The Hawaiian Islands, isolated over 2,000 miles from the nearest major land mass, combine some of the most beautiful and varied landscapes to be found anywhere in the world (above and below water!). Hawaii’s marine world is replete with luminous coral reefs as well as numerous endemic species of reef fish and invertebrates. In these pages, we have documented over 70 shore-accessible reef sites; truly premier locations for dive enthusiasts of all levels!

Hawaii

Known as the ‘Garden Isle’ because of abundant rainfall and lush green vistas, Kauai has more white sandy beaches than any other island of Hawai’i. Opportunities for world-class swimming, surfing, snorkeling, and diving abound!

You can also find a good curated list with beginner-friendly snorkeling spots for Kauai at https://www.lovebigisland.com/kauai/kauai-snorkeling-spots/

Kauai

Divers will travel far and wide to find the best diving. But those who live in the United States have plenty of great diving on their doorstep as well, with plentiful access to the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. From warm-water reefs to temperate seas, here are some of the top places to scuba dive in the United States.

United States

The Salt Pond is a beautiful area with restrooms, water, and showers. It is perfect for getting your feet wet with snorkeling or shorediving for the first time!  Take a picnic lunch and enjoy the beach between dives.

Follow Highway 50  West to  mile 17 (In Hanapepe), and make a left on Highway 543.  Follow the signs to Salt Pond Beach Park.

Salt Pond

Note: Since 2015, this has been designated as a nursery/recovery area for the fishes and has been a no-entry area for the past 7 years (Haw. Code R. § 13-60.8-6). https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/regulated-areas/haena-community-based-subsistence-fishing-area/

Snorkeling Tunnels is great if you know where to go and are a confident swimmer. Tunnels, also known as Makua Beach, is a deceptively massive snorkeling area. Standing on this wonderful wide, long beach, looking out at the waves breaking on the reef edge offshore, it just does not look like all that big of an area, or that far away to its outer edge. But the reef here is a big horseshoe that protects what amounts to a small bay inside. It is much bigger than it appears when you start trying to swim around in it.

Snorkeling Tunnels is some of the best you can find on the island. It is one of the best places on Kauai for seeing big coral formations. Because it is a large area and there are currents, the snorkeling out on the larger reef is not for beginners, but for strong swimming, experienced snorkelers.

Tunnels, like any north shore Kauai snorkeling spot, is seasonal. Often in the winter the waves are too big and the current too dangerous to attempt to snorkel here. We recommend in the winter to snorkel on the south side of Kauai.

The parking for snorkeling Tunnels is even more scarce than at Ke’e Beach. You must arrive very early in the morning to guarantee yourself a spot here. If you don’t get here early enough to get one of the few spots nearer the beach, you can park farther down the road at Ha’ena Beach Park and walk down the beach to Tunnels area. It is over a half mile walk along the beach. If you don't want to try to find parking, you can ride the Kauai North Shore Shuttle to Ha'ena Beach Park.

Tunnels Beach

First thing’s first: bring a camera and a flashlight. This popular site delights novice and advanced divers alike with some of Kauai’s most gorgeous underwater vistas. Located just off Poipu Beach, the coral and marine life live relatively untroubled by harsh ocean swells.

The site’s main attraction is a trio of striking lava tubes that tunnel toward the Sheraton Kauai Hotel’s house beach. Divers kick through these massive structures, with communities of reef crabs, spiny lobsters and shrimp scampering between the nooks to crannies. Remember to crane your neck to the tubes’ lava ceilings: you’re sure to spot some crustaceans and turkeyfish dangling from the cracks.

Outside the tubes, even more sea life darts about from yellowmargin and white-mouth moray eels to gentle sea turtles—even the elusive leaf- and giant anglerfish make the occasional appearance

Sheraton Caverns

Ahukini Landing is a fun dive for an experienced diver.  The water entry, kick-out, and jetty negotiation are all advanced, but the sights can be worth it.  Apparently the site was used as a small harbor during World War II.  A ship or two jettisoned its ammunition making for an eerie landscape.  Don't touch, however.  The reef creatures now make the debris their home, and it should stay that way.

Going into the Lihu'e airport (junction of 570 and 51), you'll have a chance to veer to the left toward the dive site.  There may a lot of new construction going on, but just follow the well-beaten path to the end of the road.

Ahukini Landing

Anahola Beach Park offers something for everyone.  There is a great beach for soaking up some Sun; the sandy entry makes it perfect for kids playing in the surf; there is good snorkeling and beginning diving just off shore; and, for the more adventurous, a good kick-out will get you to some excellent diving at the point.

Heading North on Highway 56 from Lihu'e, turn right on Anahola Road at about mile mark 13.6.  You'll find the park after about .6 mile.

Anahola Beach Park

Lydgate State Park is nice area with all the facilities. The sandy beach makes a wonderful kid's paradise! Snorkelers will find the area perfect during most weather conditions; beginning divers will find it adequate for a first dive or two.

Directions: Heading North from Lihu'e on Highway 56, turn right into the park at about mile mark 5.5. If you've crossed the Wailua River, you've gone too far.

Lydgate State Park

The Lawai Beach park, just next to the Beach House restaurant, has plenty of parking, restrooms, a telephone and shower.

Directions: From Lihu'i heading West on Highway 50, turn left on Highway 520 (Maluhia Road) at mile mark 6.8. After about 3 miles, you'll hit a T in the road at Koloa. Jog right and then an immediate left onto Po'ipu Road, and head South to Po'ipu. At about mile 4.8, take the RIGHT fork and head West. After about a half a mile, you'll have arrived!

Lawai Beach

Ke'e Lagoon is at the Northern most end of the road where you are more likely to find higher surf than normal. In good conditions, it can be a good snorkel site and an easy dive. Only advanced divers should go beyond the barrier reef.

Directions: Simply drive to the end of Highway 560, mile marker 10.

Ke'e Beach

Poipu Beach Park is a very popular site for snorkelers and first-time shore divers. All the facilities are available, including great places to have lunch right across from the beach. A great place to spend the day!

Directions: From Lihu'i heading West on Highway 50, turn left on Highway 520 (Maluhia Road) at mile mark 6.8. After about 3 miles, you'll hit a T in the road at Koloa. Jog right and then an immediate left onto Po'ipu Road, and head South to Po'ipu. At about mile 4.8, take the LEFT fork. After 1.2 mile, take a right on Ho'owili. When you come to the T, you are at Poipu Beach.

Poipu Beach Park

Moloala Bay is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Kauai, Hawaiian Islands which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Moloala Bay

Anini Beach Park is a must-see area.  The drive there is beautiful, with a pleasant waterfall just before the turnoff.  You'll find restrooms, water and telephone service right on the beach.  This is a family area, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and beginner diving.

Heading North on Highway 56 from Lihu'e, turn right on Kalihiwai Road #2 at about mile mark 25.6.  Take the LEFT fork to Anini Road in about .2 mile, and then in another 1.5 mile, you'll find the park.

Anini Beach

A pure sand beach greets you!

Heading West, it is clearly marked where to turn left off the main highway.

Notice that the swimming area is well protected.

I tried snorkeling here but there were lots of ocean motion and it made the water cloudy. Only saw a couple of fish. I'm sure it would have been better at a more calmer time.

Better for people watching. Love to snorkel, Gary

Visibility not that good, 20 feet max.  Explored out to breakers, 1/4 mile and nothing over 20 feet deep.  Disappointing.

Salt Pond

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Salt Pond