Best snorkeling in Kauai: 8 spots and Na Pali Coast tours
Kauai's best snorkel spots by season, from Tunnels and Ke'e on the north shore to Poipu and Lawai Beach in the south, plus Na Pali Coast snorkel tours compared.
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Kauai is Hawaii's oldest and greenest main island, and its snorkeling is the most seasonal of all. In summer, the north shore is calm and clear, with lava arches and turtles at Tunnels. In winter, the same beaches see some of the most dangerous surf in the state, and the action moves to Poipu on the south shore.
Map of Kauai snorkel spots
North shore (summer)
Tunnels Beach (Makua)
North Shore
- Level
- 3 of 5
- Entry
- Shore, sandy
- Depth
- 3–60 ft
- Visibility
- Excellent in summer
- Best months
- May to September
- Facilities
- At nearby Haena Beach Park
- Fees and permits
- Free; tiny parking
- What you'll see
- Lava tubes and arches, turtles, reef fish
How to get there
Off Kuhio Highway near Haena. Park at Haena Beach Park and walk east along the sand. Snorkel inside the horseshoe-shaped reef; the outside drops off into deep water and current.
22.224° N, 159.561° WDirections
Ke'e Beach
Haena State Park, North Shore
- Level
- 2 of 5
- Entry
- Shore, sandy
- Depth
- 3–15 ft
- Visibility
- Good in summer
- Best months
- May to September
- Facilities
- Restrooms, showers
- Fees and permits
- Reservation required
- What you'll see
- Reef fish inside the lagoon, sometimes turtles
How to get there
At the end of the road. Book a parking or shuttle reservation for Haena State Park in advance. Stay inside the reef; the channel on the left can pull.
22.221° N, 159.583° WDirections
Anini Beach
North Shore
- Level
- 1 of 5
- Entry
- Shore, sandy
- Depth
- 2–10 ft
- Visibility
- Good when calm
- Best months
- Year-round, calm days
- Facilities
- Restrooms, showers, camping
- Fees and permits
- Free
- What you'll see
- Reef fish, turtles, octopus
How to get there
Off Kuhio Highway between Kilauea and Princeville, down Anini Road. One of Hawaii's longest fringing reefs keeps the lagoon calm.
22.224° N, 159.461° WDirections
Warning: Kauai's north shore has drownings every year, mostly visitors underestimating winter surf and currents. If the ocean looks rough, choose the south shore instead.
Queen's Bath (do not swim)
Princeville
- Level
- 5 of 5
- Entry
- Not recommended
- Best months
- Closed seasonally
- Facilities
- None
How to get there
A tide pool on the lava shelf where rogue waves have swept many people away. We list it only as a warning: it is not a snorkel spot.
22.226° N, 159.493° WDirections
South shore (all year)
The south shore is sunnier and calmer in winter. It is also home to Hawaiian monk seals, which haul out on the sand to rest. Stay at least 50 feet away and never surround them.
Poipu Beach Park
South Shore
- Level
- 1 of 5
- Entry
- Shore, sandy
- Depth
- 2–15 ft
- Visibility
- Good
- Best months
- Year-round, best in winter
- Facilities
- Restrooms, showers, lifeguard
- Fees and permits
- Free
- What you'll see
- Reef fish, turtles, monk seals resting on the beach
How to get there
In Poipu off Hoone Road. Snorkel to the right of the sand spit (tombolo). Keep 50 feet from any monk seal on the sand.
21.873° N, 159.457° WDirections
Lawai Beach (Beach House)
South Shore
- Level
- 2 of 5
- Entry
- Shore, sandy and rocky
- Depth
- 3–15 ft
- Visibility
- Good
- Best months
- Year-round, calm mornings
- Facilities
- Restrooms, showers
- Fees and permits
- Free; roadside parking
- What you'll see
- Turtles, reef fish, sea urchins
How to get there
On Lawai Road next to the Beach House restaurant. Enter from the small sandy patch; swim along the rocks to the left.
21.883° N, 159.493° WDirections
Koloa Landing
South Shore
- Level
- 2 of 5
- Entry
- Shore, boat ramp
- Depth
- 5–40 ft
- Visibility
- Good
- Best months
- Year-round, calm days
- Facilities
- None
- Fees and permits
- Free
- What you'll see
- Turtles, eels, frogfish (look closely)
How to get there
At the end of Hoonani Road in Poipu. Enter at the old boat ramp and follow the reef to the right. Popular with shore divers.
21.876° N, 159.468° WDirections
Na Pali Coast by boat
Na Pali Coast (by boat)
Northwest coast
- Level
- 2 of 5
- Entry
- Boat only
- Depth
- 10–40 ft
- Visibility
- Good in summer
- Best months
- May to September for most stops
- Facilities
- On the boat
- Fees and permits
- Included in tour
- What you'll see
- Spinner dolphins, turtles, sea caves (above water)
How to get there
Tours from Port Allen (south shore) run year-round; snorkel stops depend on sea conditions. Summer trips may reach Nualolo Kai.
22.170° N, 159.660° WDirections
The Na Pali Coast's cliffs and sea caves are only reachable by boat, on foot (the Kalalau Trail) or by helicopter. Snorkel tours from Port Allen and Waimea cruise the coast and stop to snorkel when conditions allow.
| Tour | Leaves from | Time | Group | From | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Na Pali raft snorkel adventureViator: sea caves when calm | Port Allen | 5–6 h | Raft, about 14 | $185–217 | Check availability |
| Na Pali zodiac raft expeditionViator: sea caves and snorkel | Port Allen | About 5 h | Raft | $255 | Check availability |
| Na Pali boat tour and snorkelViator: smoother ride | Port Allen | About 5 h | Small catamaran | $215 | Check availability |
| Na Pali snorkel tour with lunchGetYourGuide: lunch included | Waimea | About 5 h | Boat | $215 | Check availability |
| Niihau and Na Pali snorkel expeditionViator: remote reefs, full day | Port Allen | About 8 h | 65-ft catamaran | — | Check availability |
| All Kauai snorkeling toursViator: browse every option | Kauai | Varies | Varies | — | See all tours |
Raft or catamaran? Rafts are small, fast and can nose into sea caves on calm days. They are also bumpy, with no shade or toilets. Catamarans are slower but far more comfortable for kids and anyone prone to seasickness.
Tips for Kauai
- Check the surf daily and pick the shore with the smallest waves.
- Book Haena State Park early if Ke'e Beach is on your list.
- Bring reef shoes for Lawai and Koloa Landing.
- Use mineral sunscreen: Hawaii bans oxybenzone and octinoxate.
New to snorkeling? Read Hawaii snorkeling for beginners and our snorkeling safety rules. For gear that packs small, see best snorkel sets.
