Lawa'i Beach Reviews

The beach was a two minute walk from our condo. Great Snorkelling, cool surfers, incredible sunsets, and the female monk seal ruled!!! One of the most endangered mamals on the planet. Protected and she had a good quarter of the beach roped off while we were there. Very blessed to experience this incredible animal. The beach is next to the Beach House- Safe your money as I will go into more detail in another review......; (

I have never snorkelled before so I wasn't sure what to expect at Lawai Beach. We arrived at 10:30 am and easily found parking on the road right across from the beach - in fact there were several empty spaces - about 15 spaces in total of nearby road parking.

It was a bit choppy and it was difficult to enter the water without being bowled over by the waves. It is important to note there is only one small section of the small beach where you can enter the water easily on sand. The sandy part is on the right hand side (facing the ocean) and is about 15 feet wide and and about 20 feet long or so. Entering or exiting the water elsewhere is difficult because of sharp rocks and coral. Not impossible but difficult - and you are likely to get scratched up if you don't enter on the sandy bit.

Initially I felt panicky because of the waves and I didn't like sticking my head underwater while breathing through my mouth. It felt totally alien and I thought my snorkelling expedition was going to be very short-lived (as in minutes). However I persevered and stuck my head under the water for a few seconds at a time and allowed the very buoyant water to keep me afloat. Really all you need to do is float and look down - I barely had to move my hands or feet to stay afloat. That said I would strongly recommend flippers as I would not have been able to swim against the waves and make progress without them.

You don't have to venture out very far - maybe 40 feet or so to see the coral and the reef fish.

Did I mention the fish?

Oh man. I was in heaven. I swam in water about 8 feet deep that had amazing clarity I saw probably 30 - 40 different types of reef fish in less than an hour. In an area 10 feet by 10 feet you could see hundreds of fish. There were giant sized black and yellow Moorish Idols, masked Racoon Butterflyfish, needlelike blue Cornetfish, Blue Striped Butterfly Fish, brilliant turquoise fish that I think were Smalltrail Wrasse, 4-spot Butterfly Fish, the showy purple, orange and blue Saddle Wrasse, Yellowtail Wrasse, Whitespotted Puffers, striped Convict Tang and many other fish that I couldn't identify but were equally magical to watch.

This area also boasts sea turtles and the endangered monk seal - although I didn't see them when I was there.

Anyone prone to motion sickness might want to take gravel or ginger prior to entering the water. I didn't, because it never entered my mind that one could get seasick from snorkelling, and because the sea was a bit rough and I was snorkelling for over an hour when I got out of the water, which was a bit of a struggle, I was immediately seasick - like really seasick - with nausea and vertigo that lasted for about 6 hours.

Despite the motion sickness snorkelling at Lawai Beach was completely worth it and I am planning on going back in a day or two fortified with Gravol and an underwater camera.

Pictures coming soon hopefully.

Lawai Beach isn’t much of a beach, there’s only a thin band of sand along the upper fringe.

This said, it is a terrific place to snorkel.

There are loads of fish, varied and brightly coloured species share the shallow waters, with decent corals as well. Saw the biggest school of fish I’ve ever seen!

Be careful about where you enter and exit. There are submerged lava rocks, with are slippery, and sharp! Best to go in / out around the middle of the park, where there are fewer rocks, and a smooth surface area to enter / exit.

Not too busy, but we were there late afternoon, and it seemed like a lot of people had packed it in for the day.

Nice small quiet mostly sand beach with easy beginner snorkeling and a fantastic restaurant next to the beach. Great for families with small children. We saw a great number and variety of fish.

My wife and I stayed next to this beach at the Lawai Beach Resort. We could walk across the street to the small sand area and jump right in to some awesome snorkeling! We got to see multiple turtles and many beautiful fish. Shallow water and safe for all type of swimmers. Love this place. Restrooms and an outdoor shower to wash up on location. There is plenty of parking. The snow cone lady nearby is very nice and has great snacks. You can rent snorkel gear nearby.

Very small, very crowded beach. But is has some wonderful snorkeling and a great restaurant beside it.

Great place to snorkel on the south side of Kaua'i! It's located in front of the Beach House Restaurant. We saw many different kinds of fish and a couple of turtles.

This is an awesome place to snorkel where you have great chances to see turtles and lots of different fishes!

the small beach next to The Beach House restaurant is great for snorkeling. Can be difficult to get in the water if you are an inexperienced snorkeler.

This is the best snorkeling beach we have found, and we explored a lot of them. The north coast was too windy at any of the beaches for snorkeling, and 'Anini was very overfished in comparison. We saw a turtle here! Poipu is the second best.

It's not a huge beach, but you're sure to find others snorkeling there. Lots of fish to see...bring a waterproof camera.

Small beach in the Poipu Area, has the easiest snorkel beach with abundant fish, turtles and often beached Hawaiian Monk Seals. Restrooms and outdoor shower across the street, and a snack cart.

Lanai Beach is probably the best place to snorkel on the south shore, especially if you are on the hunt for turtles. However, it is not a great beach for those looking to sit on the sand -it is a very rocky area with little true beach. It is also less protected than other South Shore beaches, watch the water a bit before heading in.

We weren't really big snorkelers before but came here to check it out based on the other reviews. We weren't disappointed- there were so many colors of fish and so many sizes it was beautiful. Would highly recommend.

easy entry into water, wide variety of fish close to shore. This is a good place for beginner snorklers.

Great crescent but the whole week we’ve been here there’s little sand area to relax and enough swells to make water entry difficult. This isn’t a beach for the kids but is very popular with local surfers and is popular with snorkelers. The extremely rocky bottom can be tough on Hawaii beach novices. Fortunate to be walking distance from our condo but there’s better choices for a relaxing day at the beach.

Although this is a small beach, it has condo complexes across the road from it. It usually is pretty busy and has the waves drifting into the shore. The view is quite nice and seems older residents like to do their walking and resting along this area.

My wife and I took a short snorkeling trip here and loved it. Make sure to go out directly in front of the shave ice stand because there are no rocks there. We saw tons of fish and even got to see some manta rays (Which the locals said was super rare). We are both beginner snorkelers and had no problem here.

it was tricky getting in & out of the water due to large slippery rocks but the snorkeling was great. Love the inexpensive, high quality entertainment. Lots of fish!!

Wonderful beach to enjoy sunbathing, surfing or just people watching, this was our favorite beach and our condo until was in short walking distance.

We really enjoyed snorkeling here! Got there early and secured enough space for 2 towels. The entry with flippers on is hard but once you are in the fish are incredible. We saw a big sting ray in addition to several species of smaller fish.

This is a small beach but it's in a fairly busy area with plenty to do. The beach itself is good for snorkeling

Small beach to leave your towel, then walk in and enjoy the snorkeling. Lots of tropical fish, eels, and sometimes turtles. Next to the Beach House restaurant.

This beach was great because it was near our condo and had great snorkeling. We saw all types of different reef fish here and turtles as well. The waves can be a little rough but nothing too bad. Such a cool little beach.

A very pretty beach with pretty good snorkeling. Worth the drive to see. Saw some pretty fish and turtles. Go ahead and go.

: Lawai Beach is a nice, easy access beach with generally calm waters, moderate to good visibility, a great variety of fish and beautiful sunsets

We drove down here to catch one last sunset before our red eye back home and the view did not disappoint. The sunset here was beautiful! Don't be shocked when you and a number of others are taking on the view with the condos across the street, but it doesn't matter because you'll probably meet some nice people who are all there to say Mahalo to the sun.

The beach is tiny, next to the Beach House restaurant. Restrooms across the street. Although there are a lot of rocks, there is a sandy spot near the center with room for a couple of people to enter the water to snorkel. I saw maybe 15 or more types of fish in about 30 minutes, fairly close to shore. No current when I was there. Very limited shade at one end.

Very convenient location on the south shore, especially if staying at the Lawai Beach Club. Very popular for snorkeling. Somewhat difficult to get in and out due to the rocks, but doable.

Good small beach. Has restrooms and is good for snorkeling. Rocky bottom so not so easy to get into and swimming not so much. But swimming in the ocean is not so easy to come by on Kauai in general. Great fun to just sit and watch the surf as all or most beaches are. If a seal or turtle make is a nap place the entire beach will be shut down because it is that small.

It was pretty easy to park on the side of the road. At least in July - we found it was better to go here in the morning when it was less rough. Getting in and out is tricky - probably not great for younger kids, but we were fine. We swam about 30 feet from shore and saw a huge coral, several eels, and hundreds of fish. There were fish closer in, but not these huge coral. Note - if you are on the shore and the flies are bothering you, I found that any type of oily spray - like spray suntan lotion kept them away.

Beautiful spot to sunbathe or just watch the surf, snorkelers and surfers. The beach isn't vast, to say the least. But during our visit, there was plenty of room to stretch out. Parking is a small challenge if you aren't staying at one of the resorts or rentals in the area. Don't miss the sunset from in front of the Beach House.

This is a beautiful beach (very small like others mentioned) with fantastic snorkeling. So many fish, an eel, and we swam with a sea turtle too! It’s worth noting though that the currents here can be strong. We were here in August and it’s my understanding that the south shore beaches are rougher in the summer, so that’s probably why. My husband (who literally worked as a lifeguard a few summers ago) and myself got caught in what we now think was a rip current on the right side of the beach (if you’re standing on the sand facing the water) in the early afternoon. He’s a strong swimmer but I’m not the strongest, and we didn’t have flippers. We were swimming as hard as we could and could not move back toward the beach or back to the left side even an inch, just kept getting pulled further to the right. It was terrifying and since it’s so rocky and shallow we kept hitting into rocks and I cut up my legs. We were able to get out on that right side by climbing up the rocks, which wasn’t ideal as they were being hit with waves. Nothing like this has ever happened to us before, but this is definitely a beach to know your limits and be careful. We got back in the water after catching our breath, but only stayed on the left side. I’d recommend avoiding snorkeling on that right side!

