Anini is a narrow reef protected beach that stretches for over 2 miles. The reef at Anini is one of the largest in Hawaii but snorkeling is fairly poor because of plankton and other ocean debris.
Because of the extensive reef, Anini has the calmest ocean conditions on the north shore and is one of the few beaches that can offer swimming during large winter swells. Some exploration is in order to find the stretch of beach that most appeals to you. The best snorkeling is in the area around the boat ramp which is also the widest section of beach (refer to the aerial photo).
TIP: Anini has warmer water than other beaches especially in shallow areas like the eastern most section. To get to this section, look for a small parking area as you enter the main residential road. There's a difficult to notice path hidden under dense foliage that takes you to a lovely section of beach.
Anini Beach Safety
The calm ocean conditions inside the reef at Anini can be very deceptive. In the aerial photo below, notice all the channels in the reef. These channels may have currents even during the calmest ocean conditions. Water flowing over the reef from tidal changes or wind waves gets funneled back out via these channels. Consider that people only swim at around 1 mile per hour so even a slow moving current can overpower a swimmer. Between 1970 and 2012, eleven people drowned at Anini (more than Hanalei Bay for example).
It's best to snorkel and swim in the inside sections of the reef close to shore. Do not be enticed by the much better snorkeling in the channels or deep water at the edge of the reef. Keep a constant watch on children.