Tunnels Beach Reviews

We left at 8 and arrived at 9 and was able to find a place to park. Get here early and walk along the beach to the state park. It’s almost impossible to park at the state park, you have to buy your permit at least two weeks in advanced. They recommend you take the shuttle into the park but that could take an hour. Take your snorkeling gear with you as there’s a great snorkeling place once you get to the park. We didn’t but we found that snorkeling at tunnels beach is awesome too. If you don’t want to snorkel, you can swim in the calm and sandy water as well

We finally found this place and it is gorgeous but the life guards patrolling said no swimming because of the current. Super disappointed and conflicted as it's gorgeous but our purpose was to swim and snorkel.

This beach will stay in my heart forever. Beautiful views, and amazing snorkeling. It does not get much better than this. Be sure to get there early. Parking is limited.

Stunning beach! (Is there a beach in Kauai that isn’t?) Great snorkeling! My husband and I visited several beaches on our trip and this was our favorite :) parking was a little tricky as spots are limited, but we drove about a half mile down and parked at the ha’ena beach park and walked back to tunnels.

Best snorkeling beach we visited on Kauai. When we went it was very calm water. Take an umbrella. The trees are further back on the shores. Sand is also rather hot.

Great views of Bali Hai, iconic beach views to be had especially at sunset. The only draw back is the very limited parking along the narrow alley access to the beach.

Love, love, love. This was a gorgeous beach for sitting - talk about a view! - but the snorkeling is what really sets it apart. What an amazing reef! We snorkeled for over an hour and could easily have done more. So much to see, and the water was very calm, at least when we were there. Great for families. Be respectful of the reef and DO NOT STAND ON IT. Use reef-safe sunscreen.

This is quite a lovely place to spend the day! There is a pretty good walk but the beach is GORGEOUS and there is great snorkeling to be found right off the shore! Like EVERY beach on Kauai, I HIGHLY recommend you stop here if your in the area and have the time!

This is a great beach with amazing views of the Napali Coastline. Surf is fairly calm in the summer. Snorkeling is awesome and we saw turtles just off the shore. Parking is limited but beach doesn't get too crowded like CA beaches. Definitely one of the best areas in Kauai.

we visited here to see the caves on the other side of the beach... they were spectacular. But when we tried to find the tunnel beach, we were told by locals that it's just s regular beach, it's not really a 'tunnel' looking beach. nice beach regardless, seemed to be very popular with the locals.

We spent the trip of a life time in Kauai, from Sept 9 to 17! And Tunnels Beach was by far our favorite beach. We had been dreaming of it starting from a wonderful picture on Lonely Planet, but the reality exceeded our expectations! The stunning view of the first cliffs of Napali Coast makes this beach absolutely unique! When we arrived there were many people snorkeling close to the beach, and we immediately wore our snorkeling gear and had much fun admiring many colorful fish, with incredibly different shapes. And experienced for the first time in our life swimming with turtles: what a feeling of full peace and wonder! We are good swimmers, but the experience of snorkeling is great here for everybody, provided you don’t go too far away close to the rift, to avoid currents. And then enjoy! We will never forget! Luisa, Francesco, Tommy and Tala from Milan, Italy.

We parked at Ha' ena beach and walked almost a mile along the beach to get to Tunnels beach. It has great snorkeling and I found quite a few shells too. Careful of the coral, I ended up scraping my ankle on some.

Be forewarned, this area is still closed due to flooding last year. The Na Pali coast is beautiful, but you need a helicopter or boat trip to see it. Book boats well in advance.

This is a stunningly beautiful beach. Gorgeous warm water every shade of blue. Lush, green mountains in the background. Warm, soft sand. World class surfing spot. The snorkeling was memorable. The inside reef drops off suddenly about 30 feet- there lots of caves, and crevices. Spectacular tropical fish swimming around the reef. The real money is the outer reef- swim a couple of hundred yards past the inner reef and to the left of the breakers- several honu, lots of fish, caves, tunnels, scuba divers, deep water. Just a note- the coral reefs in Kauai have been under a lot of strain over the past several years- many have died from varying reasons including disease, increased water temperature, and from humans. Do your part, and stay off of the reef. Also do not wear sunscreen in the ocean that is not reef-approved. Sunscreen that is not reef approved will coat and kill coral. Thank you.

One of our Favorite snorkel spots!! The beach is beautiful and there are natural spots to throw your gear while you snorkel or dive!! Beautiful coral channels provide shelter to hundreds of types of fish and sea critters! Gentle enough for kids, interesting enough for Grandpa!! Food trucks and shave ice usually around, and be sure to go inside the cave!!

In the fall, September, the beach was closed for one day because of wind/currents. Anyway, we lucked out, parked on a side street and snorkled. We were about to leave when somebody mentioned the turtle. So we put on the snorkle gear and went out to swim next to a giant sea turtle in about 3 foot deep water. What a treat, watching Yurtle the turtle eating, floating and looking at us. Woo hoo!

At the end of the road on the north end of Kauai, is Tunnels beach which is beautiful in itself, but what is even more impressive are the lava tubes "tunnels" the beach is named for. I am a gelogist and these are the largest lava tubes, I have ever seen anywhere in the world. Impressive to say the least.

Parking is pretty hard here. There's 2 "parking lots" that maybe fit 6-7 cars each, both available on GoogleMaps. Go for the one closest to Tunnels Beach as it's a bit wider and easier to park.

We came in October and it was rainy and overcast. There were rip warning signs on the beach but still quite a few snorkelers out there. There's no vendors on the beach though so you'll have to bring your own gear. It's nice seeing the mountains in the background with clouds covering the tips, but otherwise the beach is nothing special. The sand is yellow and coarse and the water isn't picture perfect pristine. And the drive here (from Princeville) isn't amazing. It's narrow, windy and just goes through forestry, so you don't get a nice coastal drive that I would have expected.

March is a good time of the year to focus on the South shore, Poi pu, Salt Ponds,...
Unless you are a world class surfer, 20 foot swells should be avoided. Also due to rain and flash floods several of the communities were cut off while we were there.

Go here in the summer.

Parking is a nightmare so arrive very early (before 8:00 a.m.) if you want to find a parking space in the small parking lot or in one of the small parking areas offered by locals. Also, to get to Tunnels Beach from Princeville/Hanalei, you have to cross eight one-lane bridges. Construction in two places also had traffic stopped in each day on and off throughout the day. Having said all of that, the beach and snorkeling were wonderful! Shade is available along the top of the beach and the number and variety of fish around the reef was excellent. However, if you park in the small parking lots at the end of the beach, you have to walk at least halfway along the beach before you get to the parts of the reef that offer good snorkeling.

Since we had to figure out how to get Tunnels with the road work & closure, I am sharing some tips. First of all, do not confuse Haena BEACH PARK with Ha'ena State Park, they are two different locations. Tunnels is next to HAENA BEACH PARK. For Ha'ena State Park (which has access to Kalalau trail and Ke'e Beach) you must either use the North Shore Shuttle, or get a parking permit in advance.

Tunnels Beach is located next to Haena Beach Park which DOES NOT require a permit, it is located before the State Park. So there are two options to get to Tunnels Beach: 1) Make advance reservations on the North Shore Shuttle (at least 2 weeks ahead to get a time slot/ticket, cost is $15/person) then you won't have to worry about parking, which fills up by 9 or 10am. Get off the Shuttle at the Haena Beach Park stop. The shuttle runs all day, you can go back anytime. 2) If the Shuttle is full (like it was for us), you can still drive but the only parking is a short dirt road (located near 5-7740 Kuhio Hwy), or the best bet is to park in the Haena Beach Park lot. We went and had no problem parking at 8:30am, and there was still a few parking spaces available at 10am on a Saturday and 9am on Monday.

Either way, from the Haena Beach Park lifeguard tower, walk down to the water and turn right. Walk around 10 minutes until you see big, dark rocky areas in the water. That's the reef, lots of fish and we saw a beautiful turtle! The snorkeling is about halfway between Haena Beach Park and the point to the east. There is a bathroom and an outside shower if you walk back to Haena Beach Park.

Hope this helps! Tunnels was best snorkeling for us on Kauai. We liked it better than Ke'e since less people, but both spots are great snorkeling!

Reviews say this is an amazing place for snorkeling but the ocean conditions dictate here. Currents were too strong for it today. I can see why it would be marvelous. It is beautiful even for beach combing. We came across a few tiny treasures. Closer to the cave, there are lifeguards.

It was cloudy and drizzling when we went to Tunnels, so review is probably a bit skewed as I didn't see the location in it's full glory. But the beach was pretty, if a little challenging to get to. Would try it again on a sunnier day.

My favorite beach on all of Kauai. What a beautiful beach! The ocean was too rough to swim when we visited, but we enjoyed laying in the sun and watching our girls wave hop. So many beautiful rocks and shells to collect (then leave ;) ) And lots of hermet crabs and little fish in the tide pools. Do not miss this one!

Impossible to find, but you MUST come here. The beaches along the North Shore of Kauai are outrageous (better than the South and East), and Tunnels beach is one of two you MUST see (Ke'e is the other one IMO). We went to watch an unbelievable sunset one evening, and then returned to snorkel the next day. Fine snorkeling for beginners and plenty of caves (tunnels) for advanced skin divers. Our highlight was watching two Monk seals mating in the water.

Parking tip: The one place to park is a 100-ft unmarked road shortly after Mile 8 on 560. It fits about 6-7 cars, so if it's full, you have to go .25 mi down the road to Ha'ena beach to park (and then walk east along the beach to get to Tunnels). But it's WORTH it!

Lovely beach, we enjoyed watching the surfers! Parking is limited, so go early! Beautiful scenery! We recommend it if you have the time!

Perfect snorkeling and relaxing beach! Beautiful vibes of beach and green mountains on the side, plenty of great places to relax, very chill waters to just dip in, snorkel and see tons of cool colorful fish, coral reefs, and I even saw a turtle! Parking is veryyyy limited but I got there at 8:30 am and found a spot. Highly highly recommend this beach for any occasion.

Got there before 8 am and got a good parking place. Went out 10-15 minutes at a time and saw a bunch of beautiful fish. Also some people standing on the reef. WHY? A beautiful area.

This is a beautiful beach and has excellent snorkeling. We saw many fish and sea turtles during about an hour snorkeling. I was a bit nervous as this is where Bethany Meilani Hamilton-Dirks from Soul Surfer has her arm bit off by a shark. We didn't see any sharks while we were in the water thankfully!

It was too wavy to swim (bad riptides too) when we visited, so we watched the surfers an visited the "tunnel". Saw a turtle and a seal, nice spot!

Tunnels Beach is a great spot! When we went it was a bit windy, but not too much as we were able to tie down our beach umbrella for shade. Water is very blue, but beware as there are dangerous rocks you can't see and rip currents. There is a lifeguard on duty and the water can be rough for those people who are not strong swimmers (it can knock you down).
Once you're in the water and look back, you can't help but feel as if you're in paradise with the Napoli Coast mountain range behind you.
We didn't snorkel, but did catch a turtle swimming around the area we were swimming in. 🐢

Limited parking. Find a spot, or drive around to the North. You might find something at Haena beach (they're connected). Gorgeous views, some shade, awesome beach walk, great snorkeling. My son snorkeled with a turtle all day. Lots of spots to snorkel. Tried a little boogie boarding, not really the best spot for that bc there's lots of big rock/reef almost all way to shore.

We visited this beach in July. Beach was nice. Had some shady spots to hide from the sub, but I thought the snorkeling was just okay. Way better at Hideaway and Anini Beach.

Only people braving the waves were surfers ! Not as pretty as I remembered, but perhaps that was the fact that there was no sunshine. Cool place to pop a tent and camp out. Bathrooms and showers on site.

Tunnels is always my favorite part of my Kauai trips. The snorkeling is incredible - the reef is home to a multitude of beautiful fish, and there are almost always sea turtles! In addition to snorkeling, the far end of the beach is great for body surfing in the waves and playing in the sand. The mountains make for a gorgeous backdrop as well. Just don't forget your sunscreen, and to be respectful of the reef life!

Drive west through Hanelei and you'll discover the real essence of Hawaii. Thick bush down to the beaches with great surf and a feeling of really getting away from it all

If you like to snorkel then search no farther than Tunnels Beach on the north shore of Kauai. It is by far the most beautiful place to snorkel, and enjoy the marine life. Parking can be a bit difficult so try and get there early in the morning.

Every year our family heads to Tunnels Beach to hang out and snorkel. Just approximately 7-10 Miles past Hanalei GET THERE EARLY for any parking because it’s limited along the residential areas. You can continue down the road to the park or go to the end of the road to Ke’e beach. You’ll see turtles at either beach. Tunnels is also great for scuba diving. Waves are very minimal and during the spring/summer months it’s calm and clear. Winter however is not the greatest time to go to the North shore.

My family (husband, four kids (ages 12, 7, 7, 2) and me) absolutely loved this beach. So much so that we went twice during our week stay in Kauai. The water was gentle from having the breakwater, there was plenty of areas for my kids to snorkel close to the shore, and the sand was heavenly. If the sun was too much, there were great trees set back from the sand that provided the shade when needed. We will definitely be visiting this beloved beach again in our next adventure to Kauai. Great picnic beach too!

Without hesitation one is the most stunning beaches we’ve ever visited. Waters of every shade of blues & greens. Seas turtles, sea lions, gorgeous reefs for snorkeling. The view of the mountain the background was spectacular!

