Difficulty
intermediate
Viz (last reported 18375h ago)
Max Depth
26.2 ft
Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at Tunnels Beach
Note: Since 2015, this has been designated as a nursery/recovery area for the fishes and has been a no-entry area for the past 7 years (Haw. Code R. § 13-60.8-6). https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dar/regulated-areas/haena-community-based-subsistence-fishing-area/
Snorkeling Tunnels is great if you know where to go and are a confident swimmer. Tunnels, also known as Makua Beach, is a deceptively massive snorkeling area. Standing on this wonderful wide, long beach, looking out at the waves breaking on the reef edge offshore, it just does not look like all that big of an area, or that far away to its outer edge. But the reef here is a big horseshoe that protects what amounts to a small bay inside. It is much bigger than it appears when you start trying to swim around in it.
Snorkeling Tunnels is some of the best you can find on the island. It is one of the best places on Kauai for seeing big coral formations. Because it is a large area and there are currents, the snorkeling out on the larger reef is not for beginners, but for strong swimming, experienced snorkelers.
Tunnels, like any north shore Kauai snorkeling spot, is seasonal. Often in the winter the waves are too big and the current too dangerous to attempt to snorkel here. We recommend in the winter to snorkel on the south side of Kauai.
The parking for snorkeling Tunnels is even more scarce than at Ke’e Beach. You must arrive very early in the morning to guarantee yourself a spot here. If you don’t get here early enough to get one of the few spots nearer the beach, you can park farther down the road at Ha’ena Beach Park and walk down the beach to Tunnels area. It is over a half mile walk along the beach. If you don't want to try to find parking, you can ride the Kauai North Shore Shuttle to Ha'ena Beach Park.
Access
shore
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Ron Olson
Aug 7, 2004, 12:00 AM
scuba
This was my 2nd time diving here. The vis wasn't quite as good and the fish weren't quite as good as last time either. It was still pretty good. Very little parking on the narrow road to the beach. To prevent a guaranteed parking ticket, park 200 yards down the road at the state beach with the camp ground. I saw several scuba divers coming and going. They seemed to be having a good time. Entry was fairly easy between the submerged rocks. I saw lots of fish, a couple of eels and a lobster. Some people were spear fishing out a ways and seemed to be doing pretty well. A beautiful setting for diving if you don't mind the 200 yard hike to the bathroom and shower.