Looking for the best beaches in Hawaii for children and snorkeling.

I've heard "Ke'e" mentioned.

any other recommendations?

I just want a beach that we can snorkel at, yet would be easy for a child to wade in the water.



Thanks.

Aloha Mary -

Just got back from our 12th trip to Kauai, and I would recommend Poipu Beach on the south shore, where I can tell you that I didn't even need snorkeling gear to see the incredible array of tropical fish with the naked eye. It's a great beach for kids, very calm, and often one can have the bonus of seeing a monk seal there.

On the north shore, they say that Ke'e and Anini beaches are best for snorkeling, but I have had no personal experience with it.

Have a great trip!

Thank you!

We're staying near Princeville. How far of a drive is it to Poipu?

Well, it's about a 45 minute drive from Princeville to Poipu, depending on traffic in the towns of Kapa'a and Lihue, but well worth it. Anini Beach is about 10-15 minutes from Princeville (ask your concierge for directions) and Ke'e Beach is about 30 minutes past Princeville at the very end of the road. Ke'e is one of my favorite beaches, but you need to get there in the morning, as the parking lot gets crowded as the day goes on and spaces are hard to come by.

Hi Mary, Anini is great and very close to where you're staying. It's protected by an outer reef, so you don't have to worry about the waves. I took 3 trips to Anini and never saw more than 6 people the entire time. I have to ask, have you considered the beach at the Princeville resort? Tons of coral and fish. I actually paid for a kayak snorkel tour, and they ended up taking me to the Princeville's beach! Assuming you're not staying at the Princeville, there is a public access stairway at the Princeville's entrance, it's clearly marked. Hanalei Bay beach is also very nice and calm. Ke'e was too crowded for my tastes, even early in the morning. Poipu will not be convenient for you, unless you go after your drive to Waimea...

Sorry about the "Kauai" typo.

I wouldn't mind the drive to Poipu if we were going to spend at least a few hours there.

I've done some research and I can't quite figure out which beach you're referring to. Is is the "Poipu Beach" at the Sheraton? Or "Poipu Beach Park?"


As for Princevile . . .
I hadn't heard anything about that beach. I'll check it out. Thanks. It's so close. We're staying at a rental house about 200 yards from the resort.

Thanks for the suggestions.

What about Lyndgate State Park? It looks great for children, but is the snorkeling good for adults?

Lydgate State Park is good for kids and adults. There are 2 large enclosed lava rock pools, one for wading and one deeper for snorkeling. There is a lifeguard, restrooms, showers, picnic tables (some of which are covered.)

If you go to Lydgate be sure to visit Kamalani Kai Playground right across the parking area, the kids will love it. And about one third mile south of Lydgate is Kamalani Kai Playbridge, a fanciful playgorund structure that should not be missed. Three is a covered pavilion there for picnics.

MTM,
Poipu Beach Park has a great little cove that is great for kids. Very protected and mostly calm. There can be good snorkeling around the sand spit that seperates the beach area into two sections. We have seen sea turtles around the beach area to the right of the sand spit. They are amazing creatures! There are lifegaurds, bathrooms and plenty of grassy areas for spreading out. Once there you can walk over to Brennecke's Beach and watch the boogie boarders do their thing. Brennecke's deli/snack shop right across the lane and is a good place to get a snack while you are playing there.
-Bill