation, with students dedicating fully to their kumu (teacher) while learning chants, movements, and spiritual practices. Hawaiian lore says the volcano goddess Pele fell in love with the chief Lohi’au here, and Paoa (a skilled hula practitioner) performed hula to win her heart. The name “Kaulu Paoa” translates to “The Inspiration of Paoa,” celebrating this romantic and spiritual story. A nearby companion site, Kaulu-o-Laka (The Inspiration of Laka), completes the pair of hula heiau at the base of Mount Makana (Bali Hai). The archaeological remains include stone platforms and foundations outlining the heiau terrace—used for hula performances above the beach. It’s off-limits for climbing or entering (view from a distance only to respect its kapu/sacred status). Lei offerings and other items left by practitioners should never be disturbed.

This famous 11-mile (one-way) trail is one of the world’s most scenic (and challenging!) hikes—built in the late 1800s along ancient Hawaiian footpaths. The first 2 miles to Hanakapi’ai Beach are doable as a day hike (no permit needed beyond park entry), with waterfalls, valleys, and views that feel prehistoric (it’s been in films like Jurassic Park).

Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park (often called the Nā Pali Coast or Na Pali Coast State Park) is one of the most iconic and breathtaking natural wonders in Hawaii—a rugged, roadless 6,175-acre (2,499 ha) protected area spanning about 16 miles along Kauai’s dramatic northwest coastline. Towering sea cliffs (pali means “cliffs” in Hawaiian) rise up to 4,000 feet straight from the Pacific, with deep narrow valleys, lush rainforests, cascading waterfalls, and hidden beaches that make it feel like a prehistoric paradise. It’s the heart of Kauai’s wild beauty, featured in films like Jurassic Park and South Pacific, and a sacred place with ancient Hawaiian history dating back over 1,000 years. The coast is inaccessible by road—explore by hiking, boat, or helicopter!
Entry: Non-residents need advance reservations for Haʻena State Park (trailhead) via gohaena.com (parking ~$10 + entry fee, or shuttle ~$35 RT—book 30 days ahead, sells out fast!). Hawaii residents with ID get easier access.

Instructions for photo proofing and comments:

Left-click on the photo to access options for title information (i), leave comment, or mark the photo(s) as the favorite. The option to submit the selected as favorite photos is under “Submit proofs” button under photo gallery.

Image Info
Comment
Favorite
Anini Photos
(Double Click on Photo)
Kauaʻi, HI – Key Regions & Attractions
The Garden Isle
Hanalei & Princeville, North Shore –
West of Hanalei, North Shore
Kilauea Area, North Shore
East Shore
Poʻipu to Waimea, South Shore

Coming Soon…

Waimea Canyon & West Shore

Coming Soon…

Kauaʻi Activities/Attractions
Kauaʻi with Kids
Home » Destinations » North America » Kauai, HI » Anini