We had a 9:30am reservation at Haena state park shuttle, so we left Poipu at around 5:45am in order to go snorkeling at Tunnels beforehand. We stopped at Island Craves for donuts and made it to Tunnels by 7:30 were we found parking on the side street. It was a little tricky trying to find the snorkeling entrance, but thankfully someone saw us wandering around and pointed out the entrance point. Snorkeling was excellent. Water was much clearer than Poipu. I watched the surf reports and the waves were 2.5 feet which was good for snorkeling there.

Tunnels Beach was a well-recieved recommendation from a friend, and an incredible one at that. Tunnels is a beach with soft golden sand and turquoise waters, backed by the dramatic emerald cliffsides and mountains iconic of north Kauai. It connects with Ha'ena Beach Park, which is where you're more likely to find parking as they have a lot (an equally beautiful beach as it's all part of the same ambiance). There was a bit of undertow on the day we were there, but it was manageable for someone with some swimming experience.

I had driven up to the north shore with the intent of beach hopping the day away, but couldn't bring myself to leave Tunnels/Ha'ena! Just pack a picnic and you're set.

Icing on the cake (pun intended) was the shave ice truck parked there -- perfect fluffy yet icy consistency and great flavor choices for $5!

It's a nice beach and has good facilities, but parking is terrible and chickens everywhere! Would've been nicer on a good day, but it was too rough to swim or snorkel

We headed up here our last day the island. While the drive was nice, the parking on that beautiful day was impossible. The area is beautiful and the tunnels looked very interesting, but we could not find parking to go exploring. Maybe next time. We would suggest getting there early. It looks amazing but our experience was average.

This is the most beautiful beach I have ever visited! The beach is clean, never crowded and had the best snorkeling in Hawaii. The water was so clear with tons of colorful fish. Enter the water by walking through a sandy entry point, not by walking on the reef. We had to politely inform a young couple that they were walking on the reef. They thought it was just rocks. We have been on this beach in June and the beginning of September and the surf was calm to flat. There are plenty of shady areas to set up for the day. I stayed out snorkeling too long and got a sunburn so don't forget to reapply sunscreen. The Hawaii sunshine can be brutal. You can usually get a parking spot early or park at Haena beach park and walk. It is definitely worth the extra effort to get there.

We got there early and got a parking spot in the lot and got a nice spot under the trees. We were hoping to snorkel but it was way too choppy and then it began to rain. When it didn't let up we went to Anini and it was calm and clear.

Our sixth trip to this venue to snorkel . My wife had a new full face mask to try out, tunnels gets deep fast and has a number of different sites, depending on skill level. Always a chance for turtles, lots of fish. We messed around with trying to get the new mask watertight, and finally succeeded with help from a mother diver. Most of the good entry places are evident by the number of divers coming and going. Lots of rocks, but look for the sand runs between them. A great family place to snorkel.

Simply stunning beach, beautiful sandy beach coupled with the mountains and turquoise water. Difficult to find parking beyond 9am so go early. An abundance of sea life and healthy coral made for the best snorkelling on the island imo. In my top 3 of all time favourite beaches.

Takes about 45 minutes out of Pahaa. Stop at Hanalia for coffee. You can snorkel. Best place I found was about 2-300 yards out from the beach that is far on the left. You might see the tour boats dropping snorkelers off. Waves on the main beach were great for boogie boarding or wave bouncing later in the day (past 2pm) otherwise the waves were too high and only surfers went farther out. If you want to go only to the far right part of the beach there is a secret little lane to keep your eye open for as you drive to the beach. About 1/4 mile before. there will be about ten cars parked there. Even if you can't park there, you can stop and drop off your stuff, park you car on the main beach and walk back. This part of the beach is less wavy and great for kids.

Tunnels Beach is just as beautiful as all the other Kauai beaches on the surface. The best part is the water and all the fish you can see. This spot is incredible for snorkeling! You honestly don't even need a snorkel. Grab your goggles and head on in.

I could actually see fish without any of that. I wandered around the reef and saw quite a lot of fish while wading. The current did get stronger around 10:30am which made it harder to wade.

There's a decent bit of shade, so you don't necessarily need an umbrella. However, those spots might be taken by the time you arrive, or maybe you want a different spot altogether.

Parking is really annoying and hard because there are no markers indicating where to go and there's only 2 'parking lots' aka dirt roads that can take about 7 cars. Arrive around 9 am to snag a spot. We arrived at 9:30 am and got one of the remaining spots.

You can put in 'Tunnels Beach Parking' in Google Maps to get to the right location. There's no signage, outside of all the 'no parking' signs nearby. After passing Camp Neue (or something like that) be on the lookout for a street to turn right on. If you can't find a spot, park at Haena and walk to your right.

Visited three times on our trip. had great snorkeling the third time. The first time a tiger shark was sighted and the beach was closed to swimming. They are out there so just be aware! The surge and tides can be difficult depending on the time of year but the fish were huge!

We loved this spot for snorkeling. Such active sea life and plenty on coral to see! The waves weren't terrible when we were there, so we were able to really enjoy the experience!

This is one of the best north shore beaches. It is long and beautiful. . If the surf is high be careful. There are rip currents and also close breaking waves. When calm , certain parts of the beach are good for snorkeling.there are restrooms.
Go early morning or late afternoon to increase the chance of finding parking. Believe the no parking signs. Explore the nearby cave but watch for falling rock. I would stay out of it in heavy rain.

Beautiful beach with snorkeling. We really enjoyed our time there after hiking the Kalalau trail. There are restrooms, picnic benches and food trucks.

One of the most famous/ not so secret place to park when going to both Hā’ena beach park and tunnels beach. This area to park is the access you can use to get to tunnels beach!

Once you get there it’s super gorgeous! Definitely worth the 1 hour drive from lihue for a sunrise/sunset in Kauai!

Fresh coconuts not far from the best snorkeling we saw on the island. We saw 6 turtles within 1 hour and collected small conch shells. Parking was the only pain but sooooo worth it!

Tunnels Beach was very very nice. We spent time walking the beach but we did not go into the water. Parking at tunnels Beach is free.

Fantastic 2-mile golden sand beach, but unfortunately parking is a problem. One of Kauai's best snorkeling and diving spots, with the bonus of the famous pyramid-shaped peak of Mount Makana (from the movie South Pacific) in the background. The drive to Tunnels Beach offers plenty of perspective, be sure to stop at Hanaley Valley Overlook, especially on a sunny day. Bring your own food and drinks for the day, no services, no amenities, no lifeguards on duty, be advised.

This is a long, beautiful beach with good snorkeling and stunning views of the NaPali cliffs. There are signs warning people that the currents here are strong, so use caution. Monk seals were sleeping on the sand one day when we were here.

After six days of play and exploring the island, we picked our seventh to rest on the beach. The drive to Tunnels is very scenic with many one lane bridges. The parking is rough but agree about parking at the park at the end of the road and walking in. The snorkeling is fantastic! As soon as I put my head in the water, I saw several fish. It was like hitting the jackpot when it comes to snorkeling. Though it's work getting here, I promise, you won't regret it!

You can't get to Tunnels Beach right now. It is closed to the public for now. You must have a special pass to get there. BUMBER

We were staying in Poipu and the beginning of the week the waves were gigantic! We were unable to get in the water for snorkeling and swimming. We headed to the north shore and it was recommended that we go to Tunnels since you need a permit to access the beach and trails further down. There was scattered shade near the bushes and trees, public restrooms and showers, and decent snorkeling with interesting coral canyons, etc.

Although we’re not the best surfers on Kauai we had fun! We can’t wait to take lessons now! Next we’re trying snorkeling. Loved the beautiful water and the sunsets. Looking forward to our next trip to Hawaii. ❤️

Great Snorkeling here. I would highly recommend it. It's hard to find so definitely get a guide book of some kind. We had to park at the beach to the north and walk down to Tunnels. There is supposedly trails right off the road but the limited parking was already full by the time we arrived. I would suggest going early in the morning. However, once we got there it was incredibly beautiful and the snorkeling was pretty good and easy. When we went there was a under current that was annoying so just be aware of where you are.

Tunnels Beach is open again after being closed for a year.
Great dive site, one of my favorites in the world. Many caves, arches and swim throughs as a result of old lava activity. Have dove this site three times and twice have seen a turtle cleaning station. There are only a few shops now licensed to dive Tunnels Beach, I used Fathom 5 Divers based out of Koloa Town near Poipu Beach but it doesn’t matter where they are because they meet you at the location. I rated the shop 5 stars. The dive shop will give directions of where to park. Fantastic dive! Make time for this location. Should know that returning from the dive the traffic is terrible as you go through Kapaa so plan accordingly for returning late, also realize that the dive is not as deep as most for long periods so the bonus is you will be under water longer but also return later for this as well. Don’t miss this dive!

Although we had a long trek across soft sand to get there from the parking lot of another beach, it was worth it. This was the best snorkeling of our trip, in terms of ocean conditions, diversity of marine life, and ease of reaching the good areas.

You can check out the dry cave before going to the beach and relaxing or playing a fun game of spike ball! Cool down and take a dip in the water, so clean and pretty!

The parking was a little tough, but we lucked out. Ideally I think we should have arrived early morning- 8:30-9 to enjoy the caves before it got crowded and get a prime parking spot closer to the beach. We liked exploring the caves before it got too hot and then we walked back over to the beach to sit and relax. The road was very busy between the cars and people so it wasn't fun leaving.

We didn't get an early start from Poipu, and ended up there around 12pm. We started at Haene, and parking was packed, but just went up the road and found a spot on the side of the road just like we do when we are hiking busy spots. Super easy for us. Then walked through the beach to Tunnels. Friggin magical. Maybe the best beach I've been on in my life with the snorkeling. Saw a Monk Seal sleeping, a turtle, tons of fish and the scenery was just breathtaking. Only our first day in Kauai!

Becareful where you park and what direction you face as there is not a lot of parking. We drove 5 mins up and found some there. The beach is very pretty and not too crowded. There is a very strong current there so be careful.

It's a drive, especially if you are staying on the south side. Go early and grab a parking spot. It'll be less crowded too. Long stretch of sand. Some campers. I heard someone say this is the breeding ground for sharks. Haven't seen any myself.

Classic Kauai beach---deep blue on one side, deep green on the land side.
Stunning views of the water.
Incredible large beach

A long way from town and down the road to get here---almost to the end, but thats another beach, hike and falls.

Way crowded parking.
Showers and baths lifeguards and a shaved iced truck

We drove up close to sunset in hopes of capturing a grand view. There were too many clouds, so no sunset to be seen, but the view was still great! Not a place to go swimming though. Lots of warning signs and waves were pretty big!

If you visit in May-
-The surf can be challenging. Good size waves will challenge swimmers.
-Popular beach so parking can be hard. Go early!!
-In May there was a food truck and life guard.
-Shade is at a premium so come prepared.
-It's a short walk to the beach. The beach is very long.
-It's a beautiful setting not to be missed.
-As in all of Hawaii, the sun is hot, hot hot so be prepared.
-We return every time we visit Hawaii.

What a beautiful beach with moderate waves so it's fun for everyone and you get to see turtles right in front of you even if you're not snorkeling! So much fun!!

Wow, Wow ,Wow. The drive is long but it is worth it! The parking is hard so get there early or later in the day. We arrived there later in the day so we could watch the sunset.
You will have to walk the beach about half way from where you park for some great snorkeling. We were lucky to get shade from the trees along the back, but if not I would have a umbrella or tent. The scenery is just awesome and the sunset is the best. The turtles are feeding in the tunnels, you should have no problem seeing them. Take water, food and whatever else you need. There are bathrooms and showers near by.

It was great snorkeling the best I experienced on my visit to Kauai. Saw so many colorful fish and sea turtles. The sand is very course and tough to walk through and parking is challenging. The second day we came we showed up at 3:30ish and were able to grab a spot on a closer off street which was much closer to the best snorkeling area.

All the reviews are correct - this place is amazing. Huge reef just offshore of a beautiful beach. Parking can be tough - we got in very early but it filled up by ten am.

This is a seriously beautiful beach, perhaps my favourite! (and i'm from Australia!)
Parking is difficult here, BUT when you finally find somewhere and walk to the beach, it is spectacular. The backdrop of Kauai mountains, and the lava formed snorkelling is the best in the world (not that i have checked).
Tips - Be prepared to walk to the beach, you will park a fair distance from tunnels beach (closer to Ha'ena beach), then walk East.

Tunnels beach was quiet and the views were gorgeous. We saw a few sea turtles but didn't see a lot while snorkeling.

The sand was soft and they beach was clean. The water was bright blue and absolutely stunning.

Nice spacious beach with some shade, a few fish and wildlife, and a dry cave across the road. Went snorkling and was a little disappointed by the amount of fish here, maybe it was the time of year that I went? Only a few fish in the water when I was swimming. I did see one large seal basking in the sun on the beach.

We were able to find a quiet shady spot on the left side under some trees. It was a longer walk than it looked to get to the other side where people were snorkling on the right. Sometimes the sand was quite hard to walk on, sinking and slipping under my feet and some of it was pebbly, but pretty. On the left side, there were more waves and people were fishing or surfing rather than swimming.

If you walk to the left, there are some rocks and the beach continues past the rocks - there was basically no one there! If you want seclusion, walk to the left. I saw some creepy black crabs on the rocks.

