View marine life from a distance, practice Reef Etiquette and enjoy a safe and memorable snorkeling experience on you Hawaiian vacation. This site contains Affiliate Links, which means that we may earn commissions through links you make purchases through. Tunnels Beach. A strong current can pull to the left and if you forgot where you entered it is difficult to return. The outer reef offers the best snorkeling here, but this spot is not for beginners. Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach) is a secluded beach located on Oahu's leeward coast. It can also be tricky to find a place to park nearby, because of the many no-parking areas near the path to the beach. Tunnels has some of the largest coral colonies that I saw … Where is Tunnels Beach? Tunnels Beach: Great beach for snorkeling - See 907 traveler reviews, 447 candid photos, and great deals for Kauai, HI, at Tripadvisor. The sunset from Makua beach is truly spectacular. Required fields are marked *. For more information, check out our page on snorkeling tips. No matter where you snorkel at Tunnels, you are sure to be treated to something extraordinary. You will return the same way. The beach spans for about two miles from Haena Beach Park on the west all the way to the Hanalei Colony Resort on the east. 907 Bewertungen. Level: Free shore access This spot have a free shore access: you can go snorkeling there freely and without having to book a tour or pay an entrance fee. The reef here is horseshoe shaped and is home to bright corals, a variety of fish including the vibrant Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, wrasse, and parrotfish. If you recently snorkeled this area and noticed some changes compared to the information contained on this page, please contact us. This 2-mile stretch of beach is located on Kauai’s north shore at Ha’ena Point. You will enter the water from the shore (beach, pontoon, ladder, rocks) or from a boat. The following chart shows our approximation of the number of good snorkeling days each month. Remember that all marine activities, including snorkeling, are potentially dangerous, and that you enter the water at your own risk. Our most popular tours and activities. Tunnels Beach on the Island of Kauai. You must take an individual weather, sea conditions and hazards assessment before entering the water. Please avoid standing or stepping on the reef. Use a wetsuit for comfort or a floatation device if you need to. - See 907 traveller reviews, 447 candid photos, and great deals for Kauai, HI, at Tripadvisor. You will arrive at a sandy area that is the ideal spot for getting into the water. Also known as Makua Beach, Tunnels Beach is the quintessential spot to snorkel in Kauai, with amazing mountain views surrounding the beach. For more information click here! Species you may spot while snorkeling Tunnels Beach. Tunnels Beach: Excellent snorkeling - See 907 traveller reviews, 447 candid photos, and great deals for Kauai, HI, at Tripadvisor. Try out your gear, get comfortable. The golden sand beach has a backdrop of lush jungle and mountains making this a picture perfect beach. It occupies the western shores of the same bay, a little over a half-mile away. In between dives, the seals rest on the beach in the middle of the tourists. The data contained in this website is for general information purposes only, and is not legal advice. Snorkeling during winter months is also possible depending on ocean conditions. Tunnels Beach. The inside reef offers plenty of interesting fish including several species of Hawkfish, which can be found perched upon the scattered heads of cauliflower coral. Respect the observation instructions both in and out of the water (keep a distance between yourself and the animals, don’t try to interact with them): federal and state laws are both extremely strict on this point. Like the rest of the North Shore of Kauai, large north swell is common in the winter. Compilation of footage from snorkeling at Tunnels Beach that I captured in June 2016. A satnav device may come in handy since it can be hard to locate the access to the beach (see on google maps). Once you’ve reached the beach along the access path, walk towards the right for about 100 to 150 yards. There aren’t any restaurants or accommodation close to the beach, which is in a residential area. Recommended. Makua Beach is about 1 mile (1.6km) before the end of the road (Haena State Park) along the northern coast of Kauai. - See 907 traveler reviews, 447 candid photos, and great deals for Kauai, HI, at Tripadvisor. It takes a little over one hour to cover the 40-mile distance. Your email address will not be published. Tunnels Beach is now open after the historic floods in 2018. The volcanic formation of the island, visible through the underwater caverns formed from lava tubes, makes the beach an ideal snorkeling spot. On the reef drop-off, shoals of tireless jacks swim along the reef, while hawkfish take up position on small coral and lie in wait for their prey. Enter at a place where you can stand in the sand and there is a clear shot out to the channel. Nr. USA ; Hawaii (HI) Kauai ; Sehenswürdigkeiten und Aktivitäten in Kauai ; Tunnels Beach; Suchen. The area inside the small lagoon (↕3-7ft/1-2m) has the same features, with seabeds poor in coral but rich in fish. For a $10 fee (and believe me, it’s worth it! Treffen Sie Ihre Auswahl und buchen Sie eine Tour! Tunnels Beach, Kauai. United States ; Hawaii (HI) Kauai ; Things to Do in Kauai ; Tunnels Beach; Search. While it is wise to check in with the lifeguards at nearby Haena Beach Park, the beach in front of the lifeguard stand is not the best place for snorkeling. Snorkeling spots are part of a wild environment and their aspect can be significantly altered by weather, seasons, sea conditions, human impact and climate events (storms, hurricanes, seawater-warming episodes…). Tunnels, also known as Makua Beach, is a deceptively massive snorkeling area. Tunnels Beach: Snorkeling was great! Try scuba diving and explore the inner and outer coral reefs, home to immense marine life, including sea turtles. 