Tunnels Beach (Makua), Kauai, Hawaii
Tunnels Beach is a snorkeling paradise and a picture-postcard tropical beach located on the north shore of Kauai.
Known as Makua Beach to locals, the beach was given the nickname of Tunnels Beach by divers that found the many lava tubes, caverns, and tunnels in the reef here.
One of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii, Tunnels Beach is considered a top summer snorkeling, scuba diving, and sunbathing beach on the island of Kauai. A visit to Tunnels Beach is well worth the effort to find parking!
Landscape photographers love Tunnels Beach for its stunning setting. The beach served as a filming location for the 1958 classic South Pacific.
Tunnels Beach features a long swathe of golden sand, backed by the majestic Mount Makana (also known as Bali Hai) and lush tropical vegetation, and fronted by the multi-hued blue-green waters of Maniniholo Bay.
Despite the fact that Tunnels Beach does not offer any amenities and parking for Tunnels Beach can sometimes be a hassle, most Kauai-bound tourists have this beautiful beach on their wish list. It is also a local favorite!
Want to experience Kauai’s legendary beauty from the air? This doors-off helicopter tour comes with no rear window seats and visits all the top natural wonders on Kauai. You may even glide over Tunnels Beach! 🚁 🚁 🚁
On this website, you will find detailed information on activities you can enjoy at Tunnels Beach. We also tell you how to get to Tunnels Beach, where to park, and tips for visiting the beach.
Get started discovering the complete guide to visiting Tunnels Beach!
And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Kauai, check out some of the top things to do in Kauai, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!
The Complete 2025 Guide to Tunnels Beach, Kauai
While the beach is beautiful, what’s special about Tunnels Beach is the remarkable underwater lava labyrinth of caverns, arches, tunnels and more, making it a fun and exciting place to explore and spot beautiful tropical fish!
Tunnels Beach is also in an area that is historically significant to Hawaiians. Its local name, Makua, means “parent,” reflecting Hawaiians’ deep respect for the land as a nurturing entity.
This comprehensive Tunnels Beach website is your one-stop site for all the details you need to plan your visit to this beautiful beach.
Tunnels Beach is located at Haena Point on Maniniholo Bay, a short drive west from the town of Hanalei on Kauai’s north shore. View the location of Tunnels Beach on a map.
You can drive to Tunnels Beach from different parts of Kauai, from Hanalei or Princeville to Kapaa or Lihue, Koloa or Poipu, or even Waimea.
Access to Tunnels Beach can be a bit tricky, so it’s best to research options in advance. It all depends on where you find parking for Tunnels Beach.
If you arrive early and find a coveted spot in one of the alleys by Tunnels, you simply walk the few steps to the sand. But if those spots are taken, you’ll have to park in the lot at Haena Beach Park and walk over to Tunnels, about a 10-minute walk along the sand.
Shops in Hanalei offer equipment rentals, and there are restaurants if you are looking to eat before or after your visit to Tunnels Beach.
A summer snorkeling paradise well worth visiting in its own right, Tunnels Beach is also close to other Kauai north shore attractions.
Looking to see if Tunnels Beach is open? Like most other beaches on Kauai, Tunnels Beach is open 24/7. Occasionally though, Tunnels Beach is closed to water activities, such as the rare occasion when a shark has been sighted.
At this time, you do not need permits or reservations to visit Tunnels Beach. While Tunnels Beach and Haena Beach Park are located right next door to Haena State Park, which does require advance reservations, Tunnels Beach does not.
Great news for travelers visiting Kauai on a budget: Tunnels Beach does not have an entrance fee (or parking fee), and neither does Haena Beach Park next door.
Wondering about amenities at Tunnels Beach? There are none! And Tunnels Beach is not lifeguarded.
But you will find a lifeguard on duty at adjacent Haena Beach Park, which also offers restrooms and showers. It’s about a 10-minute walk to Haena Beach Park from Tunnels.
You can find all the best things to do at Tunnels Beach in this complete guide: snorkel, swim, sunbathe, view sunsets (or sunrises!), admire turtles and monk seals, surf, scuba dive, kayak or canoe or paddleboard, and other activities.
Want to spend a day or more on the North Shore of Kauai? Here’s what is near Tunnels Beach: Haena Beach Park, Ke’e Beach, and Haena State Park (a bit beyond Haena Beach Park), and the Maniniholo Dry Cave (just opposite Haena Beach Park parking lot).
You can also visit the Limahuli Garden if you love plants, and wander the charming town of Hanalei, where you will find restaurants and shops for snorkel rentals.