Parking was filling up fast when we arrived late morning. We got lucky to find a spot near the entrance by the bathrooms. Someone had parked next to us and went too far and got their car stuck in a dip, but were able to drive forward and reverse quickly to get themselves out. I was about to help push if that didn't work.

There is a pretty mountain that leads to the beginning of the Na Pali coast. A very scenic beach and surrounding area. There is a little stream leading to the ocean that kids were playing in.

A bit of a walk from where you can park but a beautiful long beach. Great view and sunbathing, not great for snorkeling or swimming while we were there, as surf was always too high.

Although it is winter which means the surf is way too rough to snorkel, we were able to see a cute monk seal on the beach! There are also beautiful views and picture opportunities.

My husband and I went to Tunnels Beach to go snorkeling. There is NO snorkeling at this beach though. The waves are much too big and undertow too dangerous. I asked the lifeguard where we could snorkel and he pointed to the right of the lifeguard stand. We walked a good distance along the beach to a much more calm area and saw several people snorkeling. Unfortunately, there was not much to see while snorkeling.

Parking for tunnels is so limited as to be nearly impossible. The snorkeling is wonderful though if you can manage it.

We just arrived in time for the sunset and the view was mesmerizing. Kids had a great time in the water.

My favorite one, for several reasons :
1. A reef which protect the swim (be careful the stream could be strong when you join the second reef at 100 m from the shore).
2. Snorkeling : the best of the island, Poipu park (sorry ) is ridiculous in front of this place. But you must swim to the second reef (not the one near the shore) to see the best : turtles, all coral reef fish (big ones...), eagle ray if you are lucky and also you can cross a monk seal in the water...
3. The landscape : is it possible to find a beach with a more beautiful scenic view
around ? Maybe ! But thie one is in the top rank, believe me. You can stay hours here to contemplate these mountain and sea views around.
4. Not too much people on the right part (because no parking if you arrive after 8 am). But very early in the morning it's also the good moment to have the best conditions for snorkeling on the further shore : less current, less wind, better visibility...And fish not already disturbed !..
An advice : park your car around the miles marker 8 where it's allowed and walk a bit to find the entrance in a corner, small street not paved between houses with some cars parked.
A last thing : unfortunately you could see cruelly the damages of the global warming on this wonderful beach (like all along the beaches hawaiian coast). Not here that they can contest the existence of the phenomenon... The big houses behind the beaches won't be there in a future time...

After being disappointed with Ke'e Beach, we drove down to try Tunnels beach, there is hardly any parking, so we parked at Haena State Park & walked up the beach to the right - you will start seeing reef very close to the shoreline. There was loads of marine life to see & hubby saw multiple sea turtles, much better experience than Ke'e Beach & not too far down the road from it either 😀

Both times we visited, the surf conditions precluded any kinds of water activity - snorkeling, boogie-boarding, or swimming. It’s a nice drive, there’s a cool cave, but if your intention is to get wet, then maybe not the best place to visit. Huge waves on our second visit had even the diehard surfers sitting at the lifeguard station in awe. Not my kind of beach - can’t imagine a calm day here.

Got there early and had no trouble with parking. A bit of a trek through the sand, but worth it once we got situated. Kids (5,7,9) had fun playing in the shallow waves. Even got them to try snorkeling, though only the adults went off the shelf. Amazing scenery in all directions. When we were leaving, a vendor was parked next to us selling smoothies & shave ice. Perfect way to end the beach trip.

We drove another 5 miles after Hanalei Beach to check out Tunnels Beach. The North Shore overall just seems more pure and secluded compared to the busy south. The area is more suitable for the summer months but we wanted to take in the scenery anyway and were not disappointed. The parking lot is small and unmarked so make sure you don't miss it. After a few days with rain, it was rather muddy too but we still found a spot and walked two minutes to the beach. Watch the signs on the beach as swimming is not always allowed due to strong currents but the place is great for snorkeling.

Turtles galore! We snorkeled here 2 days. Parked down the road a bit in the parking lot the first day. We arrived about 1 pm as others were leaving and it worked great, walked on the road back to one of the dirt roads that leads right down to tunnel beach. The second time we arrived about 5:30pm for a short evening snorkel and parked on the dirt road right at the beach. I would not recommend if you are not a confident swimmer but if you are this is spectacular. Beautiful sand, trees for shade , not crowded, and fish and turtles galore!

This is a great beach for soaking up the sun or snorkelling. You can see a large variety of fish and other creatures, A couple years ago we saw a Galapagos Shark up close, which was exhilarating!

I went to Tunnels Beach every weekend in this summer. It's a sea turtles sighting guaranteed beach. I also got a chance to swim with an endangered Hawaiian monk seal!! Tunnels Beach definitely is the best choice for snorkeling lovers.

Went to Tunnels beach in late afternoon after seeing it from the air in our helicopter ride. Absolutely gorgeous - someone was even getting married!

Take the time to stand at the shoreline and watch for rips. We had no issues in the water and were snorkelling for a couple of hours - great visibility, fantastic variety of fish as well as 4 or 5 sea turtles swimming alongside in search for their dinner.

Awesome to see why they call it tunnels beach - it’s a whole other world down there. As avid snorkelers it was one of our favourite spots across Kauai, Maui, Oahu and the Big Island given the variety of fish we saw - plenty of great footage for the GoPro too!

Beautiful to watch the sunset from. Be aware however that there is very limited parking.

The snorkeling on this beach was some of the best I have ever done. The fish were incredibly beautiful. I could not believe the colors of all of the fish. And some of the fish actually swam right up to my face mask and looked in at me. Anyone visiting the island of Kauai needs to spend some time at this beach doing some snorkeling. It was definitely a highlight!

The calm water, the VIEW!!!! The ocean life, this beach cannot be beat. Yes the drive is long if you are coming from the south side of the island and parking is tight but man is it worth it.

We stopped here for a bit while on a tour, the lava tube was really cool, and it was fascinating to learn that there are tunnels that go under the beach that house turtles and (tiger?) sharks. The beach looked peaceful and beautiful. Families were having a great time. Decent public restroom.

Despite our worries due to the well known shark attack on Bethany Hamilton was just off the shore near this beach, the visit was well worth it. We saw various monk seals (not a guarantee I'm assuming) and also got a glimpse of a sea turtle off shore, as well as many different types of fish in the large coral area just off the shore, seriously just off shore. It was a great place to go snorkeling as it was not too wavy and you can stay close to the shore, however some areas were really shallow so you had to be pretty careful not to kick the coral. Overall a great experience and nothing beats the view of the mountains on the shore of the beach.

I'm know I'm in the minority here, but we will not be back. The beach and snorkeling are not that amazing to justify driving at least an hour, the far away parking, and the LONG walk to Tunnels beach.

We left Kappa at 7:15am and arrived at Haena Beach at 8:15am and we were able to find a parking spot, but by the time we unloaded our beach gear, the lot was full (8:20am). Don't even bother to try to get lucky getting one of the 5-6 spots closer to Tunnels - either you won't find the side road or there's no spots anyway.

The walk from Haena Beach is described online as "10 minutes" or "half mile". It's a brutal LONG walk from Haena to Tunnels as you have to trek through the sand. The worst is that you have to do this again when you leave, but it will be hotter and you will be tired.

The beach is nice, but there were a lot of sand flies and other bugs biting us. The snorkeling was so-so. There is no protected area to snorkel here so you do have to be careful here. There is no lifeguard here - he's back at Haena Beach. There are a lot of shallow rocks so you have to be careful not to gash your legs. We saw some fish, but nothing like what other people have described.

For us, it simply was not worth the drive and effort to get to here. Next time we will just stick with Poipu Beach, which is a much easier drive, parking, and easy to get to. It is also safer as it is protected.

This is my favorite beach on the island .. the first time we were here the weather was perfect .. blue sky. This time it was cool and rained all week .. ocean was all churned up and much bigger waves. Good if you like to surf or boogie board .. not so great if you like to snorkel or play in calm water. Very few people were in the water all week.
When the sky is blue .. and sun out .. this is gorgeus the color of the sand .. water and lovely mountains .. make this beach stunning. normally calm water good place to snorkel .. but not this week. still worth the visit. liked watching people brave enough to fight the powerful waves . we are not young and brave enough but fun to watch others make it look easy.
This is close to Ke'e beach and some caves .. not far from the literal end of the road.

It appears Tunnels Beach will be closed for a couple of months as engineers and construction crews redesign and rebuild roads and parking on Kauai's North Shore, after Hanalei Beach. The local government has a trailer blocking the road and you most have documentation that you own property in the restricted area to gain access. This can be confirmed by contacting a local car rental facility or reliable tour operators. Tunnels Beach and the North Shore provide excellent snorkeling, beautiful beaches and great hiking opportunities. If you have never been to Kauai you may want to wait until after Labor 2018 or longer as repairs and overdue improvements are made to the roads and parking areas.

This beach is well worth any trek... no matter what day you go, no matter what time it is always busy. It is so close to Ke'e beach the traffic in unavoidable. But let me tell you when you get here it is amazing. We went snorkeling at least 3 times during the day. The water is so clean, cool, and full of life you have to go back for more. If you are looking for an amazing beach for snorkeling and relaxing please stop here. It is less crowded than the more popular beaches, and SO worth it.

This is one of my favorite beaches in the islands. Beautiful clear water, great for snorkeling, swimming, and strolling. Lots of fish to see and you don't have to go far out. Parking is a challenge if you try and park in the two small lots. We always go down the road a little further to the next beach where there is a lot more parking and showers. It's a bit of a walk, but how bad can it be when your walking beach side!

We drove all the way from Poipo area to go to Tunnels Beach on Sunday. It was a total waste of gas and time. The Saturday before our visit,there were three surfers pulled out of the water by rescue services. The rip tide was so strong we could not even get into the water. But I was in the water at other beaches,and other islands. And I was sad to see that all the corals on all the major islands were completely dead!!! So there will be no fish either because the corals are extinct,void of life. This is due to to many people using the wrong sun screen, and waste being emitted to the waters by humans!!!
We were on Oahu in 2006. The front page of the newspaper had a article from world scientists....saying that by 2044 ALL LIFE in the ocean will by DEAD,if changes are not made in our behavior.

I cannot tell which beach in Kauai was my favorite because I loved every single one of them but Hanalei beach was quite special. With the mountain view and pier its majestic. We jumped from the pier into the water and watched the locals surfing. Sunsets are nice from there too.

Hard to get to and no parking, but worth the effort. Take lunch, snorkling equipment, There is shade, restrooms and lifeguards. Restaurants close by.

Absolutely gorgeous beach with amazing snorkeling. There were a great variety of fish and we saw so many turtles we lost count. Parking is limited.

Took a ride to Tunnels Beach on a rainy day. Nice drive – beautiful views of beaches on this side of the island. There was a cave across the street from the beach was very cool to walk through.

Kauai is the The Rainy Isle. Some week the sun may come out, but not this one. Tunnels wasn't quite up to the hype of being the best snorkel beach in Kauai, or maybe there just isn't great snorkeling here. Not great water clarity. Difficult rocky entry. Terrible parking, water not warm. Fish variety was OK. Very minimal live coral.

Came here one day, and the waves were huge so we just played in the rollers! Had tons of fun jumping in and out of big waves! Waves were powerful and fun!

Came back another day, and snorkeled the reef. Great place for beginners, and fun for us others. Lots of fish species, a few living corals around, and turtles! So fun to ride the waves/current hanging out with these guys. We stayed away, but enjoyed just watching them and the fish as we rolled across the reef!

Parking was tough, but you can always cruise down to Ke'e beach and come back. We found parking within 10-20 minutes both times.

The beach was beautiful me and my wife enjoyed snorkeling privately. The beach wasn't overly crowded but trying to find a parking spot was terrible very small parking lot.

An idyllic backdrop, crystalline water, ample sand, and even some coral to boot. Consummate snorkelers will tell you that there's not much color to the marine life and they're right. Your best bet is to have a close encounter with a honu. Even without the technicolor sea flora and fauna, it's a beach where one can spend hours enjoying the sun, sand, water, and scenery. Take advantage of the limited access via Kuhio Highway while it lasts to enjoy the crowd-free beach Monday - Saturday. Bring your own food and drink; there are only coconuts for sale around here.

Unfortunately the road is closed in Hanalei and there’s a monitored check point only allowing residents with permits to pass. Spring flooding has caused severe damage and landslides and erosion have left road impassable. One of my favorite beaches on Kauai and without a doubt my favorite part of Kauai is between Hanalei and Ke’e Beach. Sorely disappointed on this last trip but until next time “Cow Eye”.

As of August 16th, the road leading to Tunnels Beach remains closed. Damage from the April flood and subsequent mountain collapse may take several years to repair. You can get to Hanalei, but no further. We understand that because the tourists are missing, fish have returned to this part of the North Shore. So if you want to book a fishing excursion, it ROCKS!

A quiet and beautiful place to spend a few hours. Not a lot of space to park though. The water is crystal clear, beware the rip tides in certain places though. Lifeguard station is nearby as are restroom and foot wash facilities.

I’m sure this beach is gorgeous but would advise against planning to visit unless you have a back up plan…parking is extremely restricted,

As others have said, get there early to park. Beautiful beach, great snorkeling and swimming. Of course can be dangerous depending on the ocean and weather. Butbis gorgeous and worth at least a four hour visit.

Beautiful scenery, pretty empty beach, and great snorkeling! Make sure to check out the reefs. There are some great drop offs to explore.

