Tunnels Beach
Tunnels Beach
4.5
About
Also known as Makua Beach, Tunnels Beach gets its nickname from the maze of lava tubes found throughout its expansive reef. Here, you'll find lots of marine life—large schools of reef fish, turtles and even wild dolphins—making it one of the best spots for snorkeling in Kauai. Visit during summer for calm waters or during winter when it becomes a surfer's paradise. You can also simply stroll down the white sand beach and enjoy views of the scenic green peaks of Mount Makana to the west. Tours of Kauai often include a stop here; you can even fly over the beach on a helicopter tour. – Tripadvisor
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
What is Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best?
This award is our highest recognition and is presented annually to those businesses that are the Best of the Best on Tripadvisor, those that earn excellent reviews from travellers and are ranked in the top 1% of properties worldwide.
Top ways to experience Tunnels Beach and nearby attractions
The area
Attractions
39 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Rainee ESeattle, Washington124 contributionsBeautiful beach on the north shore!One of my favorite beaches! Favorite in Kauai and in the top 10 best I’ve ever been to. Beautiful soft sand and clear blue water. The surf can be rough, depending on weather. Parking is tough. We followed the advice on Trip Advisor to park on one of the small roads where parking is free (versus a private drive). The beach wasn’t overcrowded.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten March 3, 2024
- Justin NSeattle, Washington36 contributionsBeautiful snorkeling beach and to take a dipPerfect snorkeling and relaxing beach! Beautiful vibes of beach and green mountains on the side, plenty of great places to relax, very chill waters to just dip in, snorkel and see tons of cool colorful fish, coral reefs, and I even saw a turtle! Parking is veryyyy limited but I got there at 8:30 am and found a spot. Highly highly recommend this beach for any occasion.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten July 27, 2024
- diana r4 contributionsBeautiful and perfect place for snorkelingMake sure you don’t stand on the reef. Bring water shoes or swimming fins. I accidentally kicked a coral while swimming and it scratched up my foot. It was painful but totally my own fault and still worth the visit. There are so many fish to see and the weather and views were perfect. There are plenty of trees to sit under for shadeVisited August 2024Travelled with familyWritten August 13, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
959 reviews
Excellent
700
Very good
185
Average
47
Poor
15
Terrible
12
Michael O
2 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
I'm giving this beach a 1 star not because of the beach but because of the stupid humans. Maybe if I give this a 1 star maybe the mainlanders, I'm a mainlander too, will stay away and let this area heal. Too many of us mainlanders don't take the time to make sure we're not wearing sunscreen or at least wearing reef safe mineral sunscreen. After we put on the on the wrong sunscreen and don't let it soak in, we put our fins on and stand on the reef. One fellow that I told to get off the reef and coral replied, "this isn't coral it's a ROCK!" Well Einstein, that's because we killed the coral off the rock, and it won't come back if don't stay off. It's gotten to the point that they will have to close these areas unless they require a fee and mandatory training for genius visitors!
Written July 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Doug274
Long Beach, CA550 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Enjoyed the snorkeling and scenery here. The reef right along the shore was surprising good, better in some ways than the larger complex that extends offshore from the point. Lots of fish and coral in a variety of sizes, groupings, and depth. We parked at Haena Beach Park. The walk down the beach to the snorkeling (particularly the larger complex off the point) is tiring.
Written August 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
April Honeysuckle
San Diego, CA55 contributions
Apr 2021 • Friends
This is my favorite beach on Kauai. The snorkeling is safe because the beach is protected by a reef. We’ve seen eels, turtles, octopus, parrot fish, etc. If there is a non-swimmer in the family not to worry. The beach stays shallow enough for anyone who just wants to be in the water. A word of caution...parking is a beast. If you don’t arrive before 7am or after 4pm it’s unlikely you’ll be able to park on the tiny side roads. You’ve been warned.
Written May 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Edward
Santa Rosa, CA2,670 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
The stretch of semi-sheltered beach on the north shore of Kauai which includes Tunnels beach and Ha'ena beach (they blend into each other in this small sweep of beach) is a lovely beach for swimming and scenery. Kauai has much beautiful coastline but not many beaches that are really good or safe for swimming. This area is on that is great for swimming and it has nice coral areas easily reached, with lots of fish and sea life to examine. The setting is also beautiful and even dramatic, with a lovely, lush forested peak sweeping around and looming over the western end. At the western end is Ha'ena county beach park, with restrooms. Some parts are more gentle, others more rough.
There is some parking at that park but otherwise, parking is extremely limited. We just walked form Hanalei Colony Resort in Wainiha, where we stayed. It was about 20 minutes and mostly peaceful, only one short stretch being on the highway.
There is some parking at that park but otherwise, parking is extremely limited. We just walked form Hanalei Colony Resort in Wainiha, where we stayed. It was about 20 minutes and mostly peaceful, only one short stretch being on the highway.
Written August 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carmen T
Minneapolis, MN26 contributions
Sept 2021
We saw beautiful tropical fish snorkeling on our own at Tunnels beach. Parking was a little tricky, but the Kauaii Shaka Guide gave details of where to find parking. We went around 2 PM and found a spot.
Written October 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LarryELee
Olympia, WA80 contributions
Jul 2021
This is a great beach for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and sun tanning. Parking is at a premium so get there early and don't move you car once you have a spot. Take advantage of the local shore scuba diving and get to see and experience the underwater tunnels, lava tubes and caverns at this site. Was one of two best places for shore diving that we experienced in our 11 days on the island. Give Fathom Five Divers a call.