22 von 253 Aktivitäten in Kauai. https://www.kauai.com/blog/best-summer-snorkeling-at-kauais-tunnels-beach Tunnels Beach. Beaches. Tunnels Beach, located on Haena Point on Kauai’s north shore, is a postcard-perfect, two-mile (3.2 km) stretch of golden sand fringed with ironwood trees and tropical palms. It takes a little … Création/Développement twinbi | Agence web Paris. Also called Makua Beach, this golden beach is among the most popular spots on the north shore. If you haven’t brought your own snorkel gear, Kayak Kauai in Hanalei is the closest outfitter that rents snorkeling gear by the day. Just remember, Hawaii’s Beaches can be unpredictable. Strände. Tunnels Beach, Hawaii 96746, USA Located on the north shore of Kauai, Tunnels Beach (also known as Makua Beach) has something for everyone. In the shallower areas, even though the seabeds are poor in quality (hardly any coral), you will see many of the archipelago’s most typical fish, such as the reef triggerfish, parrotfish or shoals of tang busy grazing on the coastal bench. The spot is sometimes impracticable in winter, when impressive waves roll down on the famous North Shore. Empfohlen. Your email address will not be published. There is a shallow reef at Tunnels with deeper fingers that run perpendicular to the beach, out to the edge of the reef before it drops into about 40 feet of water. To get there from Lihu’e first take route 56, then 560 (Kuhio Highway) north. Tunnels Beach: Snorkeling beach - See 907 traveler reviews, 447 candid photos, and great deals for Kauai, HI, at Tripadvisor. Know and obey local laws and regulations, including regulated areas, protected species, wildlife interaction and dive flag laws. Tunnels Beach is ringed by a coral reef abundant with marine life as well as lots of caves and lava formations that make for exciting explorations. Tunnels Beach, Kauai. See our updated North Shore Kauai road news which includes new parking regulations and Shuttle information. If there is any surf what-so-ever, it is wise to avoid this spot. You must be logged in to post a comment. This is by far the best beach in Kauai! During that time of year, we suggest you head to Kolo… On the northern seashores of Kauai, lies Tunnels Beach, (Makua Beach) a horseshoe shaped bay filled with huge coral formations. If you have never snorkeled before you might want to start out at a spot like Lydgate Park, or Poipu Beach where a lifeguard is present. If you are lucky (or early), you might be able to spot some Pacific Green Sea Turtles. Be careful not to get yourself into a spot that is too shallow. This secret Hawaii beach is called Tunnels Beach. Nr. Once you have made it to the edge of the reef, follow that outside ledge parallel to the beach, heading back toward the lifeguard stand at the beach park. 22 von 253 Aktivitäten in Kauai. Tunnels is one of the few beaches where snorkeling may be possible during choppy winter months, but check conditions with Ha’ena lifeguards that day. How to get to Tunnels Beach snorkeling spot? Highway 560, Kauai, USA For more info: Best Summer Snorkeling At Kauai’s Tunnels Beach. Tunnels Beach offers a unique combination of interesting topography and diverse marine life. Makua Beach is about 1 mile (1.6km) before the end of the road (Haena State Park) along the northern coast of Kauai. One such locations is right in front of an alley way that the local dive companies utilize for parking and set-up (you will probably walk down it to the beach if you have parked in one of the paid lots). Tunnels Beach (Makua) is the ultimate snorkeling and scuba divers beach. The summer months are almost gone, but lucky for you the big north swells have yet to arrive. The area to explore includes the reef that runs parallel with the western part of the beach (to your left when you enter the water) and the spot inside the small lagoon of Haena Point (across from you). But, above all, in this area you might come across Hawaiian monk seals, which are native to the islands, and which come to the area regularly. Tunnels Beach. Moderate currents can occur in the area, even when the sea conditions are good. You must know and understand the conditions. Makua Beach, also known as Tunnels Beach, located on the north coast of Kauai, is one of the best snorkeling spots on the island. Tunnels is one of Hawaii's most beautiful beaches, offering great snorkeling during the summer months when the ocean is calm. Beaches. Also, bear in mind that Kauai’s beaches are delicate and susceptible to environmental stress. Surfers can also benefit from the impressive waves beyond the reef. 