for the perfect Anini vacation rental.
HISTORY
The history of Anini Beach is actually related back to the history of the Hanalei area. Located in the Garden Isle of Kauai, over 5 million years ago Kauai became a part of the Hawaiian islands and has enjoyed a rich history that includes Anini Beach and its unique name change.
The Polynesians
The first people inhabiting Kauai were the Menehune tribe. These Polynesians grew crops such as sugar can, taro and potatoes along the rich shores and valleys. The core of their culture was Mana, the prowess of the gods who was believed to affect all aspects of their lives. These early residents of Kauai lived there for hundreds of years without any outsiders.
Modern History
After hundreds of years on their own without any outside influence, the English explorer James Cooks discovered Kauai and its inhabitants in 1778. Years went by and then whalers, traders and missionaries began to travel to the Garden Isle with the first group landing on the shore in 1835. The newcomers sought to convert native Hawaiians to Christianity and full-blooded Hawaiians began to diminish. Children of the missionaries became professionals and owned sugar and land plantations. As foreign power expanded in the regions, the Hawaiian monarchy came to an end in 1893.
The Role of Sugar
The sugar trade was a booming industry in Kauai by the late 1800s and drew a variety of immigrants from Asia and Europe to work on the plantations. As various people from around the world arrived in Kauai, they brought along their own unique culture and changed the vibe of the island forever. New lifestyles, practices and a new economy became integrated into Kauai's culture creating an eclectic mix of customs and ideas still appreciated through the Garden Isle today.
Princeville Ranch
The Princeville Ranch has existed near Anini Beach since 1831 when the land was leased by Richard Charlton, British Consul and Advisor to King Kamehameha II. Charlton brought in 100 California longhorns and by 1895, the plantation was purchased by A.S. Wilcox, son of missionary Abner Wilcox and the great uncle of Gale Carswell. The ranch has been leased and operated by the Carswell family since 1978 and in 1994, they began another cattle operation at Princeville. Tourists can take horseback tours along the bluffs of Anini Beach and listen to tales about the incredible culture and history in the area.
Wanini Beach
The name of Anini Beach used to be Wanini Beach until a hurricane during the 1990s took off the W at the beginning of the word on one of the original signs for the beach. No one bothered to replace the W and now the beach is well-known throughout the world as Anini Beach rather than Wanini Beach.
The coral reefs, emerald bluffs and protected coves of Anini Beach house centuries of history and culture just waiting to be discovered during your dream Hawaiian getaway.
PACKING
Hawaii is one of the most laid-back travel destinations in the world and you don't need to pack a lot of fussy clothes or heavy items to be comfortable. In fact, you don't even need a coat unless you visit during the winter and a light jacket will suffice. Either way, it is important to have a packing list before you leave so you are sure to take everything you want to have fun in the sun at Anini Beach.
The Basics
You will need clothes and shoes to wear in Hawaii. For men, polo shirts, tees, shorts, khakis and jeans are ideal. Women should bring along polo shirts, sundresses, tees, shorts, khakis and jeans. Make sure to bring footwear that coordinates with what you want to do in Hawaii such as sneakers, sandals or hiking boots. Packing at least two bathing suits is a good idea because you will be spending the majority of your time by the water. You can pack one or two tees because you will probably purchase more as souvenirs during your trip. If you are attending a business function during your getaway, resort and casual wear is usually appropriate unless management specifies otherwise. Also make sure to bring sleepwear and several changes of underwear.
Toiletries
Although the vibe is relaxed, you will want to look your best when you go to dinner or cultural attractions. Bring along travel sized shampoo, lotion, conditioner, toothpaste, a toothbrush and a hairdryer so you can look good for anything you do as soon as you arrive. Items such as sunscreen and sunglasses are easily purchased in Hawaii. Wear your jewelry to avoid losing it. You can always buy interesting jewelry accents as souvenirs in Hawaii.
Adventurous Activities
When you visit Anini Beach, there are a myriad of water sports to enjoy. The location is famous for its outstanding snorkeling, scuba diving and windsurfing. You can rent windsurfing gear right on Anini Beach but you need to bring along your own diving gear because there are no rental facilities at Anini Beach. Enthusiasts may choose to pack their own snorkeling and scuba gear or rent it outside of Anini Beach before they go. Rentals are available for a variety of other activities including surfing, golfing and kayaking.
