Anahola Beach Park

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Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Anahola Beach Park is located on the east coast of the Hawaiian island of Kauai.


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Summary

It is a popular spot for swimming, surfing, and beach activities, with a long, wide stretch of sandy beach and clear turquoise waters. The park also has picnic areas, showers, and restrooms.

One of the main attractions of Anahola Beach Park is the Anahola River, which flows into the ocean at the park. Visitors can swim or paddle in the river, or take a short hike to the nearby Anahola Mountains for panoramic views of the coast.

Another point of interest at Anahola Beach Park is the Heiau, an ancient Hawaiian temple that is still used for cultural and religious purposes by local residents. The area around the Heiau is considered sacred, so visitors are asked to be respectful and not disturb the site.

Interesting facts about Anahola Beach Park include its history as a traditional fishing and gathering place for Native Hawaiians, and its role in the local economy as a popular tourist destination. The park is also home to a diverse range of plant and animal species, including sea turtles, monk seals, and various types of birds.

The best time of year to visit Anahola Beach Park is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and dry. However, visitors should be aware that the park can be crowded during peak tourist season, and should plan accordingly. Overall, Anahola Beach Park offers a beautiful natural setting and a rich cultural history that make it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Kauai.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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