Tunnels Beach — Attraction in Kauai

I heard 2 very different stories as to why it's called Tunnels. Neither of which I fully trusted. For a while I just called it Makua

The way the trees hang over the sand.....I dunno the trees were pretty mountainous. The snorkeling has some cool reef's with tunnels. I didn't see the 1st being legit and I didn't find any tunnels while snorkelling to verify the 2nd. From my experience some locals like to say things to none locals and hearing things from other tourists makes me wonder. Turns out it's the perfect waves that are tight and clean and you can see deep into the tube, thus tunnels. Grain of salt I tell you. Grain of salt.

All I know is this place is legit. Sandy beach, some might consider soft, but definitely not rocky at all, no worries to those who spend any time barefoot. View is amazing, maybe not calendar worthy, but let's face it your in Hawaii so life isn't too bad.

Some things to point out is that the reason for it's popularity is the fish, you really don't need goggles to see them, they are everywhere mostly. The current is strong apparently, but from what I've learned since snorkeling is more relaxed and you go with the flow a bit you get complacent as to changes in current. If you think of snorkeling like treading water, always moving you'll be better off regardless of the strength of current.

Parking is a big concern here, almost non existant, take the walk because it's worth it to see some of the clearest water I haven't drank. It's spread out and open. There is a lifeguard and bathrooms. The biggest tip I ever used when going to beach is to bring 2 sunblock bottles, 1 full and 1 empty for my keys and like. No one steals sunblock. If you aren't amazed by the other more popular beaches then perhaps this change of scenery might do the trick, otherwise your probably just brain dead.

Don't fall asleep here, winds can pick up and temperature drops (relative) fast and if your drunk and dehydrate it's...

Parking! With that said here are the tips. The pictures show the small hard to find parking spot. So look for it! You can also drive about 1/5 of a mile away to park at the beach and walk back to Tunnels. You do not need a permit. Restrooms are here. Do not park off of the main road. Once there Watch the rip current. It is always there. But if you snorkel between it, your good. About 6” under the water is the reef. It is very flat and some what covered with sand. You walk out on this until you reach the 1st drop off. Maybe 4’ deep at that point. The reef here is hard to negotiate. But if you keep going things open up and get deeper. Maybe about 12foot deep. Very clear and good snorkeling. Now I did not go snorkeling the day this was posted because it’s the winter and the surf don’t always cooperates. One other thing. Always be respectful and nutz to the “locals only” signs you will see throughout your journey. They are more than likely written by a bunch of bitter white folks thinking they are locals. Only Hawaiians can be...

One of our favorite beaches. We recommend getting to the Hā’ena Beach parking lot by 9am. We visited in March so may need to be earlier in busy season. We came here 3 times and each we found ample parking by arriving by 9am. It does fill up and often had long lines when we were leaving. When you approach beach, head right to Tunnels Beach. If you go far enough down there’s an area that is shallow and protected by the rocks and common to see people swimming. It’s one of the only safe spaces to swim in the ocean at this beach during winter season. Lots of kids splashing and enjoying the water here. Sand changes from gritty shells to nice soft sand. Recommend water friendly shoes to protect in the rougher sand. Plenty of shaded areas from the trees to balance sunshine and protection. Beautiful views of the Na Pali coast mountains from the beach. Big waves and common to see surfers and windsurfing. We didn’t find any legal parking for Tunnels Beach directly aside from walking from Haena Beach....