Memorializing Your Vacation
Bring your video camera, digital camera and necessary electrical components so you can take pictures at breathtakingly beautiful Anini Beach. If you have a camera that uses film, you can purchase extra film and batteries in Hawaii to save room in your luggage.
Important Personal Items and Paperwork In Your Overnighter
Your overnighter should include all essentials. If you are taking medications, make sure to bring them along in you carry-on. Other important paperwork to have includes your airline ticket, your rental confirmation, passport, drivers license, auto insurance card, health insurance card and eyeglasses or contact lenses prescription if you wear them. Make a copy of all pertinent paperwork and email it to yourself so you always have a copy.
Include a toothbrush, toothpaste, sleepwear, swimsuit and a change of underwear in your carry-on in case your bags are delayed when you arrive in Anini Beach. You can also bring along a collapsible bag to take home your souvenirs.
Packing for Anini Beach is easy because most of your time will be spent in a swimsuit having waterfront pleasures in paradise.
ATTRACTIONS
Anini Beach is a mecca for water sports including snorkeling, scuba diving and windsurfing. Besides the outstanding waterfront activities, visitors can enjoy Anini Beach Park and the local cultural attraction and museums.
Anini Beach Park is on Kukuihale Road, located 5 miles north of Kapaa. The beach is three miles of golden sand near a shielded reef on a blue lagoon at the foot of majestic cliffs. Because the beach is shielded from the ocean, the water is shallow and ideal for snorkeling. Beginner snorkelers will enjoy Anini Beach because the water is only 4 or 5 feet deep. On the northwest side, the water reaches depths between 60 and 100 feet where divers can navigate the deep blue waters. There are campsites on the beach, pavilions, showers, grills, restrooms, picnicking and barbecue facilities and a boat loading area. As you walk along the gold sand, you can find unusual shells such as cowries and Niihau. Shady Kamani trees provide refuge from the sun while you have a picnic on the beach. Here is no lifeguard so swimmers must exercise caution.
Princeville Ranch, located near Anini Beach, is a working range that dates back before the annexation of California and the great western cattle drives. For the past twenty years, a family has operated the Princeville Ranch Stables and offers horseback riding tours along the bluffs of Anini Beach. During the horseback adventure, you will learn about the local culture and history. There are a variety of similar horseback riding tours in the area so you can find the time during your Hawaiian getaway to enjoy this cultural experience. Another option is helicopter tours of the area where you will discover a wealth of information about the local area.
There are also interesting museums in the Kauai area right outside of Anini Beach. The Kauai Museum Tour leads you through galleries as the guides offer an interpretation of Niihau and Kauai Culture. The Kauai Children's Museum gets the children involved in learning with a variety of kid-friendly activities and tours.
Although it is a bit further from Anini Beach, you can take the Historic Waimea Walking Tour on Mondays to learn about ruling chief, missionaries, rice and sugar growers and a wealth of additional local history while you appreciate the beauty of the Garden Isle Kauai. Tours begin at the West Kauai Technology and Visitor Center. Once every month, you can learn about the nightlife in Kauai at the monthly Starwatch because the Kauai Educational Association has a scheduled monthly astronomical observation. You may also enjoy the ongoing Kapaa History Tour where you can learn about local architecture and the plantation cottages in the area.
For a wide range of musical choices, the Kauai Concert Association Concert Series is held at the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center. Artists perform classical music, jazz, piano and a variety of other genres.
Make sure to enjoy the rich culture and history of the Anini Beach area through an assortment of local cultural adventures during you stay at the Garden Isle.
RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTLIFE
Anini Beach is a safe, protected reef beach on the North Shore of Kauai. During the summer, water sports enthusiasts from around the globe visit Anini Beach to go snorkeling, scuba diving and windsurfing because of the outstanding conditions. On the bluff overlooking Anini Beach, you will see all the elite homes of the rich and famous. In fact, the movie Honeymoon in Vegas was filmed in one of this luxurious homes.