This place was great, we just stopped here on our way back from the canyon, there were turtle and giant schools of convict tang, overall very fun.

We stayed next door at Kuhio Shores. The beach is a little small and some rocks on entry. It is sheltered and seems very safe but no lifeguard. Snorkeling was good.

If you are nearby it is a great choice. I would not drive more than about 5 minutes as there are so e better options in close vicinity.

We went to this beach during our last full day in Kauai. It's a fairly short drive from the east side and southern hotels. This beach is quite small, and you need to park on the street across the road from the beach. There is a restroom and shower as well. We really liked this beach because of the snorkeling. I saw literally hundreds of colorful fish in the water here. Best time to go, I think, is before mid-morning.

Awesome little beach right next to the road. GREAT sunsets, EXCELLENT snorkeling. Really liking this little spot. Get's pretty social at sunset. Bring a drink & meet some new friends on the lawn in front of beach house.

We found it a little difficult to enter and leave the water because of how the waves break right at the shore. Knocked me over and filled my bathing suit with rough sand. After that I learned to back into the water wearing swim fins and take them off before exiting. Easy parking in the lot right across the street. Found a shady spot to sit in which is always nice. Nice variety of fish but the water was murky because the ocean was a little rough.

The beach is just in front of the Beach House Restaurant. There is ample parking on the street and an off street lot. It has easy access into the water, a good variety of fish, and a good reef off shore to slow the waves down. I enjoyed the afternoon here, so you should try it too.

Fairly safe reef snorkeling for the family. Lots of tropical fish. Small beach but still worth it for the snorkeling and other activities.

Great for snorkeling, Great little snack shack behind.
Can rent beach gear there
Great to see turtles here
Great to watch sunset there too

This is a fantastic place to snorkel but not for the beginner. We do see tour companies daily but the surf is in my opinion is a little rough for them, unless you are a very good swimmer. That said the snorkeling is wonderful, you will see many tropical fish without looking. Getting in and out of the water can be a challenge due to the lack of beach without rocks. The actual sand beach is small and then rocks immediately in the water. No area for small children to play in water. I highly recommend if you are coming to snorkel or watch the sunset. Don't come to lay out at the beach and play in the water. Parking is limited.

Lawai Beach is much smaller than the nearby Poipu Beach. The beach is really only for snorkeling. The access to the snorkeling is a little rockier, but worth a trip if there’s parking.

Summary: Lawai Beach is a nice, easy access beach with generally calm waters, moderate to good visibility, a great variety of fish and beautiful sunsets. Parking is available in front of the Lawai Beach Resort across the street. Don’t use the resorts lots as you might get towed. As far as the beach goes, it is small [very small]. There are better beaches for picnickers and sun-worshippers! Poipu for one. Lawai Beach is also a nice area for surfers. They begin to arrive at dawn and the last depart with the sunset. Other than for entry of course, the surfers are well removed from the snorkel area. Likewise, the standup paddle-boarders – who are also frequent users. The other group that arrive regularly is the snuba tour [mid-to-late morning] . Anyhow, I had a ball at Lawai!

CAUTION: Do not snorkel/swim to the west of the Lawaii Beach Resort’s large sign. That area is often subject to serious rip tides.

Getting-in and Getting-out: I am 74 years old and for me entry and exit into the water has become a challenge. My first three entries/exits [1 per day at Lawai] were off the beach at the spot where 95% or more of the people enter. Following my third exit a sympathetic couple in their 60’s [long time owners at the timeshare] who had witnessed my flat on the belly beaching and subsequent crawling up onto the sand like a reptile offered to show me a simpler entry spot off the south-west corner of the Beach House restaurant property. [Go down the steps; follow the wall around to the right; sit down on the flat lava rock at or just below water level; put on your fins [hard for me as I have trouble reaching my feet] and then just lean forward and tumble in. Coming out, is only slightly harder but, at least for me, it was still much easier then beaching and crawling on my hands and knees through the shore break. I do wear “Elastic Knee Supports” – bought for about $5 at the wal-mart in Lihue.

Poipu: Was Poipu as good a beach for snorkeling? Yes, and especially if you want 1. to sun, 2. To have a lifeguard nearby, or 3, if you have older children or teenagers. At poipu, I saw more large fish as well as an eel out and about [unusual during the day]. Visibility at either beach is generally moderate to good. Not real good! Certainly not excellent, but let’s just say pretty good. .

Pictures: For me, taking pictures of the fish is as necessary as having ice-cream with apple pie. I took some 400+ pictures. Most were mediocre to poor in quality [missed the fish partially or entirely, blurred, out-of-focus, overall blue cast, etc] but quite a few just required adjustment in Photoshop. [I own and use PS Elements 10]. I ended up with usable pictures of over 40 different species that could be clearly identified from the pictures. I also saw many others that I just couldn’t get clear pictures of. Hawaii’s state fish is one. While I must have seen several dozen humuhumunukunuku-a-pua ‘a fish, I did not get one really clear, sharp, picture of it. I don’t think the humu…’s like to have their picture taken. Neither did the Pacific Gregories, the Spotted Box-fish or the Hawaiian Whitespot Tobies.

Anyhow, I am posting some of my underwater fish pictures. All except the one with the eel were taken at Lawai. I believe that 10 is the maximum number that TA allows to be included with a review. So I am uploading ten.

Baby Beach: By the way, If you have real small children, “Baby Beach” is just a short walk to the east from Lawai Beach. Access is located between 1552 and 1542 Hoona Road . It IS a public beach! Very shallow, very calm, and very pleasant. The little kids can have a ball and be easily watched. You will probably have the entire beach to yourselves.

This is a great place to snorkel. Not a very big beach but the water is great. Saw tons of fish and 2 sea turtles. We rented gear from Boss Frogs right there. Came back several times during our trip to snorkel. Would take a break from snorkeling to watch the surfers a little farther out. Grabbed a drink and pupus from the bar next to the beach one late afternoon.

This little beach is west of the main Poipu condo-opolis, immediately in front of the Beach House Restaurant and across the road from the Lawai Beach Resort. It's also half a block from our Kuhio Shores condo so was a short walk rather than a drive. Nice!

It's a great spot to sunbathe, look at the water, and snorkel; not so good for young kids since it gets deep quickly and there's not much of a sandy bottom. It was really good for snorkeling since the depth and rocky bottom made for clearer water. Many, many fish, including some schools.

It's not very big so don't expect solitude. But it's not the kind of place you go and spend the day so there's a lot of turnover, particularly since it's in walking distance of some condos. There's also a Boss Frog's snorkel gear shop in the Beach House Restaurant building, making it a convenient place to pick up gear and try it out.

Note: on our first visit two endangered Hawaiian monk seals had taken up residence so about half the beach area was cordoned off for several hours.

We stopped at Lawa’i Beach to do some snorkeling after reading reviews here. We’d been snorkeling in front of our hotel at Poipu and had good luck. We wanted to find some turtles and thought we’d give Lawa’i a try.

We’re experienced snorkelers so didn’t have trouble with the rocky entrance, but for beginners or those brand new to it, there’s not an easy entrance option. You’d want water shoes or fins to get in.

The cove is small, parking is somewhat limited, and there’s only a small stretch of sand for sitting on the beach. If you’re looking for a “pretty” beach, there are lots of other options. It does have decent coral life (compared to other Kauai beaches). The day we were there was overcast and the water wasn’t super clear. No turtles, but quite a few fish.

For us, the snorkeling was easier and better down the road at Poipu.

We were looking for a place close to our condo in Poipu, we saw this beach so decided to try it out. We were not disappointed as we saw lot's of fish, the waves were not intense so easy to snorkel. It can be busy because the beach is not wide so can be crowded. We went a few times but noticed that later in the afternoon, it was less crowded but with the sun angle, the fish were not has nice, but it was still ok. Bring a beach umbrella.

Non better in Kauai, just tent your gear there at the beach, no need to drag it from the mainland or other rental places.

Not too big a beach but is great for snorkeling mid morning to early afternoon. Late afternoon, currents a little strong. Lots of fish to see, sea cucumbers and several large turtles.

My favorite place to snorkel is Tunnels Beach, but this March 2019, the road past Hanalei was still closed, and it's really summer only. Lawa'i Beach offers reliable snorkeling year-round. So we had a couple of trips here to see a good variety of fish. Like others have mentioned, there's one narrow access that's not rocky. The shave ice across the street is also a good thing to do.

There isn't much of a beach, and only a small sandy strip to easily get in & out of the water. Once you're in, the snorkeling is great! Lots of exotic fish and you don't have to swim far. It would be a great place to take the kids for snorkeling.

I have driven by Lawaii Beach several times without knowing a small beach was there. It is on the side of the road with no obvious parking. There was plenty of parking on the side of the street near the public restroom and pay phone. Yes, a working pay phone. The beach is not huge, but there were only a few people in the water when we arrived. It was a good first-of-the-day swim with clear water and colorful fish. This is a good stop if you desire something in the south of Kauai that is easy to enter and exit, easy to find (look for the pay phone), and reasonably easy snorkeling. I wouldn't stay here all day unless I was staying at the nearby hotel, but it is worth a stop for a swim.

Lawa'i Beach is a great spot for snorkeling if you're a good swimmer. It is open to the ocean so be mindful of that when getting into the water. Lots of fish to see here and pretty easy getting in and out of the water. This beach is also fantastic for sunsets. Also neat to watch the surfers out off the point catching waves. Must-see place if you're visiting Kauai.

Outstanding place to snorkel. Enough parking in the area. Best time to snorkel is in the morning around 930-10. There is a public restroom just opposite which is clean and usable. Next to it is a small shower and feet wash area. Recommend entering the waters from the center sandy area. Water may be a bit choppy for newbies and kids. I did see turtle on two days. a good variety of fishes. Riptide shaved ice is just opposite it which serves shaved ice, smoothies and snacks. A must visit. This beach is right next to Beach House restaurant

There are plenty of fish of all sizes to view at this snorkeling spot. Sometimes entry is a bit difficult because of the rocks and surf. At high tide, there isn't much beach to sit on. But the variety of fish make exploring this area worth it.

