Tunnels Beach on Kauai, What to Expect

Tunnels Beach is one of the most beautiful places to snorkel, dive and surf in the world. It is a family-friendly place, where young children can enjoy swimming in the shallow areas of the beach while expert surfers can catch the wave of a lifetime. 

Feature image courtesy of htator johnson

What’s in a Name: Tunnels Beach is also known as “Makua” which means “guardian” in Hawaiian. From above, the reef looks like a half-moon shaped hand protecting the bay, with long fingers formed by lava tubes that create deep-water caverns. It is a unique diving site, great for spotting sea turtles, colorful fish and big coral formations.  

Directions and Parking: To access the beach, you can ride the Kauai North Shore Shuttle or park at Ha’ena Beach Park. Ha’ena translates to “red hot.”The park is sheltered from the wind by Mount Makana. In Hawaiian, “Makana” means “gift” — it was the Bali Hai in the movie South Pacific. 

Facilities and Shade: There are plenty of shaded areas, grass, and trees in the park, a freshwater stream runs from the mountain to the ocean on the south end. There is a lifeguard tower in the center grassy area next to nice outdoor showers, water fountains, clean bathrooms, picnic grounds, trash cans and recycle bins. 

Food: There are a couple food trucks selling snacks and a fresh coconut stand in the parking lot.

Water Sports: Expert-only surfing, with high advisory surf levels during the winter months. On the far west side of the beach, after a lengthy paddle, there are perfect barrel waves for expert surfing. That is the site featured in the movie Soul Surfer, which portrayed the young life of the island’s beloved heroine and inspirational pro surfer Bethany Hamilton, @bethanyhamilton.

Snorkeling at Tunnels is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The reef starts at the water’s edge and it stretches 1/8-mile into the ocean. There is abundant sea life with turtles and tropical fish.  Out on the larger reef there are dangerous currents; snorkeling there is recommended only for very strong swimmers and experienced snorkelers. Remember never go swimming alone. Most sunblocks have chemicals that kill the reef. The reef is a living organism unto itself, so try wearing a rash guard or other protective clothing while you snorkel (there are many brands of reef-safe sunscreen) and don’t step on the reef–it’s extremely sensitive and dies easily. Check out this Tunnels snorkeling map.

Makua Beach is a great spot for fishing, shell collecting or simply enjoying the “Mana” (spiritual energy) of the place. If you are lucky you may see a monk seal resting on the shore. The monk seal is the world’s most endangered mammal, with a dwindling