Tunnels Beach

Tunnels Beach

Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii
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Difficulty
intermediate
Viz (last reported 18203h 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.
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Mike
Mike
Jul 19, 2010, 12:00 AM
scuba
Dove this site with a guide and was glad I did. It would be very easy to make a navigation mistake here and I would've been comfortable doing the swim throughs without a professional. Did see 5'-6' white tip shark with 4-6 cleaner fish taking care of him. Saw a shrimp and some reef fish, but not as plentiful as at Koloa Landing. Very easy entry/exit and the water was calm, so not much surf/surge to speak of.
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