There are amazing vacation rental homes to rent down here, so if you are looking for a place to stay, reach out and we can help book you a hale! The road then crosses the first of many one-lane bridges before hugging Hanalei River . Tunnels Beach aka Makua at Ha'ena Point in Haena, Kauai, Hawaii As such, the waves can get really high and it can witness strong currents on rough days. Once you pass mile marker 35 and drive slowly through the residential area, look for "Tunnels" signs as you bear left to Waikanal Rd. Statistically speaking, you are much more likely to get into a car accident than to be attacked by a shark. Really want to snorkel at tunnels. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The trick with Tunnels Beach is access, which can definitely be a little tricky. Even got them to try snorkeling, though only the adults went off the shelf. Beautiful beach house Tunnels Beach, Kauai - Haena - Vrbo The lookout offers a panoramic view of Mount Makana (otherwise known as Bali Hai), the lush Hanalei Valley, and the stunning taro fields. Best Snorkeling Beaches on Kauai Snorkeling Adventures Best Beaches to Snorkel in Kauai Kauai is the perfect place to snorkel. Tunnels Beach is an all-out stunner, both above and below the water! 5.0Value. Lava tubes form the many underwater caverns that make the reef a magical underwater world to explore and give Tunnels its name. The parking area can be easily missed so be on the lookout. Makua Beach, also known as Tunnels Beach, is great for swimming, except during the winter months when seas are rough. The ideal snorkeling conditions are thanks in part to an inner and outer reef, which provide layers of protection from the strong ocean current as and a healthy habitat for abundant sea life. Get there early for parking! Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. Tunnels Beach: How to Explore the Secluded Makua Beach document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Register in order to post your own listings! Latitude: 22. . LOL. Tunnels Beach is a beautiful beach on the North Shore of Kauai. These days, Tunnels beach is a surfers paradise, ideal for surfing, windsurfing, and kite surfing. Kids (5,7,9) had fun playing in the shallow waves. The beaches of the islands are gorgeous. You can also simply stroll down the white sand beach and enjoy views of the scenic green peaks of Mount Makana to the west. Its about protecting what sustains us. Latitude: 22.224036 Aloha! If you are not an experienced diver, call Kelli, our concierge, at 808-639-9999 to book a time to go diving. There you can find a food truck, restrooms, a cave and much more. Kauai Adventure Bundle: 4 Epic Audio Driving Tours, Guided Secret Falls Tour with Snacks and Drinks, Princeville Botanical Gardens Tour and Chocolate Tasting Ticket, Kauai's Ultimate Guided Shore (NO BOAT) Snorkeling Adventure, Luau Ka Hikina Admission Ticket with Dinner and Lei Greeting. Tunnels is renowned as not only one of the best dive spots in Hawaii, but also as one of the premier dive sites in the world. Only a few fish in the water when I was swimming. We believe good things come from people spending time outside. Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. On your way to Tunnels, you will pass through Waianae and a couple of small towns; depending on your schedule you may stop at a couple beaches along the way (Makaha, Electric Beach, etc.). Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information. Other ideas include: Hanalei Valley Lookout: For amazing views of Hanalei Valley, head to Hanalei Valley Lookout. Walk across the road for a gander at Maniniholo Dry Cave , another former sea cave (see Haena State Park). Mahaulepu Beach A self-guided tour through the garden will take approximately two hours, but if you're interested in learning more about this garden, they also offer guided tours that last around three hours. Native Hawaiians called their departed souls leina-a-ka-uhane which translates to leap of the soul. Bring your own food and drink; there are only coconuts for sale around here. Snorkeling This golden sand beach is considered the ultimate snorkeling destination. Anini Beach An expansive offshore reef here provides wonderful looks at tropical fish, coral banks, and (often enough)sea turtles, while the undeveloped beach, backed by rugged green mountains, is simplygorgeous. Another option is to hire . Continue as the H1 turns into Farrington highway and drive along the coast. Then, look for mile marker 8 Mile, which stands near the two very short dirt roads that lead toward the beach. Both times we visited, the surf conditions precluded any kinds of water activity - snorkeling, boogie-boarding, or swimming. Daily, Choosing a NaPali Catamaran The Best Boat For A Tour Of The Coast, Tunnels Beach: How to Explore the Secluded Makua Beach. There are many ways to have fun here. Other tour boats showed up doing the same. Sweetheart's Bluff Nature Area, Minnesota. Makua Beach is a part of the Kaena Point State Park. The only problem: The few parking spots on dirt roads fill up instantly, and residents vigilantly enforce no parking zones. The sunsets are also spectacular. For one of the most exciting helicopter tours in the United States, let our friends atSafari Helicopterstake you to a whole host of beaches and other magnificent sights. The sunset from Makua beach is truly spectacular. The beautiful beach offers so much for snorkelers or those looking to relax in the sun. The walk down the beach to the snorkeling (particularly the larger complex off the point) is tiring. there is also a shuttle that can take you in, if you don't get parking. If you park here, you will have to walk about 10 min. Fuji Beach Though the beach is not very wide, it stretches for almost a mile with fantastic views of the coast and brilliant aqua blue ocean. Roughly 50 of the 90 miles of coastline is white sand beach, which makes for easy ocean access. Here, you'll find lots of marine lifelarge schools of reef fish, turtles and even wild dolphinsmaking it one of the best spots for snorkeling in Kauai. We moved to Kauai permanently in 1992 - TWO WEEKS before the powerful Hurricane Iniki destroyed our home and many others. Wondering if you have tours that specialize in getting ppl to tunnels for snorkeling. Is the road between tunnels and Hanalei now open for visitors? The reef protects the beach from strong waves and currents, so swimming and snorkeling, small surfing or boogie boarding during the summer are manageable. If you want seclusion, walk to the left. Read our. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. $$$$ American Spanish Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Asian Vegetarian Friendly Vegan Options, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Makua Beach, better known as "Tunnels," is by far the most secluded and beautiful beach Kauai has to offer. The beach is sweeping and beautiful. Don't leave it to the last minute if you want a prime location at the beach. However, you can access nearby Ha'ena State Park for many facilities. Private Airport Transfers to St. Kitts Marriott and Frigate Bay. Make sure to bring a waterproof camera so you can capture the school of fish as they may surround you as you dive. Luxury meets sustainability at these unique ecolodges. Tunnels Beach (Kauai) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. The post-card scenery of Tunnels Beach offers a wide crescent shaped golden sand beach, shady ironwood trees and views of the Bali Hai and lush jungle mountains. The local divers come here to spear Popio (Blue Line Snappers) or coral reef eels. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. H'ena State Park is located at the northwestern extent of Kuhio Highway on Kauai's north-shore. Travelers agree there's no better way to experience Kaua'i's natural beauty and eye-catching terrain than at Napali, so you should make plans to marvel at it either on foot, from the water or from the air (there are no roads that go along the Napali Coast). These days, Tunnels is a surfers paradise, ideal for surfing, windsurfing, and kite surfing. We have the answers below! We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. Be aware when the surf is high on the outer part of the reef this usually means there is fast flowing water in the channel between the reefs. Consummate snorkelers will tell you that there's not much color to the marine life and they're right. Tunnels Beach in Kauai (amazing snorkeling, seals, swimming) On the left side, there were more waves and people were fishing or surfing rather than swimming. Pertaining to the sea life in the area, besides the occasional shark sighting, this area is known for a large array of fish as well as large sea turtles. There's a massive coral reef to explore at Makua ("Tunnels") Beach, a premier sunset and diving destination. Is there an estimated date as to when Tunnels will open again? It was a longer walk than it looked to get to the other side where people were snorkling on the right. USA, North America Hanalei Bay & the North Shore Yet another too-good-to-be-true North Shore beach. Those who walk or bike to the park (free for residents of Hawaii) must pay a fee of $1.00 per vehicle. There is parking, but most of the locals and visitors park by Haena Park and walk down to Tunnels. I suggest parking and then walking along the road until you find the entrance with the limited parking. Once you pass through these towns you will continue driving for about 5 miles, then you will see signs for Makua beach. Kurumgad Beach Its a tortoise shaped Island. - 8:00p.m. Tunnels Beach (Makua) is the most photographed beach in Hawaii. Jill Schildhouse. Tickets & Tours - Makua Beach (Tunnels Beach), Kauai - Viator Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Mahalo! Situated on the north coast of Kauai, at Ha'ena Point, Tunnels Beach offers a truly picturesque stretch of golden sand, framed by ironwood trees, tropical palms, and lush mountains. Tunnels Beach has a reputation for some of the best snorkeling in all of Kauaiwhich is a big statement. Cant get a pass to Haena or parking pass. Tunnels Beach is located on Ha'ena Point on Kaua'i's North Shore near Wainiha, about 2 miles east of the Kalalau Trail and 9 miles west of Princeville. Om Beach. The backdrop is similar to that of Hanalei Beach; the mountains rising up behind the beach are gorgeous. All Rights Reserved. I did see one large seal basking in the sun on the beach. The drive is stunningly dramatic. But for picnic tables, restrooms, and more, you need only look a short way west to Haena Beach Park. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. It is right off of HI-560 West on the north side of Kauai, before you reach Kee Beach. If you're looking for a place to snorkel in Kaua'i, head to Tunnels Beach (aka Makua Beach). This is the one place on Kauai you can escape from the everyday grind and just be one with scenery. "You have unequaled views of Tunnels (Makua . Visit during summer for calm waters or during winter when . It is one of those beaches you want to keep secret, so no one else discovers its majestic spell on your wellness. Wailua Beach, Baby Beach Poipu When you think of a romantic getaway, or want to take your dog for a walk on a beach that is less crowded, you think of Tunnels. Kiahuna Beach Not my kind of beach - cant imagine a calm day here. We found a way Hee Hee. In winter, however, the swell picks up and the surf can be heavy. 95% of travelers recommend this experience. If you cant find available parking near mile marker 8, youll have to head to Haena State Park and its parking lot, then walk eastward along the beacha bit more than a half-mile strollto get to Tunnels. Tunnels Beach (Kauai) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor Come with U.S. News on a tour of the InterContinental Boston. Winter brings enormous waves, rip currents, and a strong shorebreak; leave the water then to local surfers. Discover everything you need to know about Makua Beach (Tunnels Beach), Kauai including history, facts, how to get there and the best time to visit. I saw some creepy black crabs on the rocks. Makua 'Tunnels' Beach Kalalau Trail Haena Beach Park Wailua Falls Kauai Attractions Kauai Attractions . Makua Beach (Tunnels Beach), Kauai - What To Know BEFORE You Go | Viator A rating of two stars means it's excellent, and three stars is the highest praise we give.