Have been snorkeling at Lawa'i Beach for over ten years and did it again on this year's trip. The water clarity was good and the variety of fish was excellent; I even got to swim with a sea turtle for 20 minutes or so. Over the years, the beach has gotten smaller and the entry into the water is rocky. Best to wear fin socks and then put the fins on after you are waist deep.

This beach is frequented by seals on a periodic basis. This year was no exception.

Didnt see any turtles today, but saw tons of the most colorful fish ever. Fairly calm water. Got to view the sleeping monk seal on the Bch. Tiny Bch area but wasn't overcrowded.

No matter rain or sunshine this beach is great for snorkeling. Limited parking along the shore so come earlier with all snorkeling gear. The earlier the better - more fish, better visibility, less crowd. I noticed that most people are putting fins first then walk to water. My scuba experience thought me - first go to water and then put fins. It’s more easy and you will be more stable.

The snorkeling here is some of the best on the island. Enter the water across from the shave ice stand as there is a small area of sand there as opposed to the rocky coast. Early mornings are the best with good clarity and less wave action. Look for turtles, hono, feeding by the Beach House restaurant.

Rent your snorkel gear next door at Boss Frogs and ready for countless fish. Hard to get into water but well worth the effort.

Nice small beach beside Kuhio Shores/ Beach house restaurant. Good snorkelling, green sea turtles were sighted daily. Good spot to watch the surfers and the sunset.

One of the best snorkeling beaches in Kauai. Also nice for just parking in the sun. Convenient food truck for lunch. Or the Beach House restaurant if you want to splurge.

This was the best snorkel spot we went to that had friendly fish and lots to look at. The water was pretty good early in the morning, gets worse as the day and people add up. Easy to get into for the most part and stays pretty consistent for a long way out.

Lawai is an amazing beach for snorkeling. There is much space for sun bathing. There was a nice variety of fish and lots of them.

We saw surfers and snorkelers at this beach as well as people wading into shallow water. We were told by locals that this isn't the best of places for those activities. So...we just came here for the sunsets which were wonderful.

We did get to see a sleeping seal on one of the days at this beach.

We ran into someone on Anini Beach in north Shore. He’s regular visitor to Kaua’i. He told us about the great snorkeling beach “by the Beach House Restaurant” in Puipo. This is THE place! We came here several times while on south shore, saw multiple turtles every time. I think we even saw some organized snorkeling groups in later afternoon each day

Parking:
Across the street along the road near Lawai Resort. Although busy, there were spots available if you drive past the shaved ice snack stand

Water
Relatively calm. Entry is a bit Rocky, definitely need fins or water shoes

Snorkeling
Fish: easily spot even in shallow water close to shoe

Turtle: quite a few residents here! We found them usually playing around or hiding under large coral reef in the middle of the small bay (facing the ocean, to the right side of the Beach House). They seem to be quite comfortable with visitors. We had to try to stay away from them!

Other
Beach House is right next door. Many people watching sunset on its lawn. Dinner definitely need reservation (on OpenTable).

There is a shaved ice truck across the street, with snacks too.

Restroom and freshwater rinsing station all across the street by the snack stand

The beach is not crowded at all. One of our favorite on south shore!

This little beach is quite a good deal. There is a restaurant next to it that is amazing. The snorkeling here is awesome. It's a fun place to watch the surfers, although unless you're experienced it's not for you.

I come to Kauai about 2x a year and this is consistently one of my favorite snorkel spots. It's a small beach directly across from where we stay so it's very convenient. Look for turtle, monk seal, eels and all the other regulars.

The beach is not too wide and the entrance a little rocky but its a fairly sheltered beach. Enter in the middle of beach where there is a little sandy patch. Lay down as soon as you can and paddle over the rocks. When you return, look for the large pipe ( it is not connected to anything) it points exactly back to your starting point.

We stayed at a time share nearby and went snorkeling at Lawai Beach. Not much sand, but a very sheltered area to swim and snorkel.

In front of the Beachhouse -not much beach at all - but I am there for the swim - the fish and watching the little groms learn to surf. My boys grew up here - I love to take family and friends who love the water, to this area - out to see turtles and plenty of fish and feel the cool clean ions of the ocean. For more picnic area and wading or watching boats - check out Kukui'ula Harbor

My mother-in-law clued us in to this spot when we went on our trip to Kauai. She said this spot was one of the best snorkeling spots on the island and she was right! We saw many different fish that were very colorful, we saw sea turtles, and we could see whales breaching off in the distance. The entrance to the water is easier than some of the other beaches we visited and we went back many times to snorkel this spot. Highly recommend!

This is a very small beach, but the snorkeling is about the best you'll find in the winter months on Kauai. Also, when busy, there is always The Beach House (restaurant) lawn that can be used during the day. We have a timeshare right across the street and enjoy this beach frequently each visit. Lots of monk seals come up here, also. View is heavenly.

Nice small beach but there are fish to see right off the beach, so good for beginners. Small beach but never seemed to be too crowded.

This was our first time snorkeling and we greatly enjoyed it! We were able to park across the street from the beach. It's a very rocky entry into the water, so my suggestion is to sit down in very shallow water, put on your fins, roll over on your belly and swim out - you won't be able to walk out. We saw all kinds of interesting fish and sea creatures, though were disappointed that we missed any turtles that day. The sandy beach area is quite small, so not a lot of room for sun bathing, etc. You can rinse the sand off at the bath house across the street when you're done.

This was the best spot we found on the South Shore for snorkeling. If you park by the Beach House restaurant and enter the water in the middle of the little cove it's perfect for snorkeling.

Great beach. Rocky and not as sandy. Watch your footing. When surfers are out, water could be too rough for snorkeling. More of a winter time snorkel spot.

My family snorkels and scubas a lot, and we were all glad that we chose this particular site. The variety of fish to be seen is truly excellent, with multiple varieties of butterfly fish (raccoon, thread fin, ornate, teardrop, etc), parrot fish, black durgon, triggerfish, flounders, and moray eels, just to name a few. The sandy portion of the beach is rather small, but there are plenty of rocks on which to leave one's things. The entry area into the water is a little restricted, but once you're in the water the snorkeling is great. Don't be afraid to venture out aways, because there is a shallow shelf out towards the breakwater that has a lot of sea life.

There is some good snorkeling at Lawai Beach, but it's also a popular spot for snorkeling newbies and sometimes can feel a bit crowded because there isn't a lot of sandy beach. Also lots of lava rock, which can be navigated, but be careful. An easier in and out for snorkeling, and more space for beach lounging, is Poipu Beach. Restrooms and snacks nearby there as well.

Unfortunately we visited on a day when there was high surf. As someone who isn't a strong swimmer and no lifeguard on duty it was not a beach for us to swim at. It was a nice place to just sit and watch the waves.

And I have been fortunate enough to enjoy the beauty of Poipu beach for the past week. This week, the waves were incredibly high. Magnificent. I've sat on my balcony ( lanai) and watched surfers ride the waves! There have been some snorkelers in the water but I have been content to watch the surfers and the majestic waves. Each night, while sitting at the beach house restaurant, the distant sunset shows different colors of beauty. While there, at sunset, hundreds of birds fly around the area looking for a palm tree to rest in for the night. It is quite a sight! The beach itself is small and there is a certain place to get in the water from the shore. It is not at the Rocky bend by the beach house. The entrance is more near in-line with the shaved ice shack across the street...

Very small beach, but good snorkeling. Not too tough to get in and out. Nice showers just across the road.

We stayed at the Lawai Beach Resort and Lawai Beach is right across the street. Best snorkeling ever experienced. Morning is the best time as the waves get big in the afternoon.

Great snorkeling, protected area. We saw a monk seal most days during our weeklong plus visit. Waves can get large when there is wind out of the south. Often sunny when their is rain to the North and east.

Being novice at snorkeling, this was a great place to go to. It was a challenge getting the mask and fins on in the water, but once that was accomplished the colourful fish were numerous, and just gorgeous. As the beach is protected by the reef, we were not concerned a out rip tides.
We also went there in the evening and were so surprised to see the ocean level reach the rocks. This is a perfect location to see a Kauai'ian sunset,

We had a relatively large group - some of us wanted to snorkel, others wanted to relax in the sun. Lawa'i Beach were great for both.

Plenty of street parking and a small public lot across the street. Beach and lawn in front of Beach House restaurant offer a couple of very nice options for relaxing and drying off after spending time in the water.

None in our group were expert snorkelers so we appreciated the relatively shallow water that was sheltered from large waves, and abundance of fish and other sea life in such an accessible spot. It compared favorably to some of the other highly recommended snorkeling spots we visited but way more accessible with plenty of amenities nearby.

As far as entry, it is pretty rocky like other people said but there is one sandy area that is the best place to get in the water. Other than that, look up the tides and watch the surf because it can get rough during certain times of the year. Beyond that, such good snorkeling! So many colorful fish, turtles, and monk seals! The photos say it all, seriously cool fish.
Also, public parking all along the side of the road and a public parking lot that many people do not see for some reason but it's right there. For those that do not have their own gear there is a Boss Frogs shop right by the beach that you can rent from (I assume... I have my own gear) and there is a restaraunt right on the beach too. There is plenty of room to lay out and tan if you are not into snorkeling and plenty of space to put your towel and other things. We left our stuff out for an hour at a time and it was not touched, very safe.

This is a SAFE beach to snorkel, swim, surf during the winter months. A small sandy entrance can be found but it is quite small. Other water entry points can be found along the sea wall. Fish can be seen almost as soon as you enter the water. Sometimes part of the beach will be roped off to protect a sleeping Hawaiian Monk Seal. Nice to see these creatures making a comeback. If you go into the water, please do not stand on or otherwise disturb the coral. Doing so will ensure the fish and sea creatures will be there in the future.