The vibe at Anini Beach is relaxed and focuses on a variety of water sports, with windsurfing rentals and lessons available. For breakfast and lunch, most people opt for the affordable lunch shacks located along the beach. Located in an old Grumman aluminum step van, the Anini Beach Lunch Shack has been feeding the tourists and locals for almost seven years. Operated by Barr Surles, he makes his own sauces, relishes and salsas and fish taco plates are his specialty. With a variety of tasty sauces including Yucatan Sunshine, Jufran Banana Sauce and Trappey's Red Devil Cayenne, Surles says, Customers send me sauces from all over. I also make a chipolte chile sauce. Ive managed a bunch of restaurants. Keep it as simple as you can and everybodys stoked. If you have a good product, you can kill it. Location helps. Me and a lot of my surf buddies are in this business. We used to work nights, surf all day, and eat for free. From Tuesday through Friday, you can find the lunch shack parked on Anini Beach's south end for an affordable meal under 12 bucks.
Anini Beach is conveniently located near Princeville Resort, where you can find a variety of dining options. The Princeville Center has an assortment of different restaurants to choose from. CJ's Steak and Seafood in the Princeville Center serves delicious steak and fish at reasonable prices. There is an interesting Tsunami Bar at CJ's where you can find out about Hawaii's famous tsunamis as you drink and dine. On the weekends, CJ's features live Hawaiian entertainment. Bali Hai Restaurant at the Hanalei Resort serves irresistible gourmet cuisine in a fabulous atmosphere. For a choice of Greek, Italian or Spanish cuisine, Saffron serves Mediterranean breakfast, lunch and dinner in Pali Ke Kua near Princeville Resort. On Wednesdays, you can enjoy live Hawaiian music at Saffron and on Saturdays they feature a live Kauai performers.
Besides the nightlife at the local restaurants, there are always alluring local luaus near Anini Beach. The luscious luau cuisine coupled with the live entertainment is a unique Hawaiian experience no traveler should miss. Luaus are held beachside or poolside at sunset and you can find them by the lit tiki torches. Hula dancers sway their hips to tell the tales of Hawaiian history to a strumming guitar. You may experience a professional luau production or encounter local staff from the resorts playing ukulele and singing Hawaiian songs. From Tahitian tales to fire knife dancers, Hawaii luaus always feature exciting entertainment and the food is irresistible with traditional fare such as pork and pineapples.
With panoramic scenery and laid-back opportunities for great dining and nightlife, alluring Anini Beach is a little-known Hawaiian oasis.
The history of Anini Beach is actually related back to the history of the Hanalei area. Located in the Garden Isle of Kauai, over 5 million years ago Kauai became a part of the Hawaiian islands and has enjoyed a rich history that includes Anini Beach and its unique name change.
The Polynesians
The first people inhabiting Kauai were the Menehune tribe. These Polynesians grew crops such as sugar can, taro and potatoes along the rich shores and valleys. The core of their culture was Mana, the prowess of the gods who was believed to affect all aspects of their lives. These early residents of Kauai lived there for hundreds of years without any outsiders.
Modern History
After hundreds of years on their own without any outside influence, the English explorer James Cooks discovered Kauai and its inhabitants in 1778. Years went by and then whalers, traders and missionaries began to travel to the Garden Isle with the first group landing on the shore in 1835. The newcomers sought to convert native Hawaiians to Christianity and full-blooded Hawaiians began to diminish. Children of the missionaries became professionals and owned sugar and land plantations. As foreign power expanded in the regions, the Hawaiian monarchy came to an end in 1893.
The Role of Sugar
The sugar trade was a booming industry in Kauai by the late 1800s and drew a variety of immigrants from Asia and Europe to work on the plantations. As various people from around the world arrived in Kauai, they brought along their own unique culture and changed the vibe of the island forever. New lifestyles, practices and a new economy became integrated into Kauai's culture creating an eclectic mix of customs and ideas still appreciated through the Garden Isle today.
Princeville Ranch
The Princeville Ranch has existed near Anini Beach since 1831 when the land was leased by Richard Charlton, British Consul and Advisor to King Kamehameha II. Charlton brought in 100 California longhorns and by 1895, the plantation was purchased by A.S. Wilcox, son of missionary Abner Wilcox and the great uncle of Gale Carswell. The ranch has been leased and operated by the Carswell family since 1978 and in 1994, they began another cattle operation at Princeville. Tourists can take horseback tours along the bluffs of Anini Beach and listen to tales about the incredible culture and history in the area.
Wanini Beach
The name of Anini Beach used to be Wanini Beach until a hurricane during the 1990s took off the W at the beginning of the word on one of the original signs for the beach. No one bothered to replace the W and now the beach is well-known throughout the world as Anini Beach rather than Wanini Beach.
