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Tunnels Beach Kauai Hawaii

Tunnels Beach Directions

Tunnels Beach Location

Tunnels Beach, also known as Makua Beach, is located on the eastern side of Maniniholo Bay on the scenic north shore of Kauai.

Map of Tunnels Beach

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You absolutely don’t want to miss some of these top things to do in Kauai!

Can You Drive to Tunnels Beach?

Absolutely. In fact, the best way to get to Tunnels Beach is to drive.

You have two options: parking along the Tunnels Beach access roads off Kuhio Highway and then walking onto the beach, or parking at the adjacent Haena Beach Park parking lot and walking over the sand to Tunnels.

Tunnels Beach Directions: How to Get to Tunnels Beach

Tunnels Beach is accessed from Highway 560, also called the Kuhio Highway, which runs along the north shore of the island of Kauai.

Driving distances to Tunnels Beach from different parts of the island are as follows:

Hanalei Town (North Shore): 5.7 miles
Princeville (North Shore): 9 miles
Kapa’a (East Side): 27.9 miles
Lihue (East Side): 36.8 miles
Poipu (South Shore): 48.5 miles

Finding parking for Tunnels Beach can be problematic, so arrive early.

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Tunnels (Makua) Beach Directions

From Hanalei, take Highway 560 West for 5.7 miles to the first alleyway leading to Tunnels Beach. To park in the lot at Haena Beach, drive another 0.5 mile west.

To get to Tunnels Beach take Kuhio Highway | Tunnels Beach Directions
To get to Tunnels Beach take Kuhio Highway | Tunnels Beach Directions

From Lihue, drive 36.4 miles along Highway 56 North and Highway 560 West to arrive at the alley that offers access to Tunnels Beach. To park in the lot at Haena Beach, drive another 0.5 mile west.

From Poipu, take Highway 50 East to Highway 56 North to Highway 560 West (48.5 miles total) to arrive at the access alley to Tunnels Beach. Drive another 0.5 mile west if you want to park in the parking lot at Haena Beach Park.

Step-by-Step Driving Directions to Tunnels Beach

If it’s your first time on Kauai, here is what to expect when driving to Tunnels Beach, plus what to see and do along the way!

How to Get to Tunnels Beach from Lihue Airport

Distance: 38 miles

Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

  1. Exit Lihue Airport: Start by exiting the airport and turning right onto Kapule Highway (HI-51). Follow this road as it merges into Kuhio Highway (HI-56).
  2. Head North on Kuhio Highway: Continue driving north on Kuhio Highway, passing through Wailua, Kapaa, and Kilauea.
  3. Princeville: As you reach Princeville, consider a quick stop to enjoy the picturesque overlooks of Hanalei Valley.
  4. Hanalei Town: Drive through the quaint town of Hanalei, where you might want to pause for some local eats or a quick stroll around its artsy shops and historic sites.
  5. Continuing to Haena: From Hanalei, the road becomes narrower and more winding. Drive with caution as you navigate past one-lane bridges and lush landscapes. After approximately 15 minutes, you will arrive in Haena.
  6. Parking: Look for parking signs around Haena Beach Park. The parking lots can fill up quickly, so arrive early to secure a spot.
Kuhio Highway on the North Shore of Kauai | How to Get to Tunnels Beach
Kuhio Highway on the North Shore of Kauai | How to Get to Tunnels Beach

This scenic drive offers many places for a stop:

  • Wailua Falls: A short detour off Kuhio Highway, these twin falls are a majestic sight, especially in the morning.
  • Kapaa Town: A charming spot to stretch your legs, grab a coffee, or explore local shops.
  • Kilauea Lighthouse: Just a few minutes off the main road, this historic lighthouse provides breathtaking views of the Pacific and is a great place for bird watching.

How to Get to Tunnels Beach from Princeville

If you’re staying in Princeville or the north shore of Kauai, you are only a few miles from Tunnels Beach.

Distance: 9 miles

Driving Time: Approximately 20 minutes

  1. Start on Kuhio Highway (HI-560): Head west on Kuhio Highway from Princeville.
  2. Hanalei Valley Lookout: Don’t miss this quick stop to take in the panoramic views of Hanalei Valley’s taro fields and verdant mountains.
  3. Hanalei Town: Pass through Hanalei, taking note of its charming shops and eateries.
  4. Towards Haena: Continue on Kuhio Highway, navigating the one-lane bridges and enjoying the lush surroundings.
  5. Parking: Upon reaching Haena, look for designated parking areas. Parking is limited, especially during peak times.
To get to Tunnels Beach take Kuhio Highway | How to Get to Tunnels Beach
To get to Tunnels Beach take Kuhio Highway | How to Get to Tunnels Beach

How to Get to Tunnels Beach from Waimea

Distance: 51 miles

Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes

  1. Start on Kaumualii Highway (HI-50): Head east on Kaumualii Highway.
  2. Merge onto Kuhio Highway (HI-56): Near Lihue, merge onto Kuhio Highway and continue north.
  3. Scenic Stops: Consider the same scenic stops mentioned in the Lihue directions, including Wailua Falls, Kapaa Town, and Kilauea Lighthouse.
  4. Princeville and Hanalei: Continue through Princeville and Hanalei as detailed earlier.
  5. Parking: Follow the same parking instructions upon reaching Haena.

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