There is a public parking lot and designated parking along the street. Public washrooms and freshwater rinse are available across the street from the beach. Speed limit is 15 MPH. A food stand and The Beach House Restaurant provide awesome snacks and meals. The beach is relatively small, so go early (depending on the tide). Small children through the elderly will appreciate this beach. The more adventurous can surf, or swim around to Kuhio Beach on the other side of the Kuhio Shores Condos. Check out the strong current advisory before you go further than the sheltered part of the bay.

Excellent snorkeling and great views of tropical fish. We visited at 8 AM (low tide) and entered from the middle left side close to the beach house restaurant. The entry was rough but when you swim out you have great views. Not a place for beginners but excellent if you feel comfortable snorkeling and can swim well. A tour was there at the end of our snorkeling visit as well as locals so we felt safe. Bathrooms and shower made it nice leaving.

Stayed just across the street and snorkeled here several times without disappointment. Lawai has some of the clearest water on Kauai and is home to some amazing tropical fish. We've previously seen a couple of sea turtle and on our final day on this trip we spotted schools containing hundreds of fish, including the Hawaii state fish! There's a small, sandy beach nearby but the entrance to the water is very rocky so highly recommended but definitely not for beginners.

This tiny beach is well worth your time. Situated just on the west side of the Beach House restaurant, there is public parking and a Boss Frogs shop to rent snorkeling equipment if needed. I saw a great variety of reef fish within 20-30 feet from shore than I have on many dives, even a turtle. Take care though, as the area has quite a few rocks, and the surf can push you into a close encounter. More and better snorkeling than Poipou Beach, although more sand there.

awai beach is a small beach right along the road to Spouting Horn across the street from the Lawai Beach Resort. The setting is nice but can be crowded with the Snuba and Snorkeling classes arrive for their classes. No much room the lay out and relax, however, you can use the lawn outside the Reach House restaurant. It can be crowded also. You can have a relaxing day, but be aware of the crowds. The snorkeling is good and is great for watching fish. You may even swim with a turtle!

great for a beginner like myself. So many different fish to see just off of the shoreline. Fairly easy access to this beach.

Small sandy beach very rocky short way out making it ideal for snorkeling. We rented gear right there in a small office attached to The Beach House restaurant. You can get very good shaved ice and good snacks at Riptides across the street. Pro tip - if the beach is full or high tide people were sitting on the grassy lawn at Beach House without anyone seeming to care.

This isn't a beach to hang out and sunbathe. It's small and doesn't have facilities but the snorkeling was very good and we're glad we did this. I'd get there earlier than later because it's small and crowds make it tough and stir up the sand.

This little beach with a small strip of sand has a dense population of fish. Sometimes turtles. Can be tough to get in and out at low tide. Excellent snorkeling.

Lawai Beach is a great place to watch the Sunset, relax and take in Kauai. Parking can be fun to get if you aren't staying close by. Monk Seals, Turtles and lots of snorkelers.

This popular little park is one of the best snorkeling spots on Kauai. It's about as easy and convenient as snorkeling ever gets: You park in front of the Lawai Beach Resort, cross the street to the sandy beach, then put on your fins and wade into the water. We stayed relatively close to the Beach House Restaurant (to the east). There was a shallow coral reef with a wide variety of colorful fish, and we also saw two large sea turtles swimming by. Note that there's a Boss Frog's next to the Beach House (where you can rent gear if needed), and there was also a nice little snack bar and public restroom (with showers!) about 10 steps from our car.

Great place to snorkle and see fish and sea turtles. Great little gentle bay. Great snack stand with the best Shave Ice. Clean bathroom. Great beach to go to. One of our favorites

This is a great little spot to hit if Poi'pu Beach Park is too crowded. The snorkelling was good but make sure you enter into the water at the small sandy area at the centre of the beach or you may stumble over the rocks at the other areas (which we learned). There were a few turtles and fish to see. We were here after the flash flooding so water clarity wasn't 100% and there weren't a ton of fish. Overall I'm sure this would be even better on a clear hot day.

This is a good place to go snorkel but watch your feet. There is not a lot of sand for the entry and exit and the bottom of the ocean has lots of rocks. There are lots of fish to been seen and we came across two turtles on our first trip out.

We saw an abundance of fish, even a cleaning station, as well as a turtle. This beach is not life-guarded, though, so know your ability and be aware of the ocean conditions.

Looking for a fun underwater activity on Kauai? One that takes almost no instruction and offers a really fun experience? Then consider snorkeling at Lawai Beach.

Lawai Beach offers both novices and intermediate snorkelers a great opportunity to see many of the island's colorful fish.

The beach has an easy access. But, and this is important, know where to get in. Most snorkelers new to the area try to walk across the sandy beach and enter. The problem is that this takes you over about 50 feet of coral bottom, making it more difficult and potentially dangerous if you are knocked over by a wave.

So, instead of entering in the middle of the beach, walk about 20 yards west (to the right facing the ocean) and look for the lighter colored bottom. This indicates sand and is easy to walk out on. The sandy area doglegs to the right; follow the sand to the deeper water. Stop and look back at the beach so you can get a "line-up" on shore markings. Use this when you are exiting the area to avoid coming back to the shore over the coral areas.

The current flows from left to right (again facing the ocean). It can be significant enough to move you out of the prime snorkeling area. Get in the habit of looking towards the shore and note if you are drifting down-current. Try to swim back towards the Beach House restaurant if you are starting to drift.

Most resorts have snorkel gear to rent. In addition, Boss Frog's and Snorkel Bobs in Koloa Town have rentals at bargain prices.

This is a fun experience for individuals, couples and families. And, unlike most island activities, it costs nothing after you have your fins and snorkels.

We went to Lawai Beach on a day that was stormy on and off and windy. The water was also not very calm. That being said, the snorkeling was still really good. The visibility was not as good as it could be on a calmer day, but was fine. There were lots of different fish, and some healthy coral. We saw sea cucumbers, and lots of urchins as well. It is very rocky which makes it harder to enter and exit the water, but not a deal breaker. We are by no means expert snorkelers, and we did fine. It is not the best place for kids to snorkel, especially if they are still learning or small. Poipu Beach Park has a great protected, sandy, pond like area that is great for kids. Lawai Beach is a pretty small beach, with not a lot of sand, but we thought it was a great place to snorkel.

We snorkeled here. Saw plenty of fish and others saw turtles. It was a little busy, but easy to get to.

My wife and I were staying just across the street from this beach and it was a great place to go snorkeling. There is a small sand beach on the corner, but you have lots of rocks to get over to actually get in the water. This is a favorite place for many surfers and you can see them out there everyday. The surf and tides can be a bit active so you do have to be comfortable snorkeling in that type of environment. Lots of colorful fish to be seen. If you don't want to go in the water you can just sit on the nice lawn by the beach and enjoy yourself. Great place to see the sunset.

There wasn't much sandy area to hang out on, but the snorkeling was very good. We saw lots of cool fish and the water was relatively clear.

Visited while Hawaii was only open to intra-state travel during Covid 19. Medium size beach, rocky in the water, but with amazing snorkeling. No lifeguards. Parking is limited.

With it being my first time snorkeling I was a bit nervous. But this beach provided a great first experience. I saw a great variety of beautiful fish and even a couple turtles. So much fun!

Almost always see a turtle as well as eel, loads of tropical fish. Beware the current, as with all hawaii beaches but the further out and to the west you venture in the water, you can get caught in a bit of a swift current depending on conditions. Just be aware and try to stay near The Beach House side of the beach to avoid that situation. Good shave ice across street by public restrooms and shower

This is our favorite winter snorkeling place. We always see lots of sea life and local fish. In probably 20 times there for snorkeling only one time did we not see sea turtles. Remember stay away from them but close enough to watch and enjoy. This is a wonderful place preserve it!

Tiny little beach but don't let that keep you away. It's a beautiful spot which is absolutely gorgeous and a great place to watch the sunset. If you are lucky you will stumble across monk seals and sea turtles. Good snorkeling spot with relatively calm waters. As with most beaches in Kauai I recommend water shoes.

We went to this beach because we read wonderful reviews here on Trip Advisor.

The beach is quite nice. It's much quieter than most other beaches that offer snorkeling. Parking is a breeze and all you need to do is cross the road, put down your towel and jump in the water. I really enjoyed the simplicity and few people.

There are fish but we've done some pretty nice snorkeling on the other islands and it was somewhat meh. The water was also cloudy. At the end of the day it really comes down to the time of year, weather and swells. Definitely quite a few fish but a snorkeling tour would probably be better or another island. Talk to the locals and see what trip advisor recommends in the last few days. There were quite a few positive reviews in the last week but the swells also changed quite a bit in the last few days. We went to Poipu Beach after to see if there was a better turn out and we preferred Lawai.

Good luck!

If you love to snorkel or if your a novice and just thinking about snorkeling, but worried about the ocean, then this is the place for you! the variety of fish here is simply STUNNING and they are NOT afraid of you either! It is s safe and protected area to snorkel as well! Bring your underwater camera as you will DEFINITELY want to take lots of pictures for your memories! I cant recommend this place ENOUGH for snorkelers who want to see LOTS of fish, but don't mind not seeing much coral!

It was a little rough finding the right spot to get into the water, but once we did with our snorkeling gear, it was amazing!!

Fairly safe beach for kids with a lot of fish to see while snorkeling. Careful of the rocks though while entering and exiting. A current goes East to West too, so be mindful.

Lawa'i Beach is one of the best snorkeling beaches in Kauai. The beach is very small and there is one small entrance point (straight line out from Shave Ice Stand) where one can avoid the coral and rocks to enter the water. We saw a fair amount of fish and some turtles. Be careful snorkeling here later in the day as the surf gets very rough (Summer). If you want to see lots of turtles, go on the back side of the Beach House restaurant and there are lots of turtles on the rocky shore, usually around 4 to 6 PM. Be extremely careful here as there is no really good way to access this cove in the summer months. I do not recommend this cove in the summer months unless one is a very experienced snorkeler. There are plenty of turtles here but surf can be very rough. The crowds are much smaller than Poipu beach.