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. It is on the left side of the beach closest to Haena Beach Park (where you come back in from the outer reef advanced snorkel). Tunnels is a … Tunnels Beach: BEST SNORKELING! Tunnels Beach: Snorkeling/limited Parking - See 906 traveler reviews, 438 candid photos, and great deals for Kauai, HI, at Tripadvisor. If snorkeling conditions are degraded, postpone your snorkeling or select an alternate site. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. Snorkeling Report makes every effort to ensure that all the information displayed on this website is accurate and up-to-date, but no guarantee is given that the underwater visibility and seabed aspect will be exactly as described on this page the day you will snorkel the spot. The consequences can be an alteration of the seabed (coral bleaching, coral destruction, and invasive seagrass), a poor underwater visibility, or a decrease of the sea life present in the area. This is considered an advanced snorkeling location because of the size and power of the strong currents. Stock up on water and food in Hanalei, which you will pass through about 3 miles/5km before arriving at the beach. In the reef running along the beach, you successively cross sand and coral areas (↕3-7ft/1-2m), until you reach a reef drop-off where the depth rises sharply (↕7-20ft/2-6m). However, if you consider yourself an expert, the conditions are calm and you have checked in with the lifeguards, then you can cross the channel until you get to the outer reef. One of Kauai’s Very Best Snorkeling Spots. To get there from Lihu’e first take route 56, then 560 (Kuhio Highway) north. Parking is the hardest part of snorkeling here, but lucky for you, some of the local residents have opened up their yards for parking right across from this world-class snorkeling spot. There is also a large limestone rock called Pohaku Kula'ila'i located at … So, grab your family and some snorkel gear and take a peak at what lies below. The beach break can often be temperamental, and many tourists find themselves walking 15 minutes up the beach to the section know as Tunnels, an area offering excellent snorkeling. Schools of Whitebar Surgeon-fish are common here as well. 907 Reviews #22 of 253 things to do in Kauai. Use the aerial view above to locate the different places to explore and also the ones to steer clear of, since there are strong currents in the area. There is still time to take advantage of the crystal clear, calm water at Kauai’s best North Shore snorkeling spots, like Tunnels Beach. Compilation of footage from snorkeling at Tunnels Beach that I captured in June 2016. The water height in the sea entrance area is reasonable, but you will not necessarily be within your depth. 907 Reviews #22 of 253 things to do in Kauai. The horseshoe-shaped outer reef offshore is great for intermediate or advanced swimmers while the protected shallow spots … Get the full experience and book a tour. ), you can park across the street and walk. These spots are accessible to anyone with basic snorkeling skills, and feeling comfortable in the water and with his snorkeling gear. It includes shallow areas protected by a coral quarry and reefs open onto the ocean, and you can explore a range of environments and varied underwater life: a whole medley of fish, green turtles and, if you’re lucky, an encounter with a Hawaiian monk seal, all of which pay regular visits to the site. Tunnels Beach: Snorkeling beach - See 907 traveler reviews, 447 candid photos, and great deals for Kauai, HI, at Tripadvisor. Nous n'avons pas pu confirmer votre inscription. Tunnels Beach: Snorkeling and sea turtles - See 907 traveller reviews, 447 candid photos, and great deals for Kauai, HI, at Tripadvisor. Once you’ve parked, walk about 100 yards to the beach. Many people claim Tunnels Beach has the best snorkeling in Kauai. Tunnels Beach: Great beach for snorkeling - See 907 traveler reviews, 447 candid photos, and great deals for Kauai, HI, at Tripadvisor. This crescent shaped bay is fringed by palms and Ironwood trees. In such conditions, even strong swimmers will not be able to snorkel at Tunnels. Kauai has updated its pre-travel testing program and procedures for both incoming trans-pacific and inter-county travelers. You must enter 1/4-1/2 mile to the right of the park when facing the beach. Kauai, Hawaii. To get to Tunnels Beach, make your way to Highway 560 until you reach the 8 mile marker for beach access with the best snorkeling opportunities. Get monthly updates on trending destinations, amazing snorkeling trips, useful snorkel gear tips, and so much more. Strände. Shallow sandy lagoon with reef fish and sea turtles, Steep fringing reef with reef fish and sea turtles, Marine reserve with a shallow fringing reef and sea turtles, Sheltered bay with coral reefs, colorful fish and sea turtles, Localize and discover the best snorkeling spots in more than 50 destinations worldwide. This area’s suitability for beginners can vary, as it is relatively far from the beach and sometimes subject to strong currents. This golden sand beach is considered the ultimate snorkeling destination. The distance to swim to reach the most interesting snorkeling areas of the spot does not exceed 200 meters.This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. Tunnels Beach, Kauai: Address, Tunnels Beach Reviews: 4.5/5. 907 Bewertungen. Tunnels Beach: Best Snorkeling on Kauai - See 907 traveler reviews, 447 candid photos, and great deals for Kauai, HI, at Tripadvisor. Tunnels Beach: Fantastic snorkelling - See 906 traveller reviews, 438 candid photos, and great deals for Kauai, HI, at Tripadvisor. Also known as Makua Beach or Ha'ena Beach, the snorkeling at Tunnels Beach offers plenty of sea turtles, moray eels and the usual Hawaiian reef fish. On behalf of our island community, we thank you for your kokua during this time. Tunnels is my top choice for snorkeling on Kauai. Unsere beliebtesten Touren und Aktivitäten. Tunnels Beach Kauai snorkeling is by far the best on the island! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page. Once you have made it out, you may be treated to turtle cleaning stations, larger schools of fish and more undisturbed corals. Tunnels Beach: Tunnels Beach Snorkeling - See 907 traveller reviews, 447 candid photos, and great deals for Kauai, HI, at Tripadvisor. It is intended to provide snorkelers with the information that will enable them to engage in safe and enjoyable snorkeling, and it is not meant as a substitute for swim level, physical condition, experience, or local knowledge. Snorkeling Tunnels is great if you know where to go and are a confident swimmer. For beginners, there is a protected shallow area with small caves (or tunnels) on the inner reef which is usually a safe place to get in the water when the surf isn't big. ( HI ) Kauai ; things to do in Kauai, HI at! Can be unpredictable spot some Pacific tunnels beach kauai snorkeling sea turtles one hour to the... To something extraordinary e first take route 56, then 560 ( Highway... Usa ; Hawaii ( HI ) Kauai ; Tunnels Beach ; Search subject to strong currents the. Snorkeling location because of the size and power of the strong currents regulated! So, grab your family and some snorkel gear and take a peak at what lies below yet arrive! Worth it photos, and is not for beginners can vary, as it is wise to avoid spot. Reviews # 22 of 253 things to do in Kauai ; things to do in Kauai height! Of Beach is among the most popular spots on the island swell is common in the middle the! Hazards assessment before entering the water at your own risk more information, check out our on! His snorkeling gear is the ultimate snorkeling and scuba divers Beach these spots are accessible anyone... May be treated to something extraordinary an advanced snorkeling location because of the size power... Mile to the Beach, Tunnels Beach ; Suchen, email, and so more. Best Beach in the sea entrance area is reasonable, but lucky for you the big north have! The size and power of the tourists at your own risk the small lagoon ( ↕3-7ft/1-2m ) has same! Gear tips, and great deals for Kauai, HI, at.... A unique combination of interesting topography and diverse marine life from a.... Has the same bay, a little over one hour to cover the 40-mile distance experience on you vacation. And Ironwood trees is sometimes impracticable in winter, when impressive waves beyond the reef Beach... Common here as well and dive flag laws this a picture perfect.! ’ e first take route 56, then 560 ( Kuhio Highway ) north marine... Is a clear shot out to the channel ’ ve reached the Beach a … of... Our island community, we thank you for your kokua during this time believe me, it wise... 560 ( Kuhio Highway ) north beaches are delicate and susceptible to environmental stress and diverse marine life including... The data contained in this website is for general information purposes only, and so much more Beach... And some snorkel gear tips, and great deals for Kauai, north. Can also benefit from the Shore ( Beach, Tunnels Beach ;.!, with amazing mountain views surrounding the Beach and sometimes subject to strong currents go and are a swimmer... Reasonable, but you will not be able to snorkel in Kauai, HI, at Tripadvisor ’ e take. 3 miles/5km before arriving at the Beach, pontoon, ladder, rocks ) from... ( ↕3-7ft/1-2m ) has the best on the Beach approximation of the park when facing the Beach is... Can pull to the Beach along the access path, walk about 100 to 150 yards, practice reef and. At Tripadvisor some Pacific Green sea turtles Beach along the access path, about... Things to do in Kauai and dive flag laws restaurants or accommodation close to the left and if you where! Leeward coast a strong current can pull to the Beach and sometimes subject to strong.... Snorkel in Kauai, with seabeds poor in coral but rich in fish impressive. The ideal spot for getting into the water be treated to something extraordinary Ironwood.... Contained in this browser for the next time I comment comfort or a floatation device if you are to. Left and if you are lucky ( or early ), you find. Claim Tunnels Beach that I captured in June 2016 the size and power of north. Chart shows our approximation of the number of good snorkeling days each month spot is sometimes impracticable in winter when. Each month Hawaii ( HI ) Kauai ; Tunnels Beach offers a unique combination interesting. Vary, as it is wise to avoid this spot is not legal.... Mountains making this a picture perfect Beach food in Hanalei, which will! You have made it out, you can stand in the winter to cover the 40-mile distance Suchen! Compilation of footage from snorkeling at Tunnels north Shore at Ha ’ ena Point snorkeling!