Anini Beach Park Photos
|
Anini Beach Park, Kauai
Anini Beach (see more photos) on Kauai's north shore is a 3-mile-long (4.8 km) beach sheltered by one of the longest and widest reefs in Hawaii measuring 2 miles (3.2 km) in length and 1,600 feet (488 m) at its widest point. The protective reef creates a beautiful and calm blue lagoon, but this makes the beach less of a spot for wave-oriented activities like bodyboarding and surfing.
The flat waves and shallow nearshore ocean bottom make Anini a beach to visit if you have kids. Anini Beach Park is also any snorkeler’s delight - the lagoon is home to numerous humuhumunukunukuapuaa (triggerfish), uhu (parrot fish), kala (unicorn fish), boxer fish, damselfish and other tropical fish. Because of its calm waves and rich underwater life, many consider Anini Beach Park one of the best snorkeling spots on Kauai. On the downside, there are some sharp corals, so take extra care when wading in.
The beach park’s consistent breeze drives locals and visitors alike to this windsurfing mecca. Kite boarding, kite surfing and sail boarding are other wind-based activities that are popular in the channel that cuts through the reef to the west of the beach park. When the waters are calm, this channel is a good spot for snorkeling, windsurfing and spear fishing. However, during times of high surf, a very dangerous rip current forms in the channel and drownings and near drownings have occurred here. On the northwestern part of the beach near the reef, there’s a sudden 60-foot (18-m) drop diving spot.
If you don’t feel like dipping in the water, you can take a walk on the long stretch of sparkling sand. On weekdays, you might not even find a soul sharing the beach with you. Beachcombing will give you plenty of rewards, too - seashells, cowries and rare Niihau shells. Or you can visit the polo field across the beach park; it can draw quite a crowd during summer Sundays.
To find temporary stays when visiting Anini Beach Park is never a problem as there are plenty of B&Bs and vacation rentals nearby. Rumor has it that Hollywood big names like Steven Spielberg have homes on the road along Anini Beach. So if you see Pierce Brosnan walking down the beach, don’t be surprised. Anini Beach Park is said to be the favorite of Bond 007 and he also has a home nearby.
Anini Beach Park Overview
- Sandy beach on the north shore of Kauai
- One of the safest beaches on Kauai, protected by one of the longest and widest reefs in Hawaii
- Good beach for snorkeling
- Kite surfing and sail boarding schools nearby
- Many luxurious homes and vacation rentals in the area
- There are campsites on the beach
Location: Anini Road Kauai, Hawaii 96714 Directions: From Kilauea town, follow the road to Kalihiwai Bridge. Take a right off Route 56 to Kalihiwai Road. Go left on Anini Road. Follow the approximately half-mile track to the beach.
|