One of the best snorkeling spots on Kauai. However be mindful of the semi difficult entry on mostly rocks and the presence of currents towards the outer reef. Wildlife variety is great, honus are regulars, and there are some coral heads (not a lot). I recommend it for a quick dip. It used to be better for lounging before Beach House swallowed up a lot of the lawm for their use.

Kids had a great time snorkeling. Didn't see any turtles, all kinds of colorful and different sized fish. Surf was a little rough but the 3 kids used boggie boards and noddles

We saw lots of fish and a sea turtle! The waves can get pretty big a bit offshore so watch where you swim/float. Rentals for snorkel gear etc are at Boss Frog in the building right next to the beach. It was $20 for 24 hrs for two of us I think. Or in that neighborhood. The gear was really good. Probably the best snorkel gear I’ve ever used.

We saw fantastic fish at this small beach, even managed to find a spot with some shade. First time we went, water was calm and the beach was packed. Second time, the water was too rough for snorkeling, but with the wind and clouds we had the beach to ourselves!

This is a smaller beach with rocky water access. We walked to where the rocks in the water opened up a bit to the sand on the beach to enter for snorkeling. It was a little difficult getting in and out to snorkel even in this area as the water is very shallow and a bit rocky - got a few rock scrapes but the snorkeling was totally worth it. We found there was more to see than at Poipu. The water was relatively calm when we were there.

This was a great snorkeling beach. We saw the most fish and sea turtles at this beach. There is a small parking lot and bathroom and even has a small refreshment stand.

The beach area itself is small, but the snorkeling is fantastic.

Please be very careful here . My husband and I were caught in a dangerous rip current that ran parallel with the shore. Do not swim too far to the right.

We were swept 1000 feet down to the next beach and had to scramble out on jagged rocks with pounding surf and got a bit beat up. It was very scary.

There are no lifeguards here, and no warnings about the dangerous rip tides. We visited twice and the first time the waters were quite calm. The second time it was windy here, but we did not expect the dangerous rip current. It was like trying to swim against a very fast river which was nearly impossible.

We talked to a lifeguard at the nearby Poipu beach, and he said that there are lots of drownings at Lawa’i Beach and that just the day before they had to perform a resuscitation.

Consider bringing flotation assistance, always swim with a buddy that is a strong swimmer and don’t venture too far to the right.

We have tried snorkeling in quiet a few beaches but this is our favorite. It's best to go early morning before it gets crowded with tour groups. We saw lots of colorful fish, a turtle & a couple of huge lobsters that I would have loved to take home for supper. It's across from our condo which makes it very handy.

We love snorkeling here! Sunsets are great here as well - we have seen a huge selection of fish over the years - turtles, rays, tangs, parrot fish and even a small shark. It is a bit tricky to get in and out. There is a "no parking" sign on the road above - use that as your marker for the only sandy entrance/exit into the beach - everywhere else is rocky and it makes it impossible to deal with fins etc.

We have been staying at Prince Kuhio condos and didn't know that this gem was walking distance until today. We were not disappointed, going into the water for snorkeling, immediately see all these beautiful tropical fish. It was a little difficult getting it because of the rocks and the strong waves, really had to make a good effort. once you are in its go time. I found the most amazing fish were by the rocks near to the shore to the left of the beach-- a little risky because the waves push you close to the rocks, but saw so many larger tropical fish sitting near the rocks, big sea cucumber, and even saw a lobster poking his head out from between the rocks! best for intermediate snorkelers.

Went here almost every day for 10 days with my son who lives there and had a beer to watch sunset and went there for coffee before you went to work swim during the days go surfing and some snorkeling

Lawai beach outside of Poipu is some of the best snorkling on the island of Kauai. Lots of colorful fish and an occasional hono (sea turtle).

Lawa’i beach is an excellent place for snorkeling with lots of fish swimming right next to you. Public toilets are right next to the beach. Beach is quite warm and there’s a small area for keeping your stuff and lying down. Currents are strong, so bring your life vests if you’re not a swimmer. Shave ice truck is right behind the beach, so you can enjoy Hawaiian speciality right on the beach. Public parking is available too..

If you want to swim with turtles on the south shore, this is the place to go.

Head's up that it's a small beach with not much room to lay, and the ocean can also get quite choppy.

But, aside from Tunnels up north, this is the best snorkeling we found in Kauai. There were a decent amount of fish and, best of all, 3-5 turtles swimming right around you.

Four years ago we stayed near to this beach and discovered great snorkelling. The beach is not the best for sunbathing as it is pretty small and there is a small access area that is good for getting in the water. We came back to stay in the same locale because we could walk to the beach for the snorkelling. There is a great variety of fish, and if you are lucky, you can see a turtle. We have tried a lot of spots in Hawaii, and this is a great one that you don't have to get to by boat.

Find the Beach House Restaurant and you've found Lawai Beach. Fun place to snorkel. You can put your stuff on the sand, or on the lawn in front of the Beach House.

Love the beaches on Kauai. this one is pretty busy. Good for smaller children and tourists. Anini beach is worth a try.

Lawai Beach is a great South Shore snorkeling spot. Located to the right of the Beach House restaurant, you can literally put your fins on, swim 5 feet out and see a tremendous amount of fish. Keep going and you'll see huge, beautiful corals. My husband and I preferred this spot over Poipu Beach, which is also nice but crowded. Poipu didn't seem to have the same variety of coral. We saw a monk seal sunning herself the 2nd day we visited Lawai. I love the fact that there is a strong conservation movement on Kauai and they are serious about interfering with the wildlife, particularly endangered monk seals and green sea turtles. The day we saw the monk seal a large portion of the small beach was roped off to keep people from bothering her. Awesome. Speaking of the beach if you prefer not to get sandy you are welcome to sit on the Beach House lawn as long as you are quiet and clean up after yourself. Sitting on the lawn is an especially good choice to make during high tide as the beach almost disappears under the water.

Note: There is no lifeguard and the currents are very strong. Getting in and out of the ocean is difficult as most of the beach is rocky. There's one sandy spot that the majority of people use to enter and exit the water. This isn't a beach for little kids unless they are strong swimmers and even then I'd be a bit wary. To paraphrase a rule of thumb I read--If there are a ton of surfers out, think twice about going in.

If you don't have your own gear there is a Snorkel Bob's attached to the restaurant. We rented fins there-I'm grossed out with the idea of sharing a snorkel and mask. There is a dive shop within a 5 minutes drive of the beach where you an pick up gear for $50 or so bucks, not much more than it costs to rent gear for a week. This is a good deal since you can bring it with you on your next visit! My husband's snorkel broke the first day we were here and he picked one up for $30.

Enjoy!

This is the best snorkeling beach by far in the southern part of the island. We checked out many more beaches in the area, and none compared to this beach.

This is the 3rd beach we tried for snorkeling and the best so far.
We cove allows you to keep your head down and not be overcome by the waves. The waves do keep coming in but the are gentle and just roll over you.
We saw a wide variety of fish.

Had to go back here even though we were staying right at Poipu beach. Enjoy that it gets deep pretty quickly. Getting in and out isn't as easy as other places. Seems like this is a place that possibly the cruise ships bring their snorkelers to, as we've seen groups coming in on some of our trips here. Parking is easy before 10a. Change of scenery from Poipu Beach. Sad but we didn't seen any turtles here on this trip, we did see a couple eels though and lot of other fish!

We try to hit this snorkle site at least once every trip to Kauai. Has a small split of sand to lounge. Sandy rocky area to enter. This past trip we saw turtles, wrasse cleaning trumpet and other fish, two types of eels, coral, frog fish and over 15 other species of fish of all sizes,. It seems to get more diverse each time we visit. Stay to the mid-eastern side behind the reef to avoid strong current that may dash you into sharp coral rock.

We came to Kauai to snorkel. Unfortunately some of the best snorkeling spots were inaccessible or contaminated due to the April 2018 flooding. But we found Lawai Beach (aka Beach House Beach) to be the BEST snorkeling spot for us. So many beautiful fish, particularly in the rocky area near the restaurant. Facilities are available across the street, plus there's a GREAT shaved ice place and restaurant too!

Lots of fish (and quite a few eels) this trip! I always feel safe and confident getting in to the water at Lawai for a snorkel. It is a pretty easy entry in to the water there, a good variety of fish and the coral finally seems to be coming back, and I like the little bit of white sandy beach to lay out on and dry off on after a snorkel. We went early morning (about 9am) two different days and it was very easy to get a parking spot.

We were looking for a snorkelling place close to the hotel. Found this beach, nice place but could get crowded fast. Lot's of fish, the waves are perfect, this place is ideal. I would go early as too late in the day, you loose the optimal fish experience. The beach is not wide and very little shade, but still does the job, enjoy.

One of the best spots on the south shore to take visitors or beginners. Usually very calm with a protected reef break off shore. Lots of tropical fish and the occasional (Honu)Turtle.

We used Kauai Zodiac Tour to walk into the water with a guide. He showed where the turtles live. One swam by us and we saw lots of colorful fish. Water was choppy but we will come back for sure.

This is not really much of a beach. there is a tiny bit of sand to the left of some very good snorkeling. We stayed near here and the conditions can get very rough and unpleasant because the bottom is all rocks. That said if you come early morning (we went at 9) and get in the water when the conditions are calme the snorkeling BLOWS AWAY the snorkeling at both Poipu and the Napali Coast charter experience. We saw tons of fish of amazing variety and they were large! The swarms of yellow fish shown in the picture come right up to your face! There is no lifeguard here and as soon as the wind picks up and the tide starts coming in the outflow gets strong. Getting out of the water can be trickyi if you do it at the wrong spot. The waves will bash you into the rocks. Spend a few minutes watching where people are going before heading out. Not recommended for weak swimmers or little kids.

were cant you go with out see a beautiful site. loved watching the waves and my grandaughter playing

Lawai Beach is a good beach for beginning snorkelers since it is protected with an offshore reef. Small beach but you can walk into the water and snorkel. I usually snorkel here since my wife likes to sun on the grassy area near the restaurant. I always see turtles here and lots of fish.

