Anahola Beach Park

Anahola Beach Park is a popular destination hosting a variety of activities amongst locals and tourists alike on Kauai's east shore. 

Set beneath a scenic backdrop of the Kalalea Mountains, the nearly half mile of sandy beach here wraps around a crescent bay. While the beach park activities are concentrated on the east side of the beach - accessible via Kukuihale Road - the beach stretches to Anahola Beach and the area around the mouth of Anahola Stream - both of these areas are a little quieter and accessible via Aliomanu Road.

A reef keeps waters along the eastern portion of the beach relatively calm and more suitable for swimming and snorkeling. Benches line the beach beneath the trees that provide shade at the sand's edge. This beach park is very popular amongst locals, with pole fishers commonly seen in a no boarding area around the remains of a former pier stretching up to the north end. 

On weekends you can expect to see the park lawn area filled with local families throwing up shade structures and enjoying the beach from dawn until dusk. In the evenings, this park is one of several county-run campgrounds, and early arrivers can pitch their tent right above the gentle waves.

Bodyboarders often head to the northern portion of the beach, near the mouth of Anahola Stream, since there is less reef protection here. Surfers will hit the waves a little further out. And during calm waters, the mouth of Anahola Stream makes a large shallow pool that often has kids swimming in it. Swimmers should be aware of strong rip currents near the mouth of the stream that can be hazardous.

Bathrooms and showers, along with a seasonal lifeguard tower are located along the eastern portion of the beach. There seemed to be a changing landscape of junked vehicles lining the road immediately outside the park throughout my visit. With its heavy usage, this park also shows the signs of lots of litter, so there are definitely more scenic options available, however this park's accessibility is beyond compare in this area of the island.