The coral reefs, emerald bluffs and protected coves of Anini Beach house centuries of history and culture just waiting to be discovered during your dream Hawaiian getaway.
PACKING
Hawaii is one of the most laid-back travel destinations in the world and you don't need to pack a lot of fussy clothes or heavy items to be comfortable. In fact, you don't even need a coat unless you visit during the winter and a light jacket will suffice. Either way, it is important to have a packing list before you leave so you are sure to take everything you want to have fun in the sun at Anini Beach.
The Basics
You will need clothes and shoes to wear in Hawaii. For men, polo shirts, tees, shorts, khakis and jeans are ideal. Women should bring along polo shirts, sundresses, tees, shorts, khakis and jeans. Make sure to bring footwear that coordinates with what you want to do in Hawaii such as sneakers, sandals or hiking boots. Packing at least two bathing suits is a good idea because you will be spending the majority of your time by the water. You can pack one or two tees because you will probably purchase more as souvenirs during your trip. If you are attending a business function during your getaway, resort and casual wear is usually appropriate unless management specifies otherwise. Also make sure to bring sleepwear and several changes of underwear.
Toiletries
Although the vibe is relaxed, you will want to look your best when you go to dinner or cultural attractions. Bring along travel sized shampoo, lotion, conditioner, toothpaste, a toothbrush and a hairdryer so you can look good for anything you do as soon as you arrive. Items such as sunscreen and sunglasses are easily purchased in Hawaii. Wear your jewelry to avoid losing it. You can always buy interesting jewelry accents as souvenirs in Hawaii.
Adventurous Activities
When you visit Anini Beach, there are a myriad of water sports to enjoy. The location is famous for its outstanding snorkeling, scuba diving and windsurfing. You can rent windsurfing gear right on Anini Beach but you need to bring along your own diving gear because there are no rental facilities at Anini Beach. Enthusiasts may choose to pack their own snorkeling and scuba gear or rent it outside of Anini Beach before they go. Rentals are available for a variety of other activities including surfing, golfing and kayaking.
Memorializing Your Vacation
Bring your video camera, digital camera and necessary electrical components so you can take pictures at breathtakingly beautiful Anini Beach. If you have a camera that uses film, you can purchase extra film and batteries in Hawaii to save room in your luggage.
Important Personal Items and Paperwork In Your Overnighter
Your overnighter should include all essentials. If you are taking medications, make sure to bring them along in you carry-on. Other important paperwork to have includes your airline ticket, your rental confirmation, passport, drivers license, auto insurance card, health insurance card and eyeglasses or contact lenses prescription if you wear them. Make a copy of all pertinent paperwork and email it to yourself so you always have a copy.
Include a toothbrush, toothpaste, sleepwear, swimsuit and a change of underwear in your carry-on in case your bags are delayed when you arrive in Anini Beach. You can also bring along a collapsible bag to take home your souvenirs.
Packing for Anini Beach is easy because most of your time will be spent in a swimsuit having waterfront pleasures in paradise.
ATTRACTIONS
Anini Beach is a mecca for water sports including snorkeling, scuba diving and windsurfing. Besides the outstanding waterfront activities, visitors can enjoy Anini Beach Park and the local cultural attraction and museums.
Anini Beach Park is on Kukuihale Road, located 5 miles north of Kapaa. The beach is three miles of golden sand near a shielded reef on a blue lagoon at the foot of majestic cliffs. Because the beach is shielded from the ocean, the water is shallow and ideal for snorkeling. Beginner snorkelers will enjoy Anini Beach because the water is only 4 or 5 feet deep. On the northwest side, the water reaches depths between 60 and 100 feet where divers can navigate the deep blue waters. There are campsites on the beach, pavilions, showers, grills, restrooms, picnicking and barbecue facilities and a boat loading area. As you walk along the gold sand, you can find unusual shells such as cowries and Niihau. Shady Kamani trees provide refuge from the sun while you have a picnic on the beach. Here is no lifeguard so swimmers must exercise caution.