Planning your Kauai itinerary? Also consider:
a relaxing sunset cruise of the Na Pali Coast ⛴️ 🌄
an exciting guided kayaking + hiking trip to Secret Falls on the east side, 🛶 🥾 🛶
or a fabulous airplane tour over Kauai! ✈️ ✈️
Best Things to Do at Tunnels Beach
1. Snorkel at Tunnels Beach
The reason people flock to Tunnels Beach despite the lack of facilities and amenities is primarily for snorkeling: Tunnels Beach is one of the best snorkeling spots on Kauai!
Makua Reef, the reef that makes Tunnels Beach famous as a snorkeling haven, is so large, and the waters so clear, that it can even be seen from the air! Underwater, diverse marine life can be found along the reef.
There is actually an inner reef close to shore and an outer reef further out.
Snorkelers love Tunnels Beach for the variety of marine life that can be seen here, from coral reefs and schools of colorful tropical fish to rays, eels, crabs, octopuses, sea turtles, and even the occasional Hawaiian monk seal.
With extensive coral reefs and elaborate, shallow tidepools, Tunnels Beach caters to all abilities of snorkelers.
Beginners can explore the lava formations, coral reefs and marine life in the shallow tidepools and near the safety of the shore.
More advanced snorkelers can head further and deeper to explore the fascinating underwater lava formations like natural arches and caves, and view bigger tropical fish and other other marine life.
Look for the sandy areas along the beach to enter and exit, so you avoid stepping on coral, which is a living organism, when the water is shallow. Coral can also cut your feet.
Book the top 5-star rated, immensely popular Kauai experiences! Reserve now (with free cancellation) before they sell out.
2. Soak in the Beauty of Tunnels Beach
Gawking at the exceptional scenery is of course one of the best things to do at Tunnels Beach.
Even if you don’t set foot in the water, just soaking in the picturesque setting is enough reason to visit, and landscape photographers often have this beach on their bucket list for Kauai.
Crescent-shaped Tunnels Beach has as its backdrop the impressive Mount Makana, also known as Bali Hai. The lush green mountain sweeps across the back of the beach, rising up to loom over the west end.
Ironwood trees and palms line the back of the beach, and the stretch of soft golden sand is fronted by the turquoise waters of Maniniholo Bay.
It’s a picture postcard setting, and served as a filming location for the 1958 musical South Pacific.
3. View Romantic Sunsets at Tunnels Beach
If you are at Tunnels Beach in the evening, you must stay to watch the sunset!
The colorful skies, just after the golden orb of the sun disappears, add an extra element of enchantment to an already stunning spot.
4. Sunbathe and Relax on the Golden Sands
Out of the water, there are many fun things to do on sandy Tunnels Beach.
Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic in the beautiful setting. Stroll along the golden sand, soaking in the scenery. Spread out a towel or bring a lightweight beach chair and sunbathe.
Look for shells and small bits of coral, but please leave what you find on the beach for other visitors to enjoy.
5. Admire Honu and Monk Seals on Tunnels Beach
As with many of the other Kauai beaches, Hawaiian green sea turtles (honu) and monk seals are a common sight on the golden sands of Tunnels Beach
Keep your distance and respect the orange cones that volunteers place around these animals, both are endangered species.
6. Surf Tunnels Beach
As with other North Shore of Kauai beaches, the typically calm summer waters at Tunnels Beach change dramatically to rough waves in winter, far too dangerous for swimmers and snorkelers.
However, that’s precisely what the surfers, windsurfers and kiteboarders were waiting for – fun, towering waves for thrilling, adrenaline-pumping water sports!
Winter waves at Tunnels Beach are strictly for the pros, and requires paddling out into the ocean beyond the reefs for the break!
7. Explore the Lava Formations with a Scuba Dive or on a Sea Scooter
Tunnels Beach is also known as a good scuba diving spot in the summer, when the waters are calm. Divers tend to prefer the outer reef, where there are more lava arches and caves to explore.
Dives range from 20-70 feet and are beginner-friendly.
Aren’t certified for scuba diving? Sea scooters provide a similar thrill and are a great alternative!
You will have to rent the sea scooters from Hanalei or Princeville.
>> Check pricing and availability on the Princeville – Snorkeling Shore Excursion now!
8. Swim at Tunnels Beach
Although Tunnels is mainly known as a snorkeling beach, you can swim or wade here when the waves are low, which is usually the case in summer.
Tunnels Beach is not lifeguarded, and if that is important to you, head to the adjacent Haena Beach Park which has lifeguards.
Even if you’re a strong, experienced swimmer don’t go too far from shore, rip currents and tides are notoriously common on the North Shore of Kauai, and Tunnels Beach is no exception.
9. Kayak (or Canoe or Paddleboard)
Summer waters are usually calm and ideal for open ocean kayaking or canoeing or paddleboarding.
You can explore either on your own or on a guided tour.
Rentals are available at Hanalei or Princeville.
10. Enjoy sunrise at Tunnels Beach!
If you are an early riser, visit Tunnels Beach at sunrise for an incredibly memorable experience.
You’ll be greeted by the sun making its way over the water by Hanalei and Princeville to the east, and often a colorful sky just before sunrise.
The vibe at Tunnels Beach in the morning is very tranquil, with just the sound of the waves going in and out and perhaps the call of a seabird.
And the biggest plus is that you will likely find parking in one of the alleys close to the beach!
Planning Tips for Your Tunnels Beach Visit
Arrive early!
One of our top tips for visiting Tunnels Beach is to come early in the day.
Parking spaces tend to fill up early in the day, whether the few spots in the alleys leading to the beach, or the spots in the lot at adjacent Ha’ena Beach Park.
Arriving early in the day at Tunnels Beach (before 8 am) will increase your chances of securing a parking spot. Plus, sunrise is a tranquil and beautiful time to be by the ocean. The light is great for photography, and the ambience perfect for a stroll along the sand.
If you miss the morning window, try at around noon, when early birds may be departing Tunnels Beach and Haena Beach Park.
If you just want to visit to check out the beauty of the beach, arrive later in the afternoon and stay for sunset!
Use the North Shore Shuttle if You Prefer Not To Drive
The North Shore Shuttle is a little pricey, but it is a convenient way to visit Tunnels Beach and Haena Beach Park without the need to drive or find parking.
Shuttle seats should be reserved in advance, since the shuttle also serves the popular Haena State Park.
Use the facilities at Ha’ena Beach Park
If you park at Ha’ena Beach Park, you may want to use the restrooms here before you walk the half mile to Tunnels Beach.
There are no restrooms at Tunnels Beach!
You will also have to walk over to Ha’ena Beach Park to rinse off under the shower after your Tunnels Beach visit.
Rent snorkel equipment the day before your visit
If you need to rent snorkel equipment, but want to arrive early in the day at Tunnels Beach, plan to rent gear the evening before.
If you are based on the north shore, there are shops in nearby Hanalei Town that offer gear rentals.
Some shops rent gear for the duration of your visit, so if you plan to snorkel more than once, you can check out this possibility to save time.
Prefer to own your snorkeling gear?
The Cressi Light Weight Premium Travel Snorkel Set for All Family is compact and easy to pack, great fitting, and very clear underwater.
The Zenoplige Mask Fins Snorkel Set is a great budget option.
What to Bring to Tunnels Beach?
Don’t pack too much!
You may have to park in the lot at Ha’ena Beach Park and walk one-half of a mile over the sand to Tunnels Beach.
So only pack essentials!
Remember sun protection
Use a reef-safe sunscreen and wear a rashguard with UPF for added protection.
The Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray, moisturizing with Vitamin E, is a great option when you travel to Hawaii.
Remember that Hawaii bans sunscreens that contain oxybenzone and octinoxate, chemicals that are known to harm corals.
Don’t forget underwater cameras
You’re at Tunnels Beach to marvel at the underwater seascape, lava formations, and amazing marine life – capture the moments!
Your best budget option is the Fujifilm QuickSnap Waterproof Disposable Camera, reasonably cheap with good underwater photos!
If you want high-end photos and video, invest in the premium GoPro HERO12 – Waterproof Action Camera, (waterproof to 33 feet)!
Carry waterproof phone case / waist pack
Keep a waterproof phone case handy to protect your smartphone from accidental water damage.
Keep your rental car keys, cards, and phone dry and safe while you swim or snorkel with a dry bag like this 2-pack AiRun Tech Pouch with waist strap. The transparent one is touch-screen friendly!
Safety and Health Tips
Heed all posted signs
There may be safety-related signs posted at Tunnels Beach. Heed all warning signs for your safety.
Educate yourself on ocean safety
Every year many people lose their lives or suffer injuries as a result of ocean-related events.
Educate yourself on ocean safety, and know and respect your limits. When in doubt, don’t go out.
Know that Tunnels Beach is NOT lifeguarded.
Check out this official website on ocean safety in Hawaii.
Observe marine life respectfully
Whether underwater or on the beach, observe all marine life respectfully.
Current guidelines for safe public viewing of Hawaiian green sea turtles call for a distance of at least 10 feet, and 50 feet for Hawaiian monk seals, both on land and in water.
The distance is 150 feet if you are lucky enough to see a monk seal with a pup.
Respect signs and barriers.
Do not walk or step on the reef!
Remember that the coral reef is a living thing, not rocks.
Stepping on delicate coral reefs damages them, so be careful to look but do not touch.
Do not leave belongings visible in your car!
Make sure all personal belongings are packed away out of sight in the trunk of your car, to minimize the potential for vehicle break-ins.
Take valuables with you, or leave them behind at your accommodation.