See our updated North Shore Kauai road news which includes new parking regulations and Shuttle information.
Tunnels is my top choice for snorkeling on Kauai. Hands down.The only complaint I hear from visitors is the lack of parking. I have two strategies to help.
First, arrive before 10am when parking is easier to find and the beach is less crowded. My second strategy is to stay at one of our Haena Kauai vacation rentals. Then you can walk over any time of day and enjoy this spectacular beach.
Tunnels is teeming with tropical fish both large and small. You may get lucky and swim with sea turtles. I’m always amazed by the underwater life here and the stunning views above.
The reef break far offshore is popular with surfers. When the ocean creates a large tube it’s like a tunnel. While Tunnels is the name you hear most often, the Hawaiian word for this beach is Makua.
Take your time and walk along the 2 mile white sand beach. You can find shells and admire the views of Mount Makana. It’s also known as Bali Hai from the movie South Pacific.
Snorkeling is best in the center portion of the beach with its half moon shaped reef. My advice is to get in the water. It can be unnerving at first swimming over the reef but there’s more room than you think. The bottom terrain varies and there’s a big hole offshore where large fish congregate.
Spend the day, bring food and water, and relax on the North Shore Kauai. After your visit come back and tell us about your day at Tunnels.
Beach Location: Just past the 8 mile marker on Hwy 560 you’ll find beach access for the best snorkeling. If parking is an issue you may need to go to Haena State Park and walk back.
Reminder: You can help protect the reef by not stepping on coral. Mahalo!
Bookmark our Kauai Beach Explorer to stay current on Kauai beaches and facilities. Watch our Kauai video with important ocean safety information. It’s six minutes of your time that can save your life or that of a loved one.
44 Responses
Hey there, we will be there the first week of September, do we need reservations to park at Haena BEACH park?
Or do you recommend parking on a side street near the 8 mile marker?
We highly recommend that you make a reservation as well as respect all no parking rules and private property etiquette.
Hi our family will visit Kauai at mid of April 2020.
Which activity do I need to must to do it and need a pre reservation ?
We will stay at poipu during our vacation.
Aloha Jeff, please check out our blog pages for info on “must do’s”. There is so much for all. Our activities section provides a whole host of ideas including hikes, tours etc. and our beach guide provides the best info on all our beaches.
Does anyone know at what time the reservations are released? I looked today 14-days out and parking was entirely reserved.
Thanks!
Aloha Jeff, Parking reservations at Haena may be made up to 30 days in advance but no later than the day before your visit. Here is the link for Haena Park Reservations.
This last week, we used the North Shore Shuttle and visited Tunnels Beach twice! There was an abundance of sea turtles and numerous schools of colorful and often large fish. It’s obvious this area hasn’t been frequented by many tourists lately.
I loved it – some of the best snorkeling I have ever experienced. That said – folks PLEASE don’t step on the reef and PLEASE wear reef-safe sunscreen if you go in the water! I saw several folks stepping on the reef. I made sure I swam in an area and around the reef to get to a deeper spot to avoid stepping on the reef. It’s not hard.
I think Tunnels Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Hawaiian Islands.
Mahalo Teresa for your note. You are correct both on the beauty of Kauai and Tunnels, as well as on your statement about protecting the reef. Mahalo nui loa.
Is there any other way to access Tunnels Beach and the snorkeling there besides the road that is closed? Is it possible to kayak or bike there from another location? Are there any boat tours that take people there? Thank you in advance for your answer!
At this time, Tunnels and all past Hanalei is closed to all except residents. Keep checking here and we will post updated when things open again. Mahalo for your patience as this part of Kauai heals.
Hi JP!
It is April 28th. Is tunnels beach open yet? Thanks.
Aloha Gabe, Here is a link to our most recent post about the North Shore Highway which we update weekly. The road is expected to reopen on June 13. This is a tentative date and subject to change. I invite you to keep following our post for the latest information. Aloha from JP.
Is Tunnels back open?! I’ll be there May 5th. If not, what other beaches on the island are best for snorkeling?
Hi Heather, Tunnels is still closed and the highway is now scheduled to reopen on June 13. You can read our weekly updates here on North Shore Highway. For snorkeling, another beach to try is Anini. Aloha from JP.
Aloha JP, is the road from Hanalei to Makua Beach closed only for vehicles or is it prohibited or inaccessible also for walking? Best regards Karsten
Aloha Karsten, unfortunately the area is still off limits to tourists at this time. We are hopeful it is open in part by this summer. Keep checking back here as we will post an update when access limits change and/or the area opens fully. Mahalo.
Hi there! Coming to Kauai March 20th for two weeks, Tunnels is our favorite spot! Is there any idea of a time it will be reopening?? Thank you!
Aloha Kelli, as far as we know, there is no firm date that the road to Tunnels or Haena will be open this month. We are sorry. Hopefully soon.
Is tunnel beach open now
Aloha Karen.
The road to Tunnels Beach remains closed at this time. There should be an update on reopening soon. The last word was that repairs would be largely completed later this spring. You can follow the State Department of Transportations updates here: http://hidot.hawaii.gov/blog/2019/01/09/kuhio-highway-emergency-repair-update/.
Mahalo.
We are planning to visit Kauai in May 2019. Is Tunnels beach still closed? Is the highway to the area open?
Aloha Catherine.
The road to Tunnels Beach remains closed at this time. There should be an update on reopening soon. The last word was that repairs would be largely completed later this spring. You can follow the State Department of Transportations updates here: http://hidot.hawaii.gov/blog/2019/01/09/kuhio-highway-emergency-repair-update/.
Mahalo.
Planning to visit Kauai close to Thanksgiving..Is Tunnels beach still closed..What other options for snorkeling in Kauai with calm waters..?
Yes, unfortunately Tunnels and all past Hanalei is still closed and restricted to homeowners. please read our snorkeling guide for more places to venture…there are many. Mahalo.
Any current update on Tunnels closure ?
Aloha Patty…keep visiting this page as we will update what we know to keep you current.
Is tunnels beach still closed?
Thank you
Aloha Jancy, Unfortunately, the highway beyond Hanalei is still closed with no reopening date set at this time. We’ll update our Tunnels post as soon as more information is known. Most beaches on Kauai are open including Hanalei Bay. We wish you a great stay on island. Best wishes from the Parrish Kauai team.
I see conflicting information about when the highway will reopen, the site say Oct but some places say all year. Do you know if it will be open in October? I’ll be in Kauai in a couple of weeks and am hoping that I can get to tunnels beach. If not I might see if I can get a boat or kayak to take me there for the day.
Aloha Marty, Unfortunately, the road past Hanalei is closed to tourists until the end of the year (current as of October 3rd). We will post when things open so be sure to check back before and during your trip. Sorry to disappoint.
Hi JP, can I get to Tunnels and Kee beaches now? This is our last week in Kauai and really to check them out if possible.
Thanks,
Brittany
Aloha Brittany, unfortunately, the North Shore past Hanalei is closed to tourists until further notice. We are not hoping all will reopen sometime next year. Sorry to have to say, but there is so much on Kauai I am sure you will still have a great time. Mahalo, JP
Kauai is our next Hawaii destination. Probably November or January We love to snorkel. With Tunnels beach closed what other areas area equivalent.
Mahalo.
Aloha Opal – There’s a good chance the highway to Tunnels will reopen in October. You can see weekly updates on the closure here: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/2018-kuhio-highway-emergency-repairs/ With that said, snorkeling is better (usually) on South Shore during November and December. One beach to consider is Lawai on the Poipu coastline next to the Beach House restaurant. If we can assist further, please let us know. Aloha from the Parrish Kauai team.
Checking on access to Tunnels as my family will be visiting last week of September; any change?
Thanks for your question. The first chance for the highway to reopen is in October. Weekly updates are posted by the State of Hawaii here: https://hidot.hawaii.gov/highways/2018-kuhio-highway-emergency-repairs/ While Tunnels Beach cannot be accessed in September, the majority of beaches on Kauai are open including Hanalei. We hope you have a nice stay on Kauai and come back again soon to enjoy Tunnels. Aloha from the Parrish Kauai team.
We’ll be on Kauai for two weeks starting September 3. We’re staying in Princeville just for its access to the North Shore beaches. Is there a chance the area will be open by then? It’s disappointing to plan and pay for a vacation and have our favorite spots not available to enjoy.
Aloha S Wilson, I am sorry to say that all North of Hanalei is still healing from the April flood and will not be open to the public. Most of Hanalei Bay is still open and I know the businesses in Hanalei would appreciate your support. Mahalo.
Hi, we are going to be in Kauai Aug 11-18. Do you know if Tunnels Beach is open?
Aloha Krispahlyn, unfortunately Tunnels and all beaches and trails past Hanalei are closed until further notice…most likely until 2019. Please know that there are many other beaches and activities on Kauai’s East and South Shore as well as the Westside. Also note that much of Hanalei Bay is still open. Stay tuned here for current updates. Mahalo.
Thank you for all your info and all the work you are doing to repair your beautiful island. We are coming from very far away in Sept. we loved to snorkel at Tunnels Beach. Can you suggest a new location for us? thank you so much
Mahalo nui loa. Here is a snorkeling guide of our favorites outside of Tunnels.
IS TUNNELS OPEN NOW DO YOU KNOW?
Aloha Katrina, Unfortunately Tunnels Beach is still closed (due to lack of access) until further notice. Please check back with us periodically as when it does open again, we will provide an update here. Mahalo.