WHERE IT IS: Yes, this is one of those beaches you’d find in all the tourist guides and maps. However, this is the longest continuous beach on the island, so most tourists are steered toward the central area--the Anini Beach Park.

HOW TO GET THERE: Heading from Kapaa, pass Kilauea town and Kalihiwai bridge, turn right on Kalihiwai Road then immediately left on Anini Road. About half a mile in you have the beach park area, further down at the end of the road is a less-trodden area at the mouth a small stream.

WHEN TO GO THERE: This is the arguably the longest continuous reef system in the state hence, much of the shoreline is protected year round. HOWEVER, there may be days in the winter swell season that could make even the most tranquil looking spot dangerous... even deadly. Use common sense and, when in doubt, stay in and around the park area.

WHAT TO DO THERE: The entire beach area is fronted by reef, making it excellent for snorkeling. Sail-boarding and kite-surfing lessons are also offered there. However, these are all DAY activities. What makes this my 3rd favorite beach is what we do here at NIGHT. Especially in the summer, the reef at night shelters numerous types of fish valued by the locals, especially the uhu (parrot fish) and the kala (unicorn fish). Its sheer vastness makes Anini the most popular night diving spot on the island.

I’d read a journal that mentioned this was a favorite spot of Pierce Brosnan. Alas, no Bond today. After a short walk on the beach, we couldn’t wait any longer to get into that inviting, calm, clear water. We donned our snorkel gear and began our first venture into the underwater world of Kauai.

Hawaii’s famous triggerfish, the humuhumunukunukuapuaa, was very plentiful. We have one of these fish in our saltwater tank at home, but the huge guys we saw underwater would make an easy snack out of our little one! We marveled at how FAT they are!

Damselfishes as big as silver dollars swam right up to me. I wondered if they were curious or just not paying attention. Or maybe other snorkelers have been bringing treats to share. Darn! Why didn’t I remember to bring a bit of dog kibble?

Other wonders were spotted boxfishes, parrotfish and wrasses. We watched a small eel weave through submerged lava rocks. The water in this area was very shallow, and we could have stood up at any time. We had to be careful of the deeper sea-lane and small boats occasionally coming and going. In the sea-lane, the current was quite fast, so we worked our way out of it and back to the sunny beach.

After a quick fresh-water shower, and allowing a few minutes drying time, we decided to follow the road along the beach to its end. Beautiful homes and many rental houses line the street. We picked up a flyer to see what the rental rates are. The homes will sleep 4-18 people and begin at $950-3450 per week.

Despite spending three more days on Kauai, Anini Beach remained my favorite spot. Quite deserted, it allowed us the opportunity to experience a quiet, romantic Hawaiian paradise.

The beach is really pretty - the water is *extremely* calm and crystal clear, but the sand, while white and clean, is a little hard and unforgiving. Not powdery like the other beaches, more like tiny little rocks. I did some snorkeling in the water at Anini Beach (with my own gear, you can't rent any there) and there wasn't all that much to see, but it got me geared up for a few days later at Hanauma Bay in Oahu! There was a guy windsailing and a group of people taking a painting class, trying to capture the millions of blue-green hues of the water and sky.

Overall, this is a highly recommended secluded beach for a few hours' stop on a sunny day!