The hotel concierge recommended this little beach for snorkeling but we found it a bit rough on the day we went. The beach is small and entering the water was not easy with fins and over the rocks. Once out over the reef the snorkeling was fine but getting back to shore was not easy. I don't recommend this spot for novice swimmers.

I've been here 3 times over the past 20 years and its just getting so beat up that it's not really that great. I think the accessibility is fantastic, views from the beach are terrific. Snorkeling is what has gone down hill in my opinion. I think Hawaii should consider only selling reef safe sunscreen before they have no coral to look at that's alive close to shore!

Good snorkeling right off the road. The entry is a bit rocky but not too bad. Avoid the shallow areas to the left near the beach house restaurant you get better fish to view right in the middle. There are some turtles as well. Parking across the road and shower too. Not good for anything besides snorkeling. There isn’t much of a beach. There is a gentle flow to the right about the middle of the bay but generally safe in winter months.

We visited several beaches and saw the most fish and variety here at Lawai Beach which is located just west of the Beach House. There is a sandy area in the middle to walk into the water otherwise you are stepping over rocks. Large safe area to snorkel but be careful not to get to close to the rocks or out too far. Bathroom with a rinse off spot across the street as well as a stand that sells shaved ice and snacks.

We love this beach, the variety and numbers of fish are prolific and you might just see an eel or turtle or two! This last trip the waves were often large and it wasn't as clear as usual, some days were even unsafe to snorkel. Check with other snorklers before plunging in if the water looks a little too turbulent or if your not a swimmer. Enjoy the underwater creation!

This is a tiny little beach next to the famous Beach House Restaurant. Surprisingly and unexpectedly it has the greatest variety of tropical fish I have ever seen anywhere in the world (and I have done a lot of snorkeling.) One reason is that snuba classes are held here and they feed the fish. That keeps the fish in the area. You will also find that the fish tend to be much tamer that most, and will rarely hide from you.
The last time I was there, a lazy monk seal lay down on the small beach and took a nice long nap.
The water here can be rough. Observe when it is calm, don't go out too far, and stick toward the left side next to the Beach House Restaurant.
There are public bathrooms directly across the street, as well as a small public parking lot. If you can't park in the lot, there is plenty of street parking though you may have to walk a distance.

This was a great snorkeling area to see such a variety of fish. We went when other snorkel tours came so that got a bit hectic. However, if you stay away from the crowd and venture out a bit, there's a better experience. We entered (like the tour did) through the middle where there's a little sandy area that dips. I agree to keep eye of where you enter as I lost sight of it and realized I was so far out. There's more the farther out you go but I chickened out. It was rougher than I'm used to due to the sideways pull, but not too difficult. Definitely not a great beach for kids so we had to take turns going out. Go to Poipu for the family experience!

Great snorkeling, saw some really beautiful fish and a number of turtles. Can be quite busy, so pick a time when there are less people, and definitely watch out for the rocks! I also went surfing here, and although there are some difficult currents and a lot of rocks to avoid, it’s pretty good surfing and there’s very little people out at the break. Very beautiful at sunset too!

Good food, nice variety. Friendly service. The area is nice. Just a place to sit and enjoy a meal and people watch.

We saw lots of fish here and the water was clear and calm. The beach is small so you're sitting close to everyone. The reef is more rocks than coral. Did I mention we saw lots of fish.

We spent a couple of hours here snorkeling (me) and relaxing (my husband). The water was clear, lots of fish and there was a nice place to read on the sand for my husband. Right near The Beach House. Parking was easy.

Beach very small but very busy. No lifeguard, right next to restaurant. Many people snorkeling and surfing. Good picture place

It was rough water during my 13-day stay in Kauai, but I really was curious to see how it was to snorkel at this beach across the street from my condo. 1 day, it finally looked safish (I'm a beginner), so I went in (my last day before departure). To my delight, it was the best snorkeling I've found on all the islands I've been too (Hawaii, Maui, Oahu, & Kauai). The variety & amount of fish was awesome. A memory to thrill me for the rest of my days!

The area is beautiful and the sunsets are gorgeous. It is a small and mostly rocky beach difficult to get in and out and snorkel. Coral and fish aren’t bad. Some food trucks and Hawaiian Ice are available. Area is pretty clean. You can watch surfers.

During our 9 day Kauai vacation, we snorkeled at 3 locations and this was the best place for seeing many fish with a fairly good variety. In the building next to the beach, there is a snorkel equipment rental shop which was very handy. The beach was a little crowded and popular. There is an easy water entry point that has very flat rock right from the sandy beach to get in and out of the ocean. We also enjoyed some Hawaiian Ice from a vendor across the street.

Stayed right across street at Lawai Beach Resort, so this was very convenient & not crowded. Not a lot of beach space & a bit rocky, but once past the rocks, great views underwater.

Found this gem of an area today- snorkelled amongst am y different fish and was pleasantly surprised by a passing turtle!
Washrooms near by and a small snack bar. Public parking lot, as well as street spaces. The beach house restaurant is next door as well The Black Pearl- art gallery! Not to be missed.

Snorkeling can be bouncy during high tide and after a storm, but fish are abundant during low tide or beginning of incoming tide and calmer waters which is frequent. Bring your fave beverage and snacks to enjoy the wonderful sunset views from the grassy field and steps. And the flocks of wild parakeets are fascinating too.

You heard it from everyone else so I'll skip the raving about how awesome the snorkeling is. Best part... I Googled shark attacks and couldn't find one instance in my search. That sold my wife on it! Skip anywhere else on the south Shore and go here!

Lawai Beach has a narrow strip of sand that makes it easy to get in and out of the water. The water is relatively shallow until you get out a bit, but easy to navigate. Fish are plentiful, and the water is clear. It's very common to find turtles here or in front of Kuhio Shores, just around the corner. More adventuresome snorklers will round the point by the Beach House and check out the turtles there or go out to the reef about 100 yards out.

This was one of our favorite beaches for snorkeling. You doneed to go out a little further than where you see most people snorkeling. You will be surrounded by fish when you do. It's wonderful!

Just fine snorkeling. Not National Geographic worthy but if you have kids or just want to see colorful fish and float in the wonderful sea, it is worth a stop. People feeding the fish created a distraction from what might otherwise have been a more organic, natural experience of moving in currents and tides with the fish.

Allerton gardens were beautiful. Make sure you get the guided tour. Well worth it! Check times before you come!

I wasn't able to snorkel here but watched my son and husband and they had an absolute blast. They were so hesitant to go since it doesn't look like much from the road. It is very rocky as others have said but what you see underwater is incredible. I loved watching my husband dive down to take pictures of things he saw. He was floating, floating, floating and then quickly dove to take a picture of something. He said it was better than PoiPu Beach or Salt Pond, the other two places were went last week.

I am an experienced novice snorkeler. I have snorkeled quite a bit but I really don’t have a good grasp of currents and waves and ocean safety. Thankfully my husband does. So, I had been a little nervous about snorkeling at this beach next to the Beach House restaurant since it has some sizable waves and apparently a current at times.

I finally got brave and gave it a go and loved it! We saw fish we had never seen at Poipu Beach just a few miles down the beach. Lots of fish and if you go before 10am, not too many people. The only tricky part is getting into the water. There is really only one narrow sandy spot to enter and it gets wavy. Trying to put my fins on in the water just wasn’t happening. I eventually decided it was much easier to put my fins on on the beach and then slowly walk backwards into the water. I saw a few much more experienced snorkelers do that so it must be the best way!

Definitely a great spot -- but it tends to get crowded by mid-late morning.

When we got to Lawa'i Beach, the tide was in and there was no sand visible. You have to climb over the rocks to get into the water. Once in the water this is a great place for snorkeling. Lots of tropical fish.

We visited this beach twice. We had 2 semi experienced snorkelers and 4 new snorkelers. This is a very protected area. It is loaded with colorful fish. We rented snorkel gear and an underwater camera. Got some great pictures at this location. Even saw a good sized sea turtle! This beach does have some sand, but is small and a little steep.

We love this beach for snorkeling. But sometimes at high tide there isn't any room to just lay on the sand and relax. Turtles come in around 3pm or so.

We wish more people would forget to come here - leaves more room for us!

This beach was awesome for snorkeling. Saw many colorful fish. I would go back again! It is right by the beach house restaurant which has an excellent sunset view and great food.

We stayed at Lawai Beach Resort and, oddly enough, Lawai Beach is right across the street! During our week stay at LBR, we went to Lawai Beach at least a few times each day... for sunrise, watch local surfers, be mesmerized by the rolling waves, snorkeling, and the famous sunsets at this spot! The water is a bit rough for great snorkeling, complicated with the reality of entering & exiting the water gracefully. There's a bit of a current, especially on the right (west) side of this beach so watch that when snorkeling. The sunsets were probably the most beautiful part of this beach and it gets very crowded (relatively speaking) on good sunset days.

One of the best places to snorkel on southern Kauai. Easy access, turtles and big fish. We prefer to sit on the grass by the Beach House restaraunt and watch the surfers in between snorkels.

Regretting we didn't find this beach earlier. Only went there the last day of our stay in Kauai with a few hours to go before the flight. I'm a novice snorkeler, weak swimmer. But I saw a large number of fish, a few new ones at Lawai beach. There was a group of convict tangs and really friendly pair of raccoon butterflyfishes. Also saw lots of needlefish close to the surface. If you heed to others' tip on here and take the small sandy strip to enter/exit the water, snorkeling was real easy. Most of the fish is concentrated in 20 x 20 area right in front of the sandy entrance. Elsewhere the fish population was really sparse.

