What is special about Tunnels Beach?

Tunnels Beach (Makua) is an epic spot for snorkeling and scuba diving. Lava tubes form the many underwater caverns that make the reef a magical underwater world to explore and give Tunnels its name. The beach is a crescent shaped bay is fringed by palms and ironwood trees.



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Tunnels is a mile down the beach on foot, and has no amenities. Lifeguards: Haena is guarded, but Tunnels is not.

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First, arrive before 10am when parking is easier to find and the beach is less crowded. My second strategy is to stay at one of our Haena Kauai vacation rentals. Then you can walk over any time of day and enjoy this spectacular beach. Tunnels is teeming with tropical fish both large and small.

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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 north shore remains mostly untouched and is best for nature lovers and honeymooners. South shore is the best access point for visiting Waimea Canyon and is close to the airport. The north is the gateway to the world famous Napali Coast.

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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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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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Tunnels Beach snorkeling tips and recommendations The best area to explore includes the reef that runs parallel to the western part of the beach. It is on your left when you enter the water. The shallow lagoon around Haena Point is now closed to all water activities, including snorkeling.

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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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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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Po?ipu Beach on Kaua'i was revealed as the #18 bluest water in the nation, with a matching Hex color code of #73A9C3. This positions the beach's water among the bluest water in the nation and the best for a water-centric vacation.

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Waimea Beach, Kauai With just one primary lodging option, Kauai's dry, sunny west side is by far the island's least crowded coast accessible by road. Waimea Beach has fine brown-black sand that is great for beachcombing and leisurely strolls, and it offers views of the island of Niihau across the channel.

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Kauai's West Shore The West Shore of Kauai is often underrated, but it's one of the most beautiful places on Earth, in our humble opinion. The West Shore is separated from the north by the Napali Coast, which gives the west a distinct desert-like feel.

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Located on the north shore of the island, Turtle Cove is a pristine beach that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and simply taking in the stunning views. The water is crystal clear and the sand is soft and white. And best of all, there are almost always turtles swimming just offshore.

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Ha'ena State Park starts at Lumahuli Gardens and goes to the end of the road to Ke'e Beach and the Kalalau Trail head. Ha'ena Beach Park is across from the Maniniholo Dry Cave and is a life guarded beach with camping.

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