Princeville Ranch, located near Anini Beach, is a working range that dates back before the annexation of California and the great western cattle drives. For the past twenty years, a family has operated the Princeville Ranch Stables and offers horseback riding tours along the bluffs of Anini Beach. During the horseback adventure, you will learn about the local culture and history. There are a variety of similar horseback riding tours in the area so you can find the time during your Hawaiian getaway to enjoy this cultural experience. Another option is helicopter tours of the area where you will discover a wealth of information about the local area.
There are also interesting museums in the Kauai area right outside of Anini Beach. The Kauai Museum Tour leads you through galleries as the guides offer an interpretation of Niihau and Kauai Culture. The Kauai Children's Museum gets the children involved in learning with a variety of kid-friendly activities and tours.
Although it is a bit further from Anini Beach, you can take the Historic Waimea Walking Tour on Mondays to learn about ruling chief, missionaries, rice and sugar growers and a wealth of additional local history while you appreciate the beauty of the Garden Isle Kauai. Tours begin at the West Kauai Technology and Visitor Center. Once every month, you can learn about the nightlife in Kauai at the monthly Starwatch because the Kauai Educational Association has a scheduled monthly astronomical observation. You may also enjoy the ongoing Kapaa History Tour where you can learn about local architecture and the plantation cottages in the area.
For a wide range of musical choices, the Kauai Concert Association Concert Series is held at the Kauai Community College Performing Arts Center. Artists perform classical music, jazz, piano and a variety of other genres.
Make sure to enjoy the rich culture and history of the Anini Beach area through an assortment of local cultural adventures during you stay at the Garden Isle.
RESTAURANTS AND NIGHTLIFE
Anini Beach is a safe, protected reef beach on the North Shore of Kauai. During the summer, water sports enthusiasts from around the globe visit Anini Beach to go snorkeling, scuba diving and windsurfing because of the outstanding conditions. On the bluff overlooking Anini Beach, you will see all the elite homes of the rich and famous. In fact, the movie Honeymoon in Vegas was filmed in one of this luxurious homes.
The vibe at Anini Beach is relaxed and focuses on a variety of water sports, with windsurfing rentals and lessons available. For breakfast and lunch, most people opt for the affordable lunch shacks located along the beach. Located in an old Grumman aluminum step van, the Anini Beach Lunch Shack has been feeding the tourists and locals for almost seven years. Operated by Barr Surles, he makes his own sauces, relishes and salsas and fish taco plates are his specialty. With a variety of tasty sauces including Yucatan Sunshine, Jufran Banana Sauce and Trappey's Red Devil Cayenne, Surles says, Customers send me sauces from all over. I also make a chipolte chile sauce. Ive managed a bunch of restaurants. Keep it as simple as you can and everybodys stoked. If you have a good product, you can kill it. Location helps. Me and a lot of my surf buddies are in this business. We used to work nights, surf all day, and eat for free. From Tuesday through Friday, you can find the lunch shack parked on Anini Beach's south end for an affordable meal under 12 bucks.
Anini Beach is conveniently located near Princeville Resort, where you can find a variety of dining options. The Princeville Center has an assortment of different restaurants to choose from. CJ's Steak and Seafood in the Princeville Center serves delicious steak and fish at reasonable prices. There is an interesting Tsunami Bar at CJ's where you can find out about Hawaii's famous tsunamis as you drink and dine. On the weekends, CJ's features live Hawaiian entertainment. Bali Hai Restaurant at the Hanalei Resort serves irresistible gourmet cuisine in a fabulous atmosphere. For a choice of Greek, Italian or Spanish cuisine, Saffron serves Mediterranean breakfast, lunch and dinner in Pali Ke Kua near Princeville Resort. On Wednesdays, you can enjoy live Hawaiian music at Saffron and on Saturdays they feature a live Kauai performers.
Besides the nightlife at the local restaurants, there are always alluring local luaus near Anini Beach. The luscious luau cuisine coupled with the live entertainment is a unique Hawaiian experience no traveler should miss. Luaus are held beachside or poolside at sunset and you can find them by the lit tiki torches. Hula dancers sway their hips to tell the tales of Hawaiian history to a strumming guitar. You may experience a professional luau production or encounter local staff from the resorts playing ukulele and singing Hawaiian songs. From Tahitian tales to fire knife dancers, Hawaii luaus always feature exciting entertainment and the food is irresistible with traditional fare such as pork and pineapples.
With panoramic scenery and laid-back opportunities for great dining and nightlife, alluring Anini Beach is a little-known Hawaiian oasis.