A fairly small beach but is easy to access as it is right off the street. This beach isn't meant for sunbathing or playing as it is fairly narrow, however, the snorkeling is top notch. Large amount of fish with nice variety of fish species and a fairly good chance you'll catch a harbor monk seal sunbathing.

The only feature of this beach is for snorkeling, there is great underwater coral and rocks for fish to hang out around. I had 3 opportunities to go snorkeling while at Kauai this previous week. It's at a small bay, so somewhat protected with less surf than the larger beaches and minimal undertow or riptide risk. This was the beach that tour businesses were taking people for snorkel instruction, which seems to indicate some merit. It wasn't busy (about 20 people) on the afternoon we went. There was such a wonderful variety of tropical fish to see (much more than Poipu Beach and a bay that we went to with a boat trip) and they didn't seem to mind my sharing the water with them. It felt like swimming in a well stocked, huge aquarium.
There is not really a sand area, and it's aligned about 10 feet from a small side road so not scenic unless you like to look at the area condos.You also have to start floating out on water right away, otherwise you'll trip on the big rocks and coral.

This is a small quiet strip of and just across the street from the Lawai Beach Club (a timeshare community). It does not get big crowds, but occasional snorkeling tours do descend on the beach. Probably a better beach for snorkeling than swimming because there are lots of rocks and it is somewhat rough on the feet. Also, no lifeguards. Bathrooms and showers (and a little shave ice stand) across the road. Worth checking out.

This small beach is very accessible with a small beach house. Easy access to the water. Lots of colorful sea life.

This is a beautiful spot with lots of marine life to see. Just be sure to ask someone who knows what the best entry point is and where to view the most fish. We made the mistake of going in farther west than we should have, and the waves knocked us around a little. Also watch for sea urchins-- we saw a girl that had stepped on one and it looked so painful.

this was our best snorkeling experience. there are so many fish here. not much room to sit or anything, but the snorkeling is soo great. sooo many fish.

We visited a lot of beaches while we were on Kauai (January 2019) and this was our favorite for snorkelling. Some care is required as the shoreline is rocky so the best entrance is the small sandy area. The small beach area was quite crowded. Water is not too rough as it breaks before the shore.

Parking is hard to get in the afternoon but we just waited for someone to leave. There’s a large grassy area above the beach where the Beach House restaurant is located. We relaxed here and people watched after our swim.

Bathrooms & a snack stand across the street. Snorkel gear can be rented at the shop nearby.

Very good spot for snorkeling on Kauai (have checked around 10 - and this was the best). Have seen many fishes, some 4 feet long (Cornet-/Trumpetfish) and after 40 min also a turtle in the middle of the small bay. One Shower and public restrooms available. Restaurant also very nice.

This beach has good views of sunsets and is a nice beach among the condos.

The only downside is that there is not much beach here. We ended up walking down to Baby Beach to get into the water so we didn't have to worry about rocks.

Liked the location; close to restaurants, coffee plantation, marina for tours, Waimea Canyon, walking distance to Spouting Horn, 20 minutes to Costco or Walmart, Gas BBQ available to guests, nice pools (designated 'quiet pool'), 15 -20 minutes to airport.

Very small beach area but some of the best snorkeling around. Tricky getting in and out at time due to rocks and some slippery areas. Water is less clear after high wave action.

that may not be there at high tide. It is located across from the Lawai Beach resort (go figure, huh). Looks like there were more snorkelers than beach goers. This may be better suited for snorkeling than sitting on the sand.

So this Beach is directly across from the Lawai Beach Resort and is supposed to be known for the Best snorkeling around. I don't snorkel and had to sit on the lawn area of the Beach House Restaurant to watch my husband snorkel. It isa very tiny patch of beach with only one shade tree that everyone seems to be under. The Monk seal wasn't out when I was there, but he frequents the beach as everyone else saw him. We watched the Sunset in the evenings from there

My husband enjoyed the snorkeling at this beach but sunbathing is difficult due to all of the flies biting me! Beach area to lay in the sun was very small too. It was very tough to get in and out of the water at this location as well.

Some of the best snorkeling on the island! There is an abundance of sea life within a safe distance of the shore for even novice snorkelers. However, use caution as it is rocky and conditions can make it tricky getting in and out of the water.

Lots of fish, good sandy entry in the center. Several local snorkel and snuba tours put in here daily.
It's best to arrive early, not a lot of beach area. Water has some action not the best for beginners.

Outside the Beach House restaurant and across the road from the Lawaii Beach Resort, this is a good family area. Snorkeling may be among the best with crystal clear waters, numerous species of fish and beautiful coral. We swam with Green Sea Turtles who come in despite the numerous people there. You are almost guaranteed to find a Monk Seal visiting the beach, which means that it gets roped off as an endangered species, but clearly the seal(s?) knows it can spend a few hours sunning itself without being bothered.

very nice snorkeling area and also a beautiful spot to watch the sun set. The beach is narrow but you can always find a spot

Love to snorkel here! Great place to see the turtles in the morning and awesome reef life. Can be a bit crowded sometimes, and have a decent surf so please be mindful.

We had a fantastic time snorkeling this beach. It is a super small beach and can get a little crowded, but has some amazing snorkeling. Saw 20-40 types of fish, a large sea turtle, and quite a bit of coral. Very shallow and good for beginners. One day a harbor seal decided to use the beach as a hang out, which took half the beach up.

We stayed across the street from the beach..! We watched surfers try their hand at the waves every day!! It was fun to see each one's style! A monk seal found his way to the sand by the walkway so was staked out by the locals to protect it!! He was a big one!!

Nice Inlet area mostly for tanning or snorkeling. Several were either snorkeling or surfing (when waves were up). Seemed like you could not predict the waves either. The bottom is very rough so if you decide to swim from shore you better wear water shoes. Sand beach area not too large either. Nice view and very parceful.

I was impressed with the variety of fish I encountered, and there were so many of them. You don't have to go out all that far to see them, either.

The one problem I had was getting out far enough to see things. The waves were fairly strong and I ended up getting knocked down a couple of times, with the rocks quite often scraping me. Because of the different sizes and shapes of the rocks it was hard to keep my feet.

But once I got out to the point where I couldn't touch the bottom everything was fine and the fish viewing began. It was amazing. There were yellow fish, black and yellow striped fish, fish with a neon green stripe on the top, and even a yellow and orange fish which was my particular favorite. Sorry, I didn't get the name/type of the fish, but if you like snorkeling then this is a great place to go.

Snorkelling was not that great ..

Beach was ok, we didn't stay long. Poipu beach was the best in our minds.

Great snorkeling. Daughter got hurt on entering because of the waves over the rocks. Once in, very enjoyable. In June there's a summer swell. We were there in the late morning.

Even though there was an island wide high surf advisory, only small swells at Lawa'i. We rented equipment at Snorkel Bob's in Koloa. The entry is rocky, however, at low tide, entry/exit at the middle is pretty good. There are several spots towards The Beach House where coral is growing. We saw a fair amount of fish there. But keep an eye on the waves and don't get too close to the rocks. Generally parking is available till about 45 mins till sunset, the the sunset watching crowd arrives. There is a very small lot across from Beach House, street parking, then another lot just before the golf course on the left. This lot was never full. Oh, were there during the week.

Rocky getting in and out of the water, so wear tight fitting water shoes you can snorkel in. Best snorkeling experience we had on Kauai; so many beautiful colored fish and many different kinds. Near the Beach House restaurant. Small sand area, so not really a place you hang out at for sunbathing; people snorkel and then move on. Tide pools also.

We found this spot as we were going from beach to beach looking to snorkel with sea turtles. This is where we found them, 4 of them in a small reef right in the center of the bay! It's rocky so be careful going out and of course respect the wildlife. Sunset was also beautiful there and a performer was doing live music. There is a shave ice stand with delicious organic flavors. Perfect end to a perfect day!

There was an abundance of sea life just under the surface. We are beginner snorkelers and were excited about what we saw.

This beach is very convenient for people in the Poipu area. There is not much beach for sun worshipers, but the fish are plentiful. We even saw sea turtles on two of three visits. There is a gear rental shop in the same building as The Beach House restaurant.

I have been to this beach several times and it has a good fish population and variety.
The is however only one place to safely enter the water. When you enter be shure to take a visual bearing of your entry point because it is not easy to identify when returning to the beach. If you miss it and try to exit elsewhere you could get hurt because of rocks and unsure footing.

This is an ok beach for young kids since it is more protected, but what is truly wonderful about this beach is the snorkeling!! We saw so many different types of gorgeous, colorful fish here and even got to swim with a giant sea turtle. A must do, especially for beginners.

This is a nice small beach great for snorkeling. A lot of fish. There is parking and a public bathroom across the street.

Mother mother ocean and a number of her treasures in an accessible spot. Thankful to have found this cove years ago. Best during lower tide+beginning of incoming tide. The reefs protect the cove and soften the wave action.

Small area of sand access in front of shave-shack. Rocky elsewhere...

honu feed on the reefs in front of Beach House- please marvel at them but keep your distance....have seen them almost every time in!

Large schools of several species of gorgeous fish. Corals, sea cucumbers, urchins, magic.

**while it may be “fun” to feed the fish, it is not healthy for them —and has been known to attract sharks (not necessarily in this cove). Please avoid that temptation .

easy entry, protected reef, tons of fish to see! Parking is a challenge. There are restrooms, a place to change and fresh water across the street.

Be careful! I never saw a sandy spot to enter the water and it was extremely rocky near the shore. Even though we wore water shoes, the large rocks were very slippery & dangerous. Leaving the water after snorkeling was even more challenging! My husband & I got bad scratches from the rocks. My advice is to go somewhere else for snorkeling.

Getting in and out of the water can b e a challenge and you should arrive early because the beach and the parking and get crowded.

Great little beach right across the street from our resort. Great for swimming and snorkling, and a little further out good waves for surfing.

Great beach to people watching as well as turtles and surfers.
The snorkeling is very good at Lawai Beach. The ocean is pretty shallow and safe for beginner snorkelers. There are benches, walls, lawn and sand you can sit on and take in all that is going on.

Lawa'i Beach is easy to access, it's across from, a shower and bathroom. There is usually a Hawaiian Monk Seal chilling on the sand. It is a small little beach with good snorkeling and turtles when the surf is small. The restaurant next door has great solo artist playing in the afternoon. The views of sea and surfers is great.

We stayed a block from this beach so went with no expectations. It is wonderful for snorkeling. Many fish, many types of fish and quite a few turtles. It is much clearer on calm days. Just a great time right next to the lawn at The Beach House Restaurant. Nice little Snack Truck across the street too.

This place rules. Has all the sea life and close to my resort. When north side to rough this is the spot that is the go to spot. Perfect in winter.

We love Lawai beach for snorkeling, but it's definitely not one for beach lovers, as it all but disappears when the tide comes in. Plant yourself as close to the road as possible and you should be fine.

You can also see Hawaiian Monk Seals, sea turtles, eels and other ocean creatures on occasion - it's just a really nice place to spend some time and I visit this beach every time I'm on the island.

So I stayed at a resort right across the street and this beach is popular with surfers and snorkelers. It doesnt have a lot of sand and the bottom is rocky, but current isnt too bad. This one of the better places for snorkeling, but remember, Kauai is not a great spot for snorkeling, go to Maui or The Big Island for that.
They have bathrooms, parking, and showers across the street. Nice little chill beach to cool off.

This tiny beach at the end of Lawai Road is a great spot for snorkeling, snuba, and relatively gentle surfing. There is a snorkeling (etc.) rental place about 50 feet from the water, and the beachfront Beach House Restaurant lawn is a beautiful place to stop and catch your breath or study the waves and find the best place to get in and out of the water. Be careful! There are a lot of large and sharp rocks and coral that can ruin your day if you don't pay attention to where you enter and leave the water.

Great snorkel spot, but don't expect to lounge on the beach there--miniscule at best. Clean bathroom with place to change in an oversized stall, outside clean water shower. Climb down lava rocks 6-10 feet to a small beach, which is on a cove protected by a reef. Calm inside the reef, and there is a channel to the outside (where the waves aren't breaking on the reef) for the more adventuresome. Good water clarity--10 feet near the beach, about 100 feet outside the reef. Good variety of sealife, and overall a great place for a day trip.

Had a blast snorkeling here. First day a sea turtle was hanging on the shore. The fish viewing was really quite good for an off the shore excursion. Don't forget to get near the rocks by the beach resort restaurant- the fish like to feed there. The beach is small but the beach resort restaurant is kind enough to let people sit on their grass. Restrooms and food truck are just across the street. Sunset on this beach is super!

Lawa'i has wonderful snorkeling that is easy to access. There's usually a parking space right in front. There are a lot of rocks on the beach and it is very narrow, so this isn't a "stay all day" kind of beach but just a great spot to get into the water and see a great variety of marine life.

This spot is the best for this island. You'll have easy parking. Just walk across the street and place your beach towel on the sand. Washrooms and showers are there- kinda dirty tho. The beach is small but not too over crowded unless a tour comes in. Not a bad spot to try surfing. Safe spot for kids to try snorkelling just watch there is a lot of rocks at the beginning of the entry into the water that are slippery. There is a restaurant right beside you if you get hungry. This you'll see here colourful fish, YellowMargin Moray Eel, turtles, lobster, and I saw the endangered Hawaiian Sea Lion. The place to get to beach isn't wheel chair accessible. Great view for sunset.

No need to take a boat out to see amazing fish - just rent some gear and walk from the small beach into this little bay and see more fish (and sea turtles) than you could have ever imagined possible.

We walked here a few times and it is interesting to watch surfers and snorkels there. There is a rest room across the street which can be handy. It always seems that there qui a few people here. It is a pretty spot.

This is a great spot for walk in snorkeling - saw a lot of fish & even a sea turtle. I do agree with other reviews cautioning about the rocks - the entry/exit area is not that broad. One of my kids and my husband got pretty cut up when the kid got too close to the rocks & my husband had to go after her. It was a little more wavy than I prefer. Other days we drove by there, the surf was a lot rougher.

Great beach for snorkeling. Can be difficult to get into because of the rocks. Should be a bit experienced due to the entry. Some people were struggling to get in the water. A bit of a current on the right side of the beach when we were there. Small beach area which isn't great if it gets busy.

For my wife and I this was our favorite beach to snorkel at! The water was warm and calm, lots of great ocean life (including seeing a green sea turtle EVERY TIME), lots of parking, and best of all less crowded than the nearby Poipu Beach (which is also worth checking out). The beach itself is pretty small, and I'm not sure how great it would be for lounging.

Great spot to take the family snorkeling. There is very little wave action, especially once you leave the beach. The beach is quite small. There is one sandy spot beneath the surface where you can easily enter the water. This spot is on the west end of the small sandy beach.
Many fish and even some turtles. Free parking.

This is our first trip to Kauai. We snorkeled twice at Poipu Beach, off a boat on the Na Poli coast, and at Lawai beach. Lawai Beach was the best snorkeling hands down. We saw more types of fish and much bigger fish here than anywhere else.

It was low tide when we went. The beach disappears at high tide. It can be rough getting in and out due to small breaking waves, rocks, and current, but once you swim past that you can snorkel in relatively calm water that is crystal clear. This is where you see more healthy coral of several colors/varieties and many larger fish.

This beach does not have a lot of beach (sand) and it's quite rocky, but it's great for snorkeling and beginning to mid skill surfing. The locals tell us it's where their kids come to learn to surf.

The best time to snorkel at this beach is at low tide. Even when the waves are at their calmest it’s still difficult to enter and exit the ocean due to the rocks. Best spot is in front of the surf shop where there’s a sandy patch to the right of a large rock. Beware of the riptides on the right side of the bay. It’s best to swim between the middle of the bay and the Beach House. It’s definitely a workout, but we saw turtles and a lot of fish. If you’re not an expert swimmer, then definitely go to Poipu Beach for a more relaxed and easy snorkel experience. No lifeguards at this beach to save you if you get into trouble. Also a popular spot to watch the sunset.

Best to arrive mid morning or earlier at this dreamy little beach if you want a spot under the shade tree, but morning is best anyway for more predictable weather in the winter. There is parking on the street or in a small public lot across the road from the beach, next to the beach restrooms. The beach is small so personal space could feel compromised by some but we had engaging conversation with the couple next to us for some nice social interaction. The views of waves rolling in were spectacular, and particularly mesmerizing if you take the concrete walking path around the Beach House Restaurant where the waves are huge and beautiful. On this Sunday, there were a number of surfers to watch. The snorkeling is decent with numerous fish but maybe not as many species as some other places, though I got some great pics as many of the fish hang around you. There is one safe way in the water and the same way back out, due to the rocks, using the tree to the left of the shave ice stand across the street as a guide. There is some coral but not a whole lot. The sand is course here.

Snorkeling is just ok. Not a lot of fish, but did see some angel fish. Rocky, but that seems to be the norm around here.

It doesn't look like much of a beach at first, but once you see all the Lawai beach area has to offer, you'll be very impressed. First the BEST snorkeling in Poipu area is here. There are a few spots over by the Poipu public beach area, but you hardly see any fish. The snorkeling here isn't the greatest ever, but there are plenty of parrot fish, angel fish, and little spots of colorful coral. I was even amazed to swim with a sea turtle, which are normally found on the north shore more than the south shore. It was a little cloudy, I went in the afternoon and it was also a little rough. Besides the snorkeling, there are plenty of photo opportunities with lava rocks, waves, and small tide pools. The Beach House restaurant is also right there, so if you wanted to grab a bite/drinks its very convenient. I liked this spot because it is off from the resorts and truly gave me a "local" Hawaiian beach experience.

Tips:
- Bring fins/flippers if you want to snorkel. The waves can get a little rough and its easier to dive down during high tide to see some fish.
- there is a limited beach area, however there is a grass area where you can setup a picnic, beach chairs, etc. under palm trees overlooking the little cove. No sand, and you get the beach atmosphere - amazing views at sunset!
- There is limited parking, might want to get there early.
- Bathroom facilities are available on-site
- Take the pathways around the Lawai area, great views and it makes for a nice stroll after sunbathing and swimming
- Not recommended for smaller children as there isn't much "play" room, and the swimming is a little rough

This beach is well protected and has the best snorkeling and sunsets in the island. We saw so many different types of fish and turtles everyday! A lot of people come to sit on the wall or grass to watch sunset every night. Cool little beach.

Lawai Beach was directly in front of our resort. The beach is small, but the snorkeling is great. Also a good place to watch some talented surfers.

Safe, friendly waters. Clean area. Good surf in afternoons. Popular with locals but not overrun by tourists. Snub a offered by local vendor. Great view of sunset, too.

We went during the winter, so there wasn't much of a beach, we just put all of our stuff on the rocks which was fine. The water was super clear! We saw a ton of fish but no sea turtles or seals. Even if you don't see turtles it's still a ton of fun! We found parking super easy but we got lucky with parking through out our whole trip :) There is parking just right across from the beach and that's where we parked. We were out there for hours!! Definitely go here for snorkeling!

Of the places I have snorkeled on Kauai, I like Lawai Beach the most. There is a wide variety of tropical fish, and I saw sea turtles swimming beneath me each time I went snorkeling. There are other beaches near by, like Brenneke's Beach which has very easy access to the ocean, but you'll get more variety of tropical fish at Lawai Beach.

Small beach but great snorkeling. We saw many beautiful fish in the water. It was a nice trip and enjoyed an open air shopping center nearby as well.