Written July 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GRZ
Chicago, IL11,673 contributions
Oct 2022
It's a pretty scenic area - reminded me a lot of St John of USVI yet here instead of Caribbean Sea/Atlantic Ocean you have the Pacific, even further fascinating to me!
I expected honestly a bit calmer waters from the pictures I had seen here but there were even surfers during our visit which gave me the idea that this may not be "the best day" to swim :) can't therefore say anything about snorkeling everyone here is praising. There seemed not to be any restrooms, food/drinking stuff in walking distance unless I missed it so make sure to bring your own stuff. Plenty of shaed under the trees/bushes.
TIP: We didn't stay on this beach for too long as this simply wasn't our "rea of the island" where we stayed - so to drive here and struggle with the parking here was something I wouldn't recommend, otherwise if you are short distance away then absolutely go for it, it's a beautiful beach. There are some spots on the road and then everyone does park parallel against the wooden fence of someone's property. Not too tough to park but there are other beautiful beaches around Kauai with easier access.
I expected honestly a bit calmer waters from the pictures I had seen here but there were even surfers during our visit which gave me the idea that this may not be "the best day" to swim :) can't therefore say anything about snorkeling everyone here is praising. There seemed not to be any restrooms, food/drinking stuff in walking distance unless I missed it so make sure to bring your own stuff. Plenty of shaed under the trees/bushes.
TIP: We didn't stay on this beach for too long as this simply wasn't our "rea of the island" where we stayed - so to drive here and struggle with the parking here was something I wouldn't recommend, otherwise if you are short distance away then absolutely go for it, it's a beautiful beach. There are some spots on the road and then everyone does park parallel against the wooden fence of someone's property. Not too tough to park but there are other beautiful beaches around Kauai with easier access.
Written November 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Barbara S
11 contributions
Sept 2021
Visited three times on our trip. had great snorkeling the third time. The first time a tiger shark was sighted and the beach was closed to swimming. They are out there so just be aware! The surge and tides can be difficult depending on the time of year but the fish were huge!
Written September 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul V
7 contributions
Oct 2022
When you plug this beach into your maps it will take you to a parking area to the right that fits about ten cars. The parking area can be easily missed so be on the lookout. If you can't find any parking there, a short 5 min. or less drive up is another parking lot. There you can find a food truck, restrooms, a cave and much more. If you park here, you will have to walk about 10 min. to the right to snorkel. I suggest parking and then walking along the road until you find the entrance with the limited parking. My husband and I walked in the sand and it wasn't easy. LOL. This beach was also one of our favorites to snorkel. The water was calm and clear to see lots of fish.
Written October 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pfefmeister
San Francisco, CA4,374 contributions
Feb 2022 • Couples
Both times we visited, the surf conditions precluded any kinds of water activity - snorkeling, boogie-boarding, or swimming. It’s a nice drive, there’s a cool cave, but if your intention is to get wet, then maybe not the best place to visit. Huge waves on our second visit had even the diehard surfers sitting at the lifeguard station in awe. Not my kind of beach - can’t imagine a calm day here.
Written February 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, I would be a solo traveler. Are there any tour companies that do snorkeling expeditions for individuals or small groups?
Written May 4, 2021
My husband and I will be in Kauai until the end of December. We are looking for people to hike with or/ and share a car with as we don’t drive.
If anyone interested please contact me at +17144069862.
We have open schedule
Mahalo!
Written December 24, 2019
Has anyone taken the shuttle to tunnels ? Any problem with space to get home
Written August 3, 2019
Yes! It was great! Be sure to book online in advance. We did the park and ride and were able to hop on and off easily. Drivers were super friendly and helpful. Downloaded tickets to apple wallet and they scanned them when boarding bus. I was very pleased with the experience. Much easier than dealing with a small parking lot, not to mention you can enjoy the scenery on ride there. Shuttles were very clean and brand new. They also have large tents and picnic tables available in parking lots so you don’t need to stand and wait in sun at the stop. Have fun!
Written August 12, 2019
Hi! How were you able to get to tunnels? Did you take the new shuttle or drive and park and Haena beach ? Or did you stay out towards tunnels? We're staying in Hanalei next month, but are worried about being able to make it to tunnels, which is our favorite North Shore snorkeling spot and beach.
Written June 17, 2019
The road is officially open as of June 17, 2019. Parking and entrance to Ha’ena will be limited, Tourists are encouraged to pre-register for entrance and parking. A quick search should give you the info you need
Written June 18, 2019
We'll be there Saturday...were you able to travel to Tunnels from Hanalei??! We've been going to Hanalei for decades and miss Tunnels....hoping we can at least hitch a ride to the beach there for the day.
Written June 17, 2019
We were able to book a catamaran Tour of the Na Pali Coast that stopped at Tunnels Beach on the tour for 45 minutes of snorkeling. Other tour boats showed up doing the same.
Written June 18, 2019
Is the road between tunnels and Hanalei now open for visitors?
Written June 9, 2019
We were able to book a catamaran Tour of the Na Pali Coast that stopped at Tunnels Beach on the tour for 45 minutes of snorkeling. Other tour boats showed up doing the same.
Written June 18, 2019
It is officially open, we went yesterday. You need to pre-reserve parking online unless you are a local. 30 spots for locals, 70 for tourists. there is also a shuttle that can take you in, if you don't get parking. Do a quick online search for more info! Aloha!
Written June 18, 2019
Any timeline on when tunnels and the area around will reopen? Im planning a trip in september 2019 and hoping the road will be open by then
Written February 21, 2019
No it is not. Will not be so for a long while they said.
We booked a catamaran tour which took us snorkeling at Tunnels Beach. Only way to make it there....
We found a way Hee Hee
Written June 15, 2019
Showing results 1-10 of 30
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing