Is it safe to snorkel at Tunnels Beach?

It's advised that novice snorkelers stay close to the shore in the inner reef; only advanced snorkelers should venture to the outer reef. There aren't bathroom facilities at Tunnels Beach, but there are some at the nearby Ha'ena Beach Park, which is a little more than a half-mile southwest.



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Tunnels is too dangerous to swim during the winter when large waves pound the north shore. We recommend arriving early to find a spot. Don't leave it to the last minute if you want a prime location at the beach.

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If you love snorkelling in Hawaii and you're on the Island of Kauai then put on your mask and snorkel and head to the North Shore! Haena Beach where Tunnels Beach is located has everything you are looking for when it comes to an awesome and easily accessible Kauai snorkelling beach.

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Snorkeling Tunnels, also known as Makua Beach, used to be some of the best in Kauai, especially for seeing big coral formations. But snorkeling is now prohibited in the large inner reef area known as the Makua Lagoon.

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Lumahai is the subject of many postcards and paintings, but is also known on island as one of the most dangerous beaches for drownings and is not recommended for swimming. During the summer months the conditions at Luimahai are calmer, but still use caution. Lumahai is exposed to open ocean and strong currents.

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It's said that Tunnels Beach has the best snorkeling on the island which means it is a perfect beach for the “in-between” family that has both older kids who want to experience sea life and underwater caverns and younger children who will be happier playing in the sand and shallow, docile waves.

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The wide sand beach offers the easiest entrance into the water. Don't attempt to enter the shallow areas where there are rocks and reef that come all the way up to the beach edge. Large and small Lava tubes form the many underwater caverns give Tunnels it's name as well as a magical underwater world to explore.

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You will need a parking permit reservation to get to Ke'e beach. You do not need a parking permit to get to Tunnels, but make sure that you only park in an area where it is permitted or you will risk getting ticketed / towed.

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The 90 feet long tunnel was built in 1926 by the Rosenberg family, who owned a resort at Oceanside, to let guests access more of the coast shore.

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