This is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches. Great for sunning, strolling, snorkeling, scuba diving, and just savoring the amazing beauty. Parking is tricky but possible. Look for Ha'ena beach where you can park and walk down to Tunnels.

It was a great beach to swim or snorkel at. You can even scuba dive there. If you are certified and go on your own that is the way to go. They wanted $175 for a guided shore dive. The waves break out on the reef so it's not rough. parking is a challenge. There are 2 side streets otherwise you have to park at Haena beach and walk.

We have visited Tunnels Beach in prior years and went again on this visit to Kauai. The beach does not disappoint. Parking is very limited - there is a little beach access road that is more of a drive way for about 3-4 houses that can hold about 4-5 cars but otherwise you are limited to parking at Ha'ena state park and walking up the beach (east) about 400 yards to Tunnels. The little beach access road is very hard to find but not impossible. Google Maps is pretty accurate in terms of locating the beach and you will see signs on drive ways right before the road saying "This is not Tunnels access" lol. After you see about two of these the road is immediately on your right and has a large rock on the left and a fews cars will most likely already be parked. If you drive to the end of this road there is a path to the beach on the left. It's best to drop family with gear and have one person drive up to Ha'ena and walk back. Today we were at Tunnels and the snorkling was fantastic. The fringing reef did it's job providing a protected area to swim and snorkle. It's not that great for swimming as the old reef heads come almost to shore thus there is limited sand. That said, the reef is so close to shore and thus excellent for beginning snorklers and new scuba divers. There is also a lot of wildlife in the area -today we had a monk seal taking a nap on the beach. The other great thing about tunnels is the tree line is fairly close to the water so finding shady places to sit between water visits is very easy. Clearly one of the best beaches on the north shore.

You just can't beat this beautiful beach with the mountains in the background! Breathtaking!! And such a fun place to snorkel with reefs close to shore. Tide was rather angry the day we were there so we didn't venture too far out but it wasn't necessary to. Plenty to see close to shore. Get there early for parking. Google maps knows how to find the parking so it's not too tough. We went around 9:00 so we were able to get a close parking spot. Otherwise, I think you have to walk about 1/2 mile from what I read. When in doubt of where to snorkel, ask a local or frequent traveler - they are always happy to help!

Tunnels is a beautiful beach that can get pretty crowded. We parked at the beach park just past Tunnels and hiked back to the Tunnels Beach area. As there is a parking lot and it is not a far walk I would definitely recommend this approach. Also, get there early to secure a parking spot as it fills up later in the day.

We were able to find a nice shaded area under a tree right at tunnels. The water here was very calm and good for snorkeling. The coral has definitely been damaged by over use and tourists stepping, standing and touching it. There were however a decent number of fish but unfortunately no turtles.

Overall, it is a beautiful beach with beautiful water that is great for swimming and snorkeling in. Definitely one of our favorite beaches on the island.

The view will take your breath away. Wide sandy Beach to walk or just sit. You can spread out so plenty of room. The snorkeling was good. Please respect the life guard warnings. When they post rip current signs they mean it. You can still snorkel very close to shore and stay safe. Test the water and if you cant keep a steady balance at the shore line don't venture out. Search and rescue was called one day. Someone went way far out. Be smart and you will enjoy the day

The beach is amazingly gorgeous with the tall mountains behind us, it's just gorgeous however, we went there with the intent to snorkel It was a bit choppy and there's a lot of coral in the water. We are not good enough at snorkeling and I'm not good enough at swimming to safely navigate. We ended up staying close to shore between coral reefs cause those things'll cut you up. We still had a picture perfect day. Parking is confusing so we just went a quarter mile down to Haena State Park there, was maybe 20 spaces we got there before 9 a.m. so no problem parking. It was a somewhat challenging quarter mile walk down the beach towards tunnels the sand sinks down rather deep. It's before the point you will probably see in the distance. You will see a couple of people snorkeling that's how you'll know you're at the right place. The state park had a couple of food trucks one where I got a delicious mango smoothie all in all it was a wonderful day.

It was very rough when we were there. The coast guard put the warning signs on the beach. The waves were very high. I walked the beach and took some pictures then left.

Great beach with great views and clean sand. Bathroom, shower facilities and a life guard. Great for surfer watching. The day we went there were lots of surfers out. I've been there many times and it's never overly crowded.

Along with Ke’e, this is my favorite beach on Kauai. It has a beautiful mountain backdrop, with adventurous snorkeling right off shore. Parking can be very scarce, but it’s an easy half-mile or so walk from Haena Beach park just up the road. A real gem!

Not very crowded, great snorkeling and water was warm and clear. Enjoyed our visit and wished we had packed some snacks and more water to stay a little longer.

Such a nice beach. It's long and has incredible views. Because of the shape of the beach, there are areas where the surf is strong and others where it's nice and calm and the waves lap gently against the sand. There's also some pretty ok shell/coral treasures along the beach. Not huge shells but still many nice little treasures.

Because the beach is so long, it's easy to find your own little piece of heaven.

Parking is not great. If you can rent a place in the area, that's best. In the past we did that. This time we parked at Ha'ena Beach Park (the gods were looking down on us) and then walked over to Tunnels. We also got rained on, but it was fine, still totally happy with our visit!

Great beach for snorkeling and privacy. Make sure to get there early as the parking area is extremely small.

This is the best of the best beaches on Kauai. #1 with us. Fish where abundent and turtles also. The waters where perfect for snorkling and a great experience at this beach. If you can only make time during your stay on Kauai for one beach. This is the beach to go for.

This is the most beautiful beach (and also very easily accessible one) in entire Kaua'i, in my opinion. There is an incredible system of reef "tunnels" (hence the name) where you can snorkel with beautiful colorful fish as well as with LOTS of turtles!

Whatever you’ve heard or read about Tunnel Beach, Kauai North Shore, don’t believe it - at least not in October, and winter months!! It’s nothing but unswimable rip tides, with NO SWIMMING signs posted on metal poles, a lifeguard who patrols the beach on a 4-wheeler to ward off the unaware, and life preservers hanging every 50 yards from trees along the beach - a steep drop off - incase someone has wondered in and drowning.

The wind howls and whips incessantly, causing unceasing white caps and huge waves.

For those renting expensive houses along the seemingly picturesque beach, understand the sand is like walking in quick sand, like slogging through loose marbles, a real workout just to go 100’. May may be a better month. You might be able to snorkel then, take a swim. NOT OCTOBER, and thereafter. And ‘end of the road’ seclusion sounds almost desirable, until you make the slow, windy, goat trail drive only 10 miles back to a store or restaurant taking way too long, and way too irritating - trying to see if a car is coming across a one-lane bridge, impossible to see the other end of, until you wait and wait, then creep forward in trepidation.
If you do get stuck there, go back through Hanalei, to Anini Beach (NOT Anini Vista), drive to the bay at road’s end, and you’ll actually see some great fish, coral, cucumbers, anemones - and schools, snorkeling. No waves, no surge, no riptides.
Don’t be surprised if the locals don’t want to make it easy to find. Hanalei-end-of-the-road locals have no use for tourists, especially in their best snorkeling venues.

My family loved Tunnels Beach. It may not be the easiest to find, or for which to find parking, but it's worth the walk. There are trees which afford a little shade and offer places to hang towels. The variety of fish was impressive, although we missed seeing any turtles on our two visits. We went in the afternoon, by which time some people are leaving, thereby generating the odd parking space. There is parking by Haena Beach and you just need to walk along the beach going east to the trees. The second time, we actually scored a spot in the one laneway right by the beach. Timing is everything. Don't miss seeing the dry cave on the south side of the road by Haena Beach. It's enormous!

Fantastic beach with very strong and large waves in the winter months. Not suitable for swimming or snorkelling but you can watch the local surfers ride the waves. Across the street is a large cavern formed underneath the mountain to explore. It’s a quick stop with free parking and often a local coconut stand to enjoy a drink.

Incredibly beautiful! Long sandy beach, blue waters, against a green Bali Hai background. Showers and bathroom at the Park facility were clean. Good swimming despite the early Speing currents. Snorkeling was great. Bring your own gear and take a short hike down the beach for the best spots. Be sure to pack refreshments if you plan to spend the day as there are no stores or restaurants nearby. Like spending the day on a postcard!

Nice snorkel spot! A bit hard to park. Parked at the public park up the road and walked to the beach. Wasn't sure I was at Tunnels - asked guard when he went by - we were. Not very crowded either.

I had no idea this beach shared a sandy shore with Haena - I would have tried it sooner. There is a small dirt road at the beach (not the ones that look like residential streets - it is just a small dirt road obviously ending at the beach). No parking on the main road. It isn't far to walk along the shoreline from Haena, which has a bigger parking lot, if there isn't parking.

I didn't think it was the best for seeing fish, but we did see turtles. Most interesting is just the tunnels of reef that are unlike anything I've ever seen. It can be a little hard figuring out where to get in and out of the water to avoid touching the coral - either the swimming area on the right, or I found a very sandy channel leading right up to the 'riptide' sign that I used on the left.

I wouldn't take young children or new snorkelers here because you have to swim with your stomach very close to coral, which can be dangerous and unnerving. However, my teenagers have snorkeled many times and were fine here. One of them said it was her favorite beach, and the other didn't like the proximity of the coral. I recommend seeing it though, and the Haena beach next door is good for bodysurfing.

We love to visit Tunnels every time we're on Kauai. The snorkeling is always amazing, but the conditions can be very different. Sometimes pretty calm, but other times like Mr. Toads Wild Ride.

A long way from everywhere, almost to the end of the road. Park in the lot by the grassy park, lifeguard tower across from the cave. Walk east 1/4 mile, find a shady tree for your stuff and put on your fins and mask and wade out. Avoid the shallowest part of the reef that will cut your feet or belly when the water rolls out. Stand only where it is sandy to avoid damaging the reef and your feet. Lots of snorkel friendly fish with yellow green red black, white, transparent coloring. I saw a four foot sea turtle who tolerated my proximity for three minutes and then dove so deep I could not see him. When you get back to the sand take a picture of Bali Hai, the famous volcanic spike. Feed the cute birds who will come to your towel. Bring sunscreen and use it liberally. I saw some tourists who will be hurting tonight.

This is a great stop on the way to or back from Kee Beach.
Keep in mind there is a falling rock and timber risk near the cliff.
Park smartly and keep an eye out.
a wonderful, but not a resort beach.
It is a "Gotta Go" kinda place.
IHG,
Rube

Tunnels Beach is just gorgeous. The parking is very limited but if you arrive early (before 9) you shouldn't have a problem. We heard the snorkeling is good here, but the surf was very ruff during our visit so we didn't get in.

Great reef and snorkeling. Saw a monk seal come out for a siesta on the beach. A pod of spinner dolphins came inside reef and swam with us for around an hour. Amazing day. Get there early for parking!

Watch the weather & surf report before planning to enter the ocean at this beautiful, but deadly beach.

A very pretty beach. Not crowded. A good place to kick back and relax listening to and watching the ocean. The surf was too rough to snorkel that day.

We saw beautiful tropical fish snorkeling on our own at Tunnels beach. Parking was a little tricky, but the Kauaii Shaka Guide gave details of where to find parking. We went around 2 PM and found a spot.

This is my favorite beach on Kauai. The snorkeling is safe because the beach is protected by a reef. We’ve seen eels, turtles, octopus, parrot fish, etc. If there is a non-swimmer in the family not to worry. The beach stays shallow enough for anyone who just wants to be in the water. A word of caution...parking is a beast. If you don’t arrive before 7am or after 4pm it’s unlikely you’ll be able to park on the tiny side roads. You’ve been warned.

We drove to Tunnels beach on a Monday morning. We got there around half past nine and we parked at Huane, 500m away. There are parking spaces near a lifeguard tower, but not very many. So be on time!

The beach was beautiful, beautiful green mountains surrounded it, a beautiful picture. It is peaceful snorkeling, lots of coral and lots of fish! A seal even swam by right along the edge of the beach!

There are free toilets at Huane, and today there was a food truck where you could buy smoothies, fruit and lunch.
The road there is also beautiful at the end with narrow bridges and beautiful greenery!

I read some tepid reviews about the snorkeling here. I thought it was great - but I was quite a bit offshore (snorkeling off a boat). I saw 10-12 sea turtles and a variety of tropical fish. I was not in the midst of clouds of fish - I've seen more elsewhere. But I did see a nice variety and, if you stay 30-45 minutes, I think you will be rewarded.

Wow. This beach is really something special. We came at the crack of dawn (arrived by 6am) and stayed for 8 hours. Our girls couldn't get enough of the waves crashing in on them and the fantastic views of the mountains off to the left as you face the ocean. The color of the water was magical. Snorkeling was pretty good despite being told by a scuba leader that conditions were bad the day we were there. Got to see many types of fish and even a sea turtle for a bonus!

Parking is definitely a challenge later in the day, but super easy early in the morning, and we got a great spot under a tree for shade all day. This is not to be missed!

1. Access: Once in Hanalei it is a twisty road to get there, single lane and narrow 5/10
2. Location: Top of the Island on the main hwy. Arrive b4 ten am to get parking. 6.5/10
3. Condition: Great sand, great snorkeling 8.5/10
4. Amenities: Camping available, Covered eating areas 8/10
5. Services: Life guard, showers, bathrooms are about 300 meters away 7.5/10
6. Views: The water and surrounding hills 9/10
7. Difficulties: Hot sand, walk through H2O to get to Tunnels to the right, little shade 6/10
8. Safety. Life guard on duty. Waves not too rough. Sharks out at point IFO Tunnels but how often? 8/10
9. Cost: Free 9/10
10. Time required: Arrive early for parking, and the long return drive 6/10
TOTAL 73.5/100

Quintessential Kaua'i beach! Parking was hard to come by, but was worth the wait for this beautiful and memorably stunning stretch of perfect sand, sun and backdrop.

Unbelievable the number of ignorant travelers who give Tunnels a low score due to the high surf in the winter. DUH! It's winter on the North Shore!! Do your research before blindly wondering onto a beach and expecting paradise. Tunnels is unbelievably calm, beautiful, and wonderfully 'snorkable' - in the summer!

We tested out our new snorkel mask here at Tunnels. I don't know if it was the day we were there or time of year (August) but we seemed to have the white sandy beach to ourselves. The water was an amazing clear light blue that you only see in pictures. The bay was calm like glass. If you look at the open water from the beach over to the left there is coral and there is some snorkeling over there. There are some very colorful fishes to be found there. We had a lovely time snorkeling and my daughter even boogie boarded over on the right side of the bay where there were some waves. If you want some shade you can bring an umbrella (we didn't have one), but there are quite a few trees and you can find some shade in many places (assuming the beach isn't over-crowded)

Every trip to Kauai, we make the hour and 15 minute drive from Lihue to this gorgeous beach. We park at the Haena Beach Park and walk 1/4 mile south down to Tunnels. Remember, you are not at Tunnels until you can see Bali Hai mntn. The waves were massive this trip and no one was allowed in the water. Beautiful setting.

To call this out of the way is an understatement, but its totally worth it. The beach is sweeping and beautiful. the water is crystal clear. and the snorkeling is very good.
We stayed about a half mile down the road and made it our nightly habit to have a Mai Tai and watch the sunset over Bali Hi

My daughter was very keen om visiing the beach because of the movie soul surfer. I researched how to get there but still missed the exit off the highway. We ended going to Haena beach which is very close to tunnels beach. We then walked back to tunnels beach. It was overall about 10 mins walk to the right hand side. Tunnels beach was nice. You can both swim and snorkel. I am not sure that it was worth the hassle. If you really want to go there, just go to Haena beach where parking is possible and then do the 10 min walk.

This was one of our favorite beaches. I imagine during the summer months parking would be a hassle but during the slow seasons it wasn't bad. There isn't a lot of people on this beach which is really nice and the snorkeling is pretty good. We did notice that we were always cold on this side. not sure if it was because we were visiting in February, but we only last a 2-3hrs here.

Parking for this beach is in the same fictional milieu as Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny. It’s great to dream about them, but when you awake, forget it and go park at Ha’ena State Park, walk the 10 minutes to Tunnels and don’t make yourself crazy. And it’s a 10-minute walk along one of the most gorgeous beaches in the world. There is not an abundance of parking at Ha’ena either, which is why you must set your alarm on vacation and get here early to go swim and snorkel at Tunnels Beach. It is truly that spectacular --- walk right into the water, follow the reef, and you will think you stepped into Finding Nemo.

Love the Kūhiō highway which seems to have a different beautiful beach around each corner, and this includes Makua Beach also known as
Tunnels Beach. About a 15-20 minute ride from downtown Hanalei Bay, a drive that includes one lane bridges so depending on traffic a lot of stopping and waiting for oncoming traffic. There is a small parking lot which fits about 30-40 cars and when we arrived on a Thursday at 11 am we waited about 15 minutes for a spot. Unfortunately there can be two lines of cars waiting on each side of the lot so it can be a feeding frenzy to get to the spot first. The whole polite thing can be gone in a Kauai minute! But this is paradise so we all just roll with it. There was also someone selling cut fresh coconuts and shaved ice at one end of the lot. The beach is about 100 yards from the lot and then about 50 yard walk to the water. There are bathrooms next to the lot. There are lifeguards as well. As for the water, if you are facing the beach it is more clear to the far left which is where the snorkeling is better. I found that even though the seabeds are poor in quality (hardly any coral), you will see a decent amount of typical fish, such as the reef triggerfish, parrotfish or shoals of tang, as well as the occasional sea turtle. This is based on one afternoon snorkeling there so others might have had a different experience as far as what fish they see. Was hoping for more living coral but when close to the beach this is hard to find nowadays due to that dreaded human behavior.
All in all, a decent snorkeling experience but not unlike other areas in Kauai. The backdrop of Tunnels, just across the road, includes a towering lush/verdant cliff which adds a special tropical paradise feeling to the beach.

Had to walk from Haena beach, so it's a bit of a long walk. Bit well worth it. One could not swim at the other beach the day we went. But it was nice at Tunnels beach. At times very shallow, but tons of fish in the shallow area with coral/reef. Does drop off at the edge which is interesting. Fairly strong current as well. So just be aware of your surroundings and where you started fr at the beach. We also saw a green sea turtle. Very cool!

My sister and I weren't sure how "get there early" was to get to Tunnels to find a parking place so we left our condo at 5:30am and made it to Tunnels at 6am, (we knew there were several one lane bridges to cross). We had the beach to ourselves for about an hour and it was gorgeous! The mountains look like they were from the movie " Molana.". My sister went snorkeling for about a half hour and a local came out and snorkeled with her, she said that she snorkels there daily and this was her favorite place to go in the summer (in the winter the north shore has choppy strong waves). The water, like most on the island is a beautiful, crystal clear turquoise.

Parking- if it helps, my google map said that the location that we parked was: 22.221757, -159.562524 ( it was a side street, we had to walk east to get to Tunnels, but the walk was beautiful and we got to see a monk seal before the "stay away" signs were up).

Tunnels beach is very pretty but it doesn't look like the pictures unless its a calm day, I imagine. We drove over an 1 1/2hrs to get here for its snorkeling and was a bit disappointed. The conditions were rough with riptide warnings so snorkeling was just ok and the beach didn't look like the pictures.

This place will always have a special place in my heart as it is the first place I encountered sea turtles within arms-reach. There is a reef that is very visible during low tide, and less so during high tide, just to the left as you face the beach from the parking lot. You can swim from shore around the reef and keep a safe distance, not only for your safety as the waves will push you towards sharp rocks, but more importantly for the safety of the marine life there. If you are not comfortable with marine life, or are incapable of respecting the natural habitat of other creatures please find another place to go.
If you're an avid snorkeler this is paradise. Enjoy it.

An amazing beach. Luckily we had access through a private property that we rented right on the point. It was easy access for us and guests. The bay is very protected and snorkeling is good there. Once headed around he point towards the east, the sand becomes much courser and the beach doesn't give access to as nice of water. The currents here can be swift. Stay in the bay area and you'll enjoy it so much more. Walking is nice, the beach slips easily underfoot. Water is clear and easily played in.
Since we did not go to towards the main public access, I can't tell you if there was BBQ pits available, but my thought is always have charcoal and something to cook ready for a long day in the surf. The surfing is great, you just have to be ready to paddle to those waves, The waves on the east side are much easier to get to with a natural break right in the center.

Pets on leash.
If you are missing your pet from the mainland, adopt a dog for the day at the humane society. Check it out!

Stunning beaches are almost redundant in Kauai, especially on the North Shore, but it really was awesome to be at the foot of those spectacular peaks. An enormous monk seal was napping on the beach when we arrived. We didn't get to snorkel here, but I hear it's the best place on the island for it.

Can't go wrong. Just go!

We knew visiting Kauai in winter would mean the snorkeling would be a little limited at the popular spots on the north shore. Despite the rough-ish surf, we had a lovely afternoon at tunnels beach. It's absolutely stunning with the mountains seemingly coming out of the ocean. Definitely park at the nearby beach park and walk.

Great uncrowded beach. The surf can get high and dangerous but not a bad place to hang out for a day.

Excellent snorkeling and beautiful views.

Don't forget to go across the street to the cave, goes back a few hundred feet.

Very attentive life guards on the beach, helped us get to the right area for snorkeling.

This has got to be one of the best beaches we have ever been to. Really spacious, shade if you need it from the trees at the back of the beach, beautiful backdrop of the hills, crystal clear waters (churn a bit by the afternoon) and a gorgeous bay. You can walk round the headland at either end of the beach and keep going for ages with lovely views. The first time we went there there was a monk seal just round the headland sunbathing. Despite signs not to go near it and leave it in peace we saw a number of people just ignoring this. Beautiful sight though it was and no need to get close to it and disturb it. The snorkelling is reasonable and one of the better spots on Kauai (people saw turtles whilst we were there) but don't expect it to be of the same quality as somewhere like Captain Cook Monument on the Big Island or Makena Landing for turtles on Maui. Very frustrating that we saw lots of visitors standing on the coral and damaging it. Please ask them not to. These are living (for now). We never found a parking spot on the two dirt roads down so I wouldn't bother. Just go straight to the main car park and go onto the beach and turn right up the beach by the lifeguard station and pick a spot - you will find a good one after 5 minutes of walking or more. It was never particularly busy when we were there. Be really careful of the surf and currents. It drifts you (when we were there) or pulls you from the far end back towards the lifeguard station. So the best thing we found to do was to walk away from the direction of the lifeguard station as far as you want to snorkel, swim out to the end he of the reef through a gap (tunnel) and then let the current drift you down along the edge of the reef. However, we were there in very calm conditions. The waves can break strongly near shore and be careful to avoid getting pushed onto the coral which can happen in the shallow water but you can avoid this by choosing a sandy gap to come in on rather than over the coral. We checked with the lifeguard about the current too. This beach offers something for everyone. Shops are only a couple of minutes in the car for coffee, smoothies, etc. Arrive early or risk not getting a parking space.

This place has the best snorkeling. Unfortunately, due to the floods and washed-out roads, it is inaccessible until further notice. Only those with proof they live there can pass the roadblock, and only on certain days. Try nearby Annini Beach instead.

Great snorkeling here. There is a big reef near shore and another further out. The first day the water was choppy and too murky to see much at all. The next day we went in the very early morning and it was much clearer. I would recommend going early (before noon or earlier - we got there at 7:30am) before the winds and clouds roll in.

Parking is difficult. There are 2 dirt street you can park on off the main road. If those are full, you may be able to get parking at Haene Beach and then walk south to the snorkeling areas. It's a short walk. Worth it!

Long beach with sun, sand, and the most beautiful backdrop on my favorite island.

Parking, as mentioned, is very tough. Come early (before 8:30) to have a better chance of finding a spot.

While at this beach I spent the time collecting colorful marbles from the beach, very nice secluded beach, not many people around. Which I could go back!

Not a must see. Did find a few people camping near the beach. Might be good for surfers. Not a beach for a leisurely swim.

Got there early a few hours before high tide. Clear water glassy water with a few small waves. Not much sand when getting in the water because the tide was low, but saw fish immediately. We were surprised at how many large fish were feeding in 3-4 feet of water. And by what a large variety. We snorkeled for a coupled of hours and left when the water got a little cloudy and more people started to show up. It was so good we did it again the next morning.

Right off the shore SCUBA or snorkeling. Just drop-in and you’re in an aquarium. Please, stay off the reefs! They’re shallow & people stepping all over them. & stop harassing the wildlife. You’ll see turtles, fish, dolphins, etc. in the Summer and calm waters. The parking is a bit tricky with kids & there are no clean water rinses. Just go into Hanalei to rinse off, or any of the other nearby beaches. We couldn’t get into Kek’e beach because you need reservations, but can’t imagine how much better it could be over Tunnels Beach. If you enjoy the water, Tunnels Beach on North Shore of Kauai is a cannot miss.

This is a local beach, accessible by parking nearby and walking down to it. It's not crowded - there are no services - but to me, it say real Hawaii, a place you go if you live in the neighborhood. Gorgeous water, magnificent view and the little neighborhood you drive through to get to it - across a couple of one-lane bridges is REAL Hawaii.

This is our favorite snorkeling beach! Parking is awful unless you drive to the parking lot and walk all the way back. The sand can be scorching hot!!! Take sandals or something or you won't make it. There is a toilet facility at the parking lot but as you walk toward Tunnels you leave it behind. The best snorkeling is quite far from the parking lot so keep going. Don't swim outside the reef. There have been several tiger shark attacks way out there. Tigers are common to Kauai beyond the reefs. I asked the snorkel shop employe if she had heard about the recent Tiger attack and she replied "which one?". Don't let that stop you from enjoying the wonderful water inside the reefs.

This spot is truly perfect for snorkeling! Have seen 4 turtles ind the first 30 minutes. Jus awesome!

Parking: there is a little sliver of parking right at tunnels beach. If you can’t park there - go down the road a little to Hā’ena Beach and if you get there before 9AM you should be able to park - and walk over to Tunnels (about a 10 minute walk). Great for snorkeling. Make sure to swim past the deep drop (you’ll see it for sure and notice the change in water color and temperature). Our kids (9 and 6) made it past there and saw great marine life!

This is a great beach for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and sun tanning. Parking is at a premium so get there early and don't move you car once you have a spot. Take advantage of the local shore scuba diving and get to see and experience the underwater tunnels, lava tubes and caverns at this site. Was one of two best places for shore diving that we experienced in our 11 days on the island. Give Fathom Five Divers a call.

Tunnels beach has limited parking so you have to park down the road and walk from the next beach over but it is worth the walk. The snorkeling is amazing and you can get lost with your face in the water as there is alot to see. There is also shaded areas on the beach to get out of the sun. I recommend bringing lots of water and some snacks because there are not facilities close by. Not alot of people when I was there and it was a nice day. I will go back for sure.

The reef is great for snorkeling if the water is calm, and the surfing is great when the swells are up. Either way, the beach is very large and it's easy to find a spot to yourself. This is because there are houses along there and just a few beach access points with limited parking.

Tunnels is one of our favourite Kauai beaches. We saw turtles and lots of sealife. However, as with all snorkelling trips you need to watch and view the surf before you go in to get a good reading of the surf, just to be safe. As befitting the name, Tunnels has a reef where there is a tunnel like area where you can snorkel and either side has higher reefs. Be careful while snorkelling so you don't get scratched by the sharp coral edges and remember, do not stand on the reef. We saw many people do this, I guess they either don't realize or care that this can damage and hurt the reef.
Absolutely beautiful scenery and there are some shady areas, but bring a beach umbrella if you can, it can get very hot and sunny. Wish I was there right now, miss the ocean breeze and the sound of the ocean.

uParked at the end of of Haena Beach Park and walked to Tunnels Beach. After reading the reviews, I understood it to be 'beautiful" "breathtaking" and more. Didn't find anything like that. Wasn't sure why it is called Tunnels Beach either. No tunnels there. Really not much of a place to swim unless you snorkeled. The beach was nice and sandy, but then the beach all the way from Haena was sandy. It is about a half mile walk from Haena Beach, which was really nicer than Tunnels Beach. Really a disappointment.

Tried three times to go but could never find a parking spot. I'm not sure why Kauai has so many No Parking signs on that road. Big open areas along that road with no parking allowed.

Best snorkeling we had on Kauai! We had to park at Ha’ena beach park and walk down, but it was very walkable! See a few turtles and didn’t see them anywhere else.

We went here today and I'm so happy we did. We brought our own snorkel gear and i was out for almost two hours at a time. Saw two turtles on the far left side out where the reef drops off. A bit scary at first but stay towards the reef for more safety. Drops off to around 40-75 feet or more. So many different fish and super clear. Enter in water in left side in sand instead of where rocks are. As i was coming back in i stepped on a submerged rock and fell and scraped my knee. Will
Know for next time. Parking is tricky. We got the last spot on the little side road where you can park on one side. We got there at 820 and already almost full. You can also park further down road at Haena and walk down. Enjoy !

Parking is a little dicey but you can park at the state beach and walk to the right for a bit and be right there. Amazing reef - loads of fish and turtles.

Awesome snorkeling at tunnels. Saw turtles and many fish. My husband saw a seal!

If you go past the main beach area where many people snorkel there are also lots of shells. The current is stronger down near this part.

Parking is challenging prepare to park and walk a bit. We walked down the road and cut down to the beach which was easier. The sand is deep on the beach and difficult walking. Also very hot sand.

Snorkeling is not right out in front of the lifeguard parking area you have to walk south.

The caves across from the parking area were also fun.

What a beautiful beach! We did have some confusion on where to park, we found a side street where others were parking and hiked down to the beach and hiked along the beach till we got there. FYI, keeping driving and you will find a parking lot, much easier. The views were incredible, the beach was quite with just a few people. The waves were not high but current strong that day for snorkeling. We still got to see some beautiful fish. Not alot of color in the corals but some.
The views are amazing!

I've been here twice. The first time was excellant snorkeling. The second was during a storm. Caught in a downpour and the beach was closed because of the intense waves. So as always, watch the weather.

This is a great beach with great snorkeling for both beginners and advanced snorkels and divers. Prior to the end of June, it had been inaccessible by land for over a year due to the April 2018 flood, so it is really, really popular right now. The best parking spot is .4 miles past MM 8. It’s just a single lane and holds about 8 cars. It’s full by 7 am. The next best spot is .6 miles past MM 8 and holds about 10 cars (from here just walk right on the beach about .3 mile to get to Tunnels. It fills up by 8 am. The last place to park is at the State park near MM 9. But it’s a haul to walk to Tunnels from there. Enjoy!

The setting for this beach is nothing short of spectacular. It is also a bit less windy than some other nearby beaches. The snorkeling is good though for experienced snorkelers or divers not world class. Nonetheless the beauty of the beach makes it a must visit when on Kauai.

We were told Tunnels Beach is one of the best places in the world to snorkel. The "tunnels" are underwater lava tubes that attract fish. We had a very hard time finding it. Locals pointed us toward a very small access point that we had driven past several times. It looks like a private driveway marked by a surfboard. You do in fact have to park next to someone's private home in a very small parking space. Only a couple of cars will fit in this location. This location brings you directly to the Tunnels. Once we found it, we realized we could park at Haena Beach and walk over. We had a great snorkeling experience. We swam with sea turtles, saw a lot of fish and enjoyed the iconic view of Bali Hai (Mount Makana). The water is very clear in this location, there is a variety of fish and the rocks are colorful. You have to go on a day that is calm or else the waves will make it too difficult to snorkel.

Due to limited parking this place does not get overly crowded. Wonderful snorkeling. Good for beginners. Lots of colorful fish to see. Get here early before 9am is best.

Our mission was to get to literally the of the road and we did it! On our meandering way back, we stopped at Tunnels beach. Very pretty beach, but aren't they all in Hawai'i?! Really.

The tunnels were huge. So awe-inspiring to walk into. We would have gone further but we weren't as adventurous as others and didn't want to get dirty. 😀

Tunnels is the last beach on the north side before the Napali coast. The beach is long and the sand soft. Depending on the time of year the water can be very rough, usually late in the year. When the water is calm the snorkeling is great. The water is pretty warm and there are lots of tropical fish and sea turtles. The beach is also a great place to relax and enjoy the sun and some beautiful views of the ocean and Napali. Parking is not great, and you will have to do a little walking.

What a beautiful beach. Lovely soft sand and very large. We could not swim the day we visited as the ocean had a severe current. However if you walked round the bay you could swim as it was calmer. It was just lovely to sit on the beach and watch the beautiful waves. There are rest rooms and showers

This would be a fantastic beach for snorkeling in calmer weather but it was quite windy while we were there so we stayed pretty close to shore. Snorkeling was still good but would be amazing if you could explore the whole reef. Beautiful clear water and lovely.

Life's a beach. Some catch your eye. Some catch your soul. Some you can just drive by...stop at this one see how it hits you.

Tunnels Beach is absolutely beautiful! The waves were stunning. The drive was worth it. The only drawback is parking is limited. So if your going - go early! Have breakfast in Princeville then drive on.

A fantastic beach on the North Shore! It was definitely worth the trip up to Tunnels! There is very little parking and it’s easy to miss the side roads when traveling to Tunnels. We ended up parking at the state park which is right past Tunnels, just a short walk over. Come to Tunnels if you are looking for calm waters and a great place to snorkel. Do not come to Tunnels if you are looking for the best beach to swim or surf. We snorkeled and saw lots of fish! In our opinion, it was better than Poipu. Loved this beach!

Beautiful north shore beach with excellent snorkeling. Water crystal clear but winter waves made for a strong current

Wow. All I have to say is wow. We arrived just after sunrise and were the on the beach totally by ourselves until about 9:00. The ocean was perfect for snorkeling and there were so many turtles to be seen. This was a phenomenal "local Kauai experience".

I love snorkeling here, it is like swimming in an aquarium. There are so many beautiful fish and I have seen a turtle here every time I’ve gone. There was a strong current, so use caution and float with it. We went on a day that the visibility was only about 20 feet, but the amount of wildlife there is can’t be beat.

This used to be a true hidden gem, but like many things technology has made it too accessible. On arriving early in the morning (and already incredibly crowded) a car pulled up and noisily asked "Is this the Tunnels??"
We managed to find a little spot to set up that wasn't too near others and went for our first snorkel. The Coral is pretty much all dead 😡 and it's pretty obvious that it is from disrespectful tourists standing on it. People - respect your environment!! Standing on coral kills it. Also there was very little activity in the way of reef fish. After exiting the water we were treated to the sight of a couple guys in man-kinis who had set up their 2 chairs, cooler and umbrella directly in front of us at waters edge. Lovely.

Unless you like overweight tourists standing on dead coral go elsewhere, and if you are someone who fits this description, please just stay at your resort.

We parked at the Haena State (with bathrooms) and walked down to Tunnels Beach. The current was pretty noticeable, so we went snorkeling from one end of the beach, checked out the reef and then got out on the beach and walked back to our bags. I saw plenty of fish and an eel. We were told (as we were packing up) that there were turtles further out. 3 snorkeling boats arrived while we were there so it is obviously a good spot to see underwater creatures!

Let me start by saying I love Hawaii and this is my 6th trip but 1st and last trip to Kauai. We did a ton of research before we arrived but consistently have found the beaches dirty and the surf too rough to swim or snorkel. If you look at the pics people have added to their reviews of this beach you will notice a consistent theme, no one is in the water. When you Google the beaches in Kauai, you rarely see pics of people in the water and that is because the surf is too rough to swim in here. We've hit at least 10 beaches and 8 of them had not a single person in the water. In the case of this beach there were warnings posted not to get in the water. In general the beaches here are substandard to other Hawaiian islands. They are dirty and you cannot swim or snorkel at the majority of them. A total disappointment. Seriously, consider a different island if you want to enjoy a beach or snorkel on your vacation.

This is one of the most famous beaches in Kauai, and for good reason. On a sunny day, you get some pretty remarkable views and photos, which I loved, and strolling along the wet sand is terrific, too. Not a terribly crowded location either, which makes for a nice relaxing time.

Nice beach depending on weather. The day we came it had just had a storm pass through. Waves rough, not a good snorkel spot this day. Parking is hit and miss, get there early or walk. Bath rooms, shower, life guard, snack shack and a coconut vendor.

Beautiful beach with great snorkeling and amazing views of the mountains at the start of the Napali Coastline. Only certain areas are good for swimming but the beach is well marked and the life guards are very helpful. Arrive before 10 a.m. to ensure parking. There are facilities and food trucks but recommend to bring drinks to the beach. What's nice is there are shaded spots on the beach from the trees so you can stay longer.

Tunnels Beach was great. There was even a monk seal sunning/resting on the beach. They put a zone around him so that you did not bother it. Enjoyed walking the beach.

When you plug this beach into your maps it will take you to a parking area to the right that fits about ten cars. The parking area can be easily missed so be on the lookout. If you can't find any parking there, a short 5 min. or less drive up is another parking lot. There you can find a food truck, restrooms, a cave and much more. If you park here, you will have to walk about 10 min. to the right to snorkel. I suggest parking and then walking along the road until you find the entrance with the limited parking. My husband and I walked in the sand and it wasn't easy. LOL. This beach was also one of our favorites to snorkel. The water was calm and clear to see lots of fish.

I absolutely recommend visiting Tunnels. Yes it can get crowded, but if you get there by 9am it's still pretty deserted. The views were amazing, the water was crystal clear, and the snorkeling was awesome. Parking is difficult, so plan to park a bit u the road at the larger beach with more parking. Be prepared, the half mile hike up the beach to Tunnels can be tiring for little ones or if you are out of shape. One last thing, the drive alone to the beach is worth it, with the tiny roads nestled up to the ocean and the quaint one way bridges. Trust me, and make the trip!

This was a fun day but go early because there are only 8 spots down a small dirt alley. We got there at 8:30 and had to park about 5 blocks away down another dirt alley that didn’t have a tow sign. I heard they are strict on towing and please don’t park in the emergency spots. It was used when we were there to save an older lady who got tired from snorkeling. They were able to quickly bring her oxygen on a moped as they had full access. Beach is wonderful and snorkeling is ok but most of the coral is dead

WOW...just wow!!! This is one spot that looks like the pictures and is even more beautiful in person! The color of the water on this beach is aqua and super clear. The backdrop of the mountains only adds to the paradise of this beach. We didn't have snorkeling equipment with us but we did see several people snorkeling in the calm waters. The beach is large, sandy and soft. It wasn't crowded the day we went so got lucky with parking. There are life guards and restrooms on site. Definitely go here!!!

During the summer months this place really packs a lot of people with limited parking but in Dec the beach was sparsely populated which made for a romantic private lunch on the beach. The waves were good sized and only the surfers were out. This place is a Great place to snorkel and scuba dive when the waves are smaller and the current isn't so strong. What a great way to spend a day in paradise.

We found this beach to be rather difficult to find. It was not even listed on some of the area maps. Even a travel book gave directions that were not easy to follow, "Take one of two dirt roads off Hwy 56 north of Hanalei near the 8 mile marker." The challenge is that at this point the highway is very narrow and after the mile marker sign, there appears to be many dirt roads, but they are actually driveways of private homes. Many home owners have posted "private" or "no beach access" signs probably because tourists have tried turning into these dirt roads looking for the beach. In addition, the actual dirt road (we only found one) with beach access is UNMARKED, is very narrow and can be lined with illegally parked cars making it difficult to spot. Parking along the highway is also illegal, although many visitors ignore the signs. A local informed us that often parking tickets are issued. We found that the best bet was to drive about 1/4 mile further north to Haena State Park Beach to a small, dirt rutted parking lot and then walk back along the long stretch of sand to access Tunnels Beach. It is an effort, but it is truly worth it.
Tunnels Beach is a wide, gently sloping, soft sand beach protected by a crescent shaped reef which makes it an exceptional swimming and snorkeling wonderland. Just by swimming in the shallow, clear turquoise water along the reef there is a myriad of colorful fish. For those more adventurous, when the light turquoise water becomes a dark, deep blue line, we were told that there is a 40 foot drop off, and beyond that a sand bar....we did not venture forward to check out that statement. We did see a group of scuba divers--so something must have enticed them!
The majestic scenery is what brings photographers and movie makers to this area....the northern pinnacle on the edge of the green velvet, crenelated mountains of the Napali coast is the backdrop of this user friendly beach. The silver streak waterfall seems like a mirage against the dark mountains.
There is something for everyone at Tunnels Beach. A wide sandy beach, soft on the feet but HOT, perfect for sandcastles, easy entry into the water for swimmers, and shade against the tree lined beach, no umbrellas needed.
Our biggest challenge was where to gaze....at the clear water shaded from light to dark turquoise, to dark blue and every shade of green....or at the mountains and waterfall?
HINT: For the best parking options, avoid the week ends and arrive at the latest by 8:00 AM. (Some tourist books recommend by 9:00AM and we found this was not helpful.) The parking lot fills up fast as it is used for the Haena Beach, and many hikers who do the 22 miles round trip hike to Kalalau Valley park here as well.

This may be the most beautiful beach on the island. It's worth going to. The beach is long, shaded by trees, not too crowded. I spotted turtles. The surf was up so we didn't swim. It would have been better a week earlier. Go early because parking can be a challenge. There are restrooms and a lifeguard station. Bring food if you're going to want any.

We had a blast hanging out on the beach and snorkeling. Plan on getting there early as parking is a premium and it can be a bit difficult to find.

We had so much fun the first time, we returned for a second visit. The best time to snorkel here is during the summer months when the water is calm and currents are easy to manage. During the winter, it's more of a surfing beach.

Best time to go is early in the day. We snorkeled around 11:00 AM one day and around 4:00 PM on the other day. It definitely gets choppier the later in the day you go, but the snorkeling is still great.

We saw so many fish and sea turtles - it was just amazing! We never experienced any strong current or super deep water where we snorkeled, but we also stayed pretty close to shore. You don't have to swim out very far to enjoy this place. In fact, we saw a couple of turtles dining at a reef about 20 feet from the shoreline!

There is a lifeguard stand and bathroom with showers.

TIPS:

1) Wear sunscreen, apply it often and/or wear an long sleeve SPF shirt in the water (esp. if you burn easily).

2) Bring plenty of water/drinks and snacks. There aren't any places nearby to purchase these things.

3) Bring an umbrella if you want shade, which is very limited.

4) Be smart & always, always, always snorkel with a friend.

5) Bring a small bar of soap from your hotel room for washing up. It would be very thoughtful to leave it behind for other guests.

Tunnels Beach is by far our favorite snorkeling spot on the island!

Tunnels is one of the North shores most amazing beach areas. It is best known as an outstanding area to Snorkel with an abundance of sea turtles. Access should be from Haena park.

Tunnels beach is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful beaches I've ever seen. You're surrounded by lush mountains whenever you look up, and beautiful coral when you look down. I wish I could be there right now!

GREAT SNORKELING IF YOU WALK ONTO THE BEACH AND GO RIGHT!! No waves, shallow, lots of sea life. Bring your gear and don't miss out!

Tunnels is our favorite beach on any island. The beauty is unsurpassed and the snorkeling is awesome. Grab a spot against the vegetation to the right as you face the beach for natural shade. The outer reef is the best spot if you are willing to swim over the deep water section. You can also take a boat tour that includes snorkeling the outer reef. Parking is VERY limited to two streets. Get there early. Or you can park at Ha’ena and walk down.

Beautiful beach with protective reef. Small craft advisory had red flags up advising no swimming or snorkeling. Best bet is to rime your visit at low tide if you want to snorkel. We did some in close. Parking is tight but ample parking at the state park. Today we saw several turtles and a monk seal. Water is pretty clear and some surfing way out past the reef. Recommend getting there early for a spot. Easy walk to the beach.

It's a pretty scenic area - reminded me a lot of St John of USVI yet here instead of Caribbean Sea/Atlantic Ocean you have the Pacific, even further fascinating to me!

I expected honestly a bit calmer waters from the pictures I had seen here but there were even surfers during our visit which gave me the idea that this may not be "the best day" to swim :) can't therefore say anything about snorkeling everyone here is praising. There seemed not to be any restrooms, food/drinking stuff in walking distance unless I missed it so make sure to bring your own stuff. Plenty of shaed under the trees/bushes.

TIP: We didn't stay on this beach for too long as this simply wasn't our "rea of the island" where we stayed - so to drive here and struggle with the parking here was something I wouldn't recommend, otherwise if you are short distance away then absolutely go for it, it's a beautiful beach. There are some spots on the road and then everyone does park parallel against the wooden fence of someone's property. Not too tough to park but there are other beautiful beaches around Kauai with easier access.

Road was still closed as of May 12. Nothing past Hanalei Bay is accessible at this point. Sad to miss this beach, hope Kauai can get the help they need to remove all the debris and repair roads after the floods.

If you go to Kalalau trail, this is a great spot to relax and finish the day! Beautiful turquoise water with great snorkeling. Hard to find - look for haena lifeguard station , park and walk east and you will see the reefs.

After a long ride down the windy roads on the north shore of Kauai, you'll find this gem. We got there late in the day and there were very few people on the beach. I was told the waves were small this time of year, which made me a little less excited to go because I'm one to play in the ocean all day. When we arrived I was impressed to say the least! Not only were the surroundings spectacular, but the waves were monsters! I body surfed and swam for to my hearts content, it was incredible.
A few things to watch out for though. On the far left side of the beach, there is a large shelf/rock deposit that jets out into the water and can become difficult to see as the tide comes in. You could seriously mess yourself up bad if you get pushed into these so steer clear. Also, there are some pretty significant longshore currents that'll push you one way or another down the beach depending on the day, so be aware of where you are in relation to the shore. I found the edge of the rocks this way and it could have been bad news if I hadn't accidentally stepped on a large boulder and realized I had been pushed 20 yards down shore. Keep an eye out for rip currents as well, as there are sandbars and with the waves being as big as they were they were certainly present. If you don't know what to look for, watch a YouTube video or something because I'm not going to go into detail on that. Also - and this really should be of little concern but none the less, something to keep in mind. If it has rained heavily for an extended period of time, use caution because there is a stream that feeds into the ocean so this could murk up the water. Sharks like murky water, but NOT people! They aren't out to get you, but if the water is murky and they're hungry they can't tell the difference between you and dinner. General rule of thumb, if the waves are brown don't go in.
All and all, don't pass this beach up. It's my favorite on the island so far! Aloha!

Worth the trek from Poipu as it's a really nice snorkeling spot. Park at state beach parking and walk down the beach to tunnels. Don't use small alley parking as it's for the local fisherman and scuba companies to easily bring their gear down the beach. While the reef is completely bleached there are a lot of fish around and we also saw a pod of spinner dolphins.

If you go, make sure you try and get parking in the main area near the cave. We parked down the road and had to walk all the way back up the beach to enter the safe swimming area with the life guard. Be sure to also check the wave conditions! We failed to do this every day, and were always met with rough waters. Never found a good day for snorkeling.

Clean (I mean perfectly clean!), safe, uncrowded, easy to get to (however, it's a long drive if you're staying in the south), and wonderful water! What more could you want? Tunnels beach has the most gorgeous soft sand, and as a bonus, there's an unobstructed view of the mountain (Bali Hai) directly to the left. Bring your towel or beach chair, some water and snacks, and you're set for a lovely day.

This is one of my favorite beaches on Kaua’i. The water is gorgeous and the view is spectacular, however, parking is extremely limited and a huge pain. I would recommend parking somewhere else and taking an Uber or Lyft to get here.

The green mountains provide a beautiful background for photos and the sand is wonderfully soft. The upside to the limited parking is that this beach is never crowded and you can enjoy huge stretches of the beach to yourself.

We've hit most of the top rated beaches in Kauai and this is by far my favorite spot. CALM WATERS, expansive beach, some good shaded areas, and not overly crowded. Parking can be tricky but if you're lucky, give it a go. I would definitely recommend this beach.

Loved this beach. Perfect spot to swim and be astounded by its beauty . I also love looking for little shells and they are here

You have to walk down to the area sheltered from the waves by the off shore reef and there is still significant currents but the snorkeling is awesome! Navigating in and around the close to shore reefs and eventually out to the drop off and the back edge of the shoreline reefs offers up views of many different reef fish, sea turtles, eels, and monk seals. If you enjoy snorkeling don't miss this and it is worth the 1/2 mile walk down the beach!

Tunnels is fantastic for snorkeling. Depending on the tide and the size of the surf, there is usually a current that will drift you from North to South. There are ample amounts and types of fish around the coral and lava structures...you just have to look. I was able to swim with a sea turtle, and just enjoy his/her presence in the water. The beach itself is gorgeous, with a nice view of Bali Hai to the South, and surfers riding waves outside the protecting reef that keeps the waves relatively small (depending on tide and time of year). If you like to snorkel, this is a great spot.

This beach was not our favorite, it is nice to go to but we didn't stay long. For as long as it took to get there it wasn't worth it. Big waves though and lots of sand that is deep.

This is a beach on Kauai you should go to just to see the majestic waves and views. It has dry cave across from it that you can explore. The locals really like this beach so, get there early especially, on a sunny day.

Parking was awful and we hide to walk quite a bit to get to a good snorkeling spot but once we did we were all in awe. The snorkeling here is great and we saw so many sea turtles!

The parking was very limited but I would suggest parking near he trail head for the hike and then walking to the beach. We came here mainly to snorkel but sadly the water was cloudy and we didn't see much of anything. The views made up Thor this disappointment and we met some nice people on the beach too.

As you travel to then end of the road, this beach is a must. Great for snorkeling and enjoying the water.

Scenery, like Kauai, is awesome.

Surf got rougher in the afternoon so if you are in it for snorkeling, go earlier in the day.

Best snorkeling ever! Turtles and fish everywhere! The reef gets shallow at some points but for the most pet even an inexperienced snorkeler like me did well. Kids and adults can enjoy this beach! There are all of these great tunnels that drop down at the end of the reef that scuba divers go check out! It's so beautiful! There are plenty of trees to relax under so you don't get too much sun. Parking can be difficult and you can have quite a walk in the type of sand that you feet sink into but it is so worth it! We can here 3x on our 10day trip!

We were able to take a drive down the road since it just reopened
. It’s a nice area, family or couples. Nothing too special, but has plenty of parking. Bring a picnic lunch.

We stayed in Poi'pu but made the drive up here twice because we loved this beach so much. First day we went the water was very murky, but the second time we went it was crystal clear! Bring your mask and snorkel fins. We saw turtles, eels, octopus, dolphins and even a Hawaiian Monk Seal playing in the water. They have showers afterwards and shopping/dining in Hanalei is great. Wish we would have stayed North Shore our entire trip.

Tunnels beach is the most beautiful beach I have ever been to. The snorkeling is spectacular and the view are EPIC! I do however recommend to wear water shoes to this beach as there are tons and tons of rocky areas and coral reefs. Definitely a MUST see in Kauai.

Awesome beach for snorkeling. On the left side of the beach (left side when facing the water) the reef is VERY close and there are lots of great fish to see. Very easy snorkeling. Some people preferred to go out to the actual reef that protects the area but you would need to be a much stronger swimmer. There is a slight current.

Very long stretch of sandy beach. Steep beach angle in some sections. Watch out for the waves. Not a lot of parking. Stunningly beautiful. We didn't go into the water, saw a few people trying to snorkel (not sure if they saw anything).

We visited numerous beaches on the island for snorkeling, with Tunnels right at the top of our list. Easy access to coral reefs with lots of fish right near the beach. Plenty of space on a busy day, shade... A manageable walk to the restrooms at Haena Beach Park. Park at Haena Beach unless you get there early enough to get one of the spots on the two dirt roads past mile marker 8!

This beach had stunning views of the water and the mountains. It was clean and had soft sand. We did not snorkel here, but there were many who were snorkeling.

Tunnels is one of the prettiest beaches on Kauai, but when you get to the access point, it is very confusing as most of the paths are marked private drive. There is no lifeguard and this beach can be dangerous with rip currents. Unless you are a strong swimmer, there are better places to swim.

Firstly, its a beautiful drive from Lihue to Tunnels. The drive alone is worth it. Our children (19 & 17 years) enjoyed the snorkeling here as there are areas for all levels of snorkelers. The water is very clear and you can actually walk in from the beach and start to see some nice marine life. There is a reef which protects the inside if you aren't as experienced or its a wavy day. Beach is wide, long and clean. We would go back again on our next trip. Like a lot of beaches the parking can be tough but we went early and got lucky.

Tunnels is basically at the end of road when it comes to driving the north side of Kauai. Which makes it less trafficked than Hanalei or Princeville. It's a cool place to relax and walk around, the surf can get intense here so be careful.

This is an unspoiled beach; hard to find; a hidden gem!. Beautiful, crescent shaped sandy beach fringes a stunning mountain backdrop. There is incredible snorkeling when the ocean conditions allow.

The downside---minimal parking, hard to find and no restrooms.

Lots to see nearby (Ke'e beach, Haena beach, Kalalau trail, etc.

We took the new shuttle service to Tunnels Beach after hiking the beginning of the Kalalua Trail. It was a gorgeous beach with great scenic views and fantastic snorkeling. Fun to cool down and snorkel with sea turtles and colorful fish! Even saw a monk seal sunning on the shore. Public outdoor shower and bathroom available. We parked in Hanalei and took the new shuttle service. It was easily accessible and better than dealing with the small parking area. Be sure to reserve a spot online (you must pay per person) in advance because it sells out quickly. Worth the trip!

Make sure you don’t stand on the reef. Bring water shoes or swimming fins. I accidentally kicked a coral while swimming and it scratched up my foot. It was painful but totally my own fault and still worth the visit. There are so many fish to see and the weather and views were perfect.

There are plenty of trees to sit under for shade

A great beach on the North of the island, well worth the 50 minute drive from where I was staying in Kapaa. The warm turquoise ocean over the reef offers great snorkelling opportunities, then you walk out of the ocean to see the beautiful scenery behind the beach. Luscious green mountains & waterfalls! Absolutely stunning whichever direction you look!

As of July 17, 2018, the road past Hanalei is still closed. Tunnels Beach is not accessible. A local told us that it likely won't reopen until next year.

Beautiful surroundings with a nice swimming area. I think this is my favorite beach on Kauai. Great scuba diving in the summer and great surfing in the winter. Breaks pretty far out not for beginners. A little hard to find you need to park on a small street that doesn't have a lot of parking, almost looks like an alley.
Jeff Lee/ Kai Lee

What a great beach. So much space and beautiful white fine sand. Parking is limited. Rest rooms and showers are available. Ocean is so clear and such a beautiful colour. Be careful currents can be strong and you need to time when you enter and exit the ocean as you can be knocked over by the waves. Definitely worth a visit.

Do you need to pay the Haena State Park fee to enter of you can enter tunnels beach for free?

I'm trying to understand this part so if anyone knows it would be very helpful :)

One of my favorite beaches! Favorite in Kauai and in the top 10 best I’ve ever been to. Beautiful soft sand and clear blue water. The surf can be rough, depending on weather. Parking is tough. We followed the advice on Trip Advisor to park on one of the small roads where parking is free (versus a private drive). The beach wasn’t overcrowded.

Stunning snorkeling, lots of coral and fish. Parking is limited so recommend getting tickets for the shuttle in advance or arriving before 8 am.

This is by far our favorite beach & we prefer to stay on the north shore so that we can walk to it, as parking there is very limited. Beautiful snorkeling beach & the views of Napali Coast cannot be beat. Love swimming with the turtles!

We were amazed at the dry cave. How immense it was. My two grandchildren were tickled by the fact we needed the fladhlight app onon our phones to be able to see.
We followed this with going to the wet cave. We were not as impressed, but the hike above it was excellent

This is a perfect setting for couples and families. You can set up your chair or blanket under the over of the trees to stay out of the sun if you like. We saw two large turtles and a wonderful mix of fish snorkling there.

This is a big beach that is connected to Cannon's Beach and Haena Beach, so it looks huge in pictures. It is very large, but Tunnels probably has the best snorkeling of the bunch. The sand and beach were wonderful. The water was very calm and clear. The underwater lava tubes and channels are very interesting and hide plenty of sealife. It wasn't too crowded - probably due to lack of parking.

The main issue about this beach is parking. We have tried to visit in the morning several times but found no parking. This time, we left early from the south and brought a sandwich breakfast with us. We were successful finding parking at Ha'ena on a weekday by 730AM and we walked about a half mile to Tunnels.

Although there is a very small access alley to the beach you'd have to arrive very early in the morning. Would still advise you arrive early in the day and park in the dry cave county park lot which has plenty of parking if you're early. Bring all your beach supplies and walk a half mile down the beach to set up your site and depending on the wind conditions you'll have a long stretch of easy to enter water and very close coral formations to find schools of fish feeding. Worthy of your day, do bring an umbrella or look for shaded areas. The sun is direct on you.

I loved coming to Tunnels almost every day during our 2 week stay in Wainiha. When the tides were low and there were almost no waves, the snorkeling was out of this world. Fish everywhere, and you might even get to swim with a turtle. To get to this beach, I recommend getting street parking prior to 8:30 a.m., or if you'd rather, park at Ha'ena before 9:00 a.m. and walk 10 minutes down the beach to Tunnels (I opted for this). It rains on and off, so have your stuff ready to keep dry under a tree. It never got crowded and the views of Bali Hai were awesome.

I'm giving this beach a 1 star not because of the beach but because of the stupid humans. Maybe if I give this a 1 star maybe the mainlanders, I'm a mainlander too, will stay away and let this area heal. Too many of us mainlanders don't take the time to make sure we're not wearing sunscreen or at least wearing reef safe mineral sunscreen. After we put on the on the wrong sunscreen and don't let it soak in, we put our fins on and stand on the reef. One fellow that I told to get off the reef and coral replied, "this isn't coral it's a ROCK!" Well Einstein, that's because we killed the coral off the rock, and it won't come back if don't stay off. It's gotten to the point that they will have to close these areas unless they require a fee and mandatory training for genius visitors!

The stretch of semi-sheltered beach on the north shore of Kauai which includes Tunnels beach and Ha'ena beach (they blend into each other in this small sweep of beach) is a lovely beach for swimming and scenery. Kauai has much beautiful coastline but not many beaches that are really good or safe for swimming. This area is on that is great for swimming and it has nice coral areas easily reached, with lots of fish and sea life to examine. The setting is also beautiful and even dramatic, with a lovely, lush forested peak sweeping around and looming over the western end. At the western end is Ha'ena county beach park, with restrooms. Some parts are more gentle, others more rough.

There is some parking at that park but otherwise, parking is extremely limited. We just walked form Hanalei Colony Resort in Wainiha, where we stayed. It was about 20 minutes and mostly peaceful, only one short stretch being on the highway.

Wonderful beach, not very crowded with just a stunning backdrop of the Nepali coastline, absolutely stunning, will definitely return!

Came here in early March to see the views. The waves were HUGE, so kids couldn't really get in and play, but it was such a beautiful, secluded beach that it didn't really matter. We went over the far left where there is a little lagoon that the kids could play in. We watched some very braver surfers and climbed over the rocks to another very secluded area. It was really a beautiful way to spend an afternoon. I think bringing a drink and taking a long walk here would also be very enjoyable.

Definitely one of the top three best beaches in Kauai. Mountains in the backdrop, stunning turquoise water and golden yellow sand - beautiful!
It's a bit of a drive but totally worth the time and effort. Get there early before crowds come. Love this beach!

We tried to find snorkeling on several parts of the island but Tunnels was the best one. It's not the easiest to find on the far north shore but once you get there, it's worth it. There was a more fish than other locations. We were lucky to find parking along one the side street (there might be 6 spots) which made the walk much shorter. If not, you can park at the larger parking area about 1/4-1/2 mile down the road and walking back. There are no facilities at the beach so be warned.

Getting there can be a little difficult (go early & there are a couple off-roads you can park on) but it is worth the effort to find a quiet place to enjoy the beach, waves, and beautiful blue water. Tried snorkeling but it was a bit rough in February. Not many were there (especially early) and the view is great. Spent half a day just relaxing and this was the perfect place.

What a great beach, views can not be beat even in the rain. Reef is brown, but there are fish and pretty much always swim with 1 turtle. If you do not have an umbrella there a large trees along the back beach line for shade. 1 of my top 5 favorite places in the world.

Lame and highly disappointed. I don’t know why this is rated so high. We are experienced snorkeled and it was honestly pretty boring. Not much live coral. Just your typical reef fish. Disappointed in general

Enjoyed the snorkeling and scenery here. The reef right along the shore was surprising good, better in some ways than the larger complex that extends offshore from the point. Lots of fish and coral in a variety of sizes, groupings, and depth. We parked at Haena Beach Park. The walk down the beach to the snorkeling (particularly the larger complex off the point) is tiring.

We were staying in Poipu and after going to Lihue for a helicopter tour, we thought we'd drive to the north shore to see Tunnels Beach, which I had read had some of the best snorkelling on the island. Well, not on February 8, 2017. The waves were crashing onto the shore with serious force (the red flag was definitely up) and it was overcast and cold. The dirt road at 4/10 of a mile past the 8 mile marker is easy to miss, but very convenient once you find it. The only reason that this pilgrimage to where the girl in "Soul Surfer" lost her arm in a shark attack wasn't a total bust is that basking on the beach were an endangered Hawaiian monk seal AND a giant sea turtle! It was a VERY long drive back to Poipu, so thank goodness the wildlife decided to cooperate!

It definitely is a good place to snorkel but the water quality, number of fishes and the dying corals limits it from being a great place to snorkel. The beach itself is fine, the parking is a whole another story. If you can find the "parking lot", you won half the battle, it is a short street off the main road and you can park on the left side of that road leaving the right side for the residents to drive through. I believe about 6-8 cars could fit in there. That sure should limit the number of people getting to this beach.

We arrived at Tunnels just before 8am and there were about 5 cars already parked on the parking lane, it filled us very quickly thereafter as some of our group had to park at Haena state park. Beach was gorgeous with great Mountain views, tons of shade with the trees. Snorkeling was pretty disappointing, maybe a 2 out of 10. Access is limited unless you want to walk over the coral which there are signs out to tell tourist not to and there wasn’t much to see in the water. Four or five small fish. The Napali coast tour boats all stop around 9:30-10am and farther out so maybe better snorkeling way out.

Highly recommend and put as a must do on your trip.

The parking to the beach is a mile away but the beach can also be accessed from the parking lot. Amazing cave by the parking lot and the views of the lush green mountains cannot be beaten

Parking was difficult to find and because of potential swimming hazards (as I understand is common for the winter months) I didn't do any snorkeling, but the beach was gorgeous and there was a monk seal sunning itself. Worth the visit, although there are other beaches in the area I prefer more.

One of the best places to watch the sunset each evening. Signs posted in 2019 that there is water contamination, so we didn't go into the water.

We planned to get there early, like 830 am early and we barely got a spot in the second beach access site. I think the best bet is to either go very early or later like 1-2 pm. It was exceptionally windy unfortunately and we only stayed a few hours. Having said that, it’s a gorgeous beach, with a gorgeous mountain backdrop and wicked snorkelling. You don’t even need fins. Kids had a great time in quite shallow water looking down and seeing fish with just their swim goggles (haven’t mastered the snorkel yet). The beach has some lovely shaded areas with mature trees from the private lots surrounding the beach. No facilities though. The walk to the bathroom at Haena is not that bad.

On our last day in Kauai, we got a recommendation to go to tunnels beach and snorkel. Located on the very north of the island just past Hanalei, this place was amazing for snorkeling. We rented our gear for $6 in Hanalei and parked our car just passed the open cave beside the road where there is a bathroom and showers.

The snorkeling was a bit of a walk to get to, but it was so worth it. There is a reef guarding the beach which really limits the waves and makes for great snorkeling. We saw everything including turtles! I recommend this beach for sure.

We understood this is a great snorkeling beach but unfortunately the tide was extremely high and the waves were monstrous so we weren't able to get the full experience we were hoping to. Looks so incredible.

This was kind of cool to see. There's a cave across the street from the beach. Something different to see.

My guess is I. The summer this is a great beach to snorkel, however, on this day the waves were incredible. Beach was nice to be on. Parking is limited, and many tree roots to navigate.

Best place to snorkel on north side. As one reviewer said, sea turtles guaranteed. We missed one the first time but spent 10 min. with one the second time.
I did read a negative review due to surf. True. But all you have to do is walk 3-4 blocks from the parking lot and it is fine. I do hear it is very bad in winter, we were there in Sept.
Clean beaches in all of Kauai. We LOVE it.
Plenty of fish, all different types.
Never had a problem parking although I can see that it could be. Mornings by 10 afternoon after 2.
The guy that rented us our equipment said to go after 8:30 and before 10:30. Lower surf and parking. Can't remember the names of the place but it is in Hanalei, Old School House. All for $22/week. Real nice people. Very helpful.
Bring some water...food if you want to spend more time.
There is a food truck in the parking lot.
Next to the Dry Cave...worth a walk through.
PS. We snorkeled by the St. Regis. OK but not great. We tried to go to Anini but couldn't find parking. Later someone told us it was burned out and not worth it.

Absolutely beautiful, so natural and unspoilt, soft golden sand with a gorgeous backdrop of the start of the Napali coast.
Despite the warnings against swimming and the strong rip currents (and there definitely are so do be careful) there is an area of water which is pretty sheltered from this and was even ok for our little 4 year old to be paddling in.

Highlight for me though was the snorkelling - again be careful with the rip - it does drag you along. But some great fish life along the reef and the best bit, a turtle, the biggest I've ever seen. Stunning.

Also there was a Hawaiian Monk Seal resting on the beach whilst we were there.

One of our favourite beaches in the world - oh, to own one of the beachfront houses here - I'd gladly trade my soul for it!

We came to Tunnels beach our first morning in Kauai because we were up early since there was a 5 hour time difference for us. My recommendation is to be there by 7:30 to get a parking space. There is very little parking which keeps the crowds down. This beach is reef protected so it is very good for snorkeling. The view of the mountains is amazing. We loved Tunnels beach

Limited parking. Short walk to the beach. Bathrooms and out door showers nearby. Lifeguard on duