How To Get To Tunnels Beach, Kauai
How to Get to Tunnels Beach, Kauai
Tunnels Beach is a prime snorkeling destination on the remote North Shore of Kauai, near the end of the scenic Kuhio Highway.
The only way to get to Tunnels Beach is via the Kuhio Highway. Take it north past Haena to Haena Beach Park parking lot.
Below are the detailed driving directions on how to get to Tunnels Beach from different points on the island.
Best Things to Do in Kauai at a Glance
Group Type Activities & Best Tours
(Reserve now, before they sell out)Everyone / Casual Tourists Napali dinner & sunset cruise, scenic flight, luau, botanical garden & chocolate tasting, local food tour, Waimea Canyon Families (with smaller kids) Napali snorkel, helicopter ride, kayak & hike to Secret Falls, guided shore snorkel, learn to surf Adventure Tourists / Teenagers Napali raft & snorkel, doors-off helicopter, zipline, Waimea Canyon downhill bike, waterfall rappel
Planning a trip to Tunnels Beach? Be sure to check the Tunnels Beach website for all the details you need to plan!
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!
Can you drive to Tunnels Beach?
Definitely, and is probably the best way to get to Tunnels Beach. Here are the directions on how to get to Tunnels Beach from key locations on Kauai.
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How to Get to Tunnels Beach from Lihue Airport
Distance: 38 miles
Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes
- 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).
- Head North on Kuhio Highway: Continue driving north on Kuhio Highway, passing through Wailua, Kapaa, and Kilauea.
- Princeville: As you reach Princeville, consider a quick stop to enjoy the picturesque overlooks of Hanalei Valley.
- 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.
- 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.
- Parking: Look for parking signs around Haena Beach Park. The parking lots can fill up quickly, so arrive early to secure a spot.
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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.
A helicopter tour is undeniably a fantastic way to admire the breathtaking landscapes of Kauai, from the Waimea Canyon to the Napali Coast and Jurassic Falls. Check price and availability now! 🚁 🚁
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
- Start on Kuhio Highway (HI-560): Head west on Kuhio Highway from Princeville.
- Hanalei Valley Lookout: Don’t miss this quick stop to take in the panoramic views of Hanalei Valley’s taro fields and verdant mountains.
- Hanalei Town: Pass through Hanalei, taking note of its charming shops and eateries.
- Towards Haena: Continue on Kuhio Highway, navigating the one-lane bridges and enjoying the lush surroundings.
- Parking: Upon reaching Haena, look for designated parking areas. Parking is limited, especially during peak times.
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How to Get to Tunnels Beach from Waimea
Distance: 51 miles
Driving Time: Approximately 1 hour 45 minutes
- Start on Kaumualii Highway (HI-50): Head east on Kaumualii Highway.
- Merge onto Kuhio Highway (HI-56): Near Lihue, merge onto Kuhio Highway and continue north.
- Scenic Stops: Consider the same scenic stops mentioned in the Lihue directions, including Wailua Falls, Kapaa Town, and Kilauea Lighthouse.
- Princeville and Hanalei: Continue through Princeville and Hanalei as detailed earlier.
- Parking: Follow the same parking instructions upon reaching Haena.
🛶 Paddle and Hike to Secret Falls! Embark on the Wailua River Kayak and Sacred Falls Hike with Lunch. This 5-hour guided tour combines kayaking and a hike to a secluded waterfall, complete with a picnic lunch.
More Kauai Adventures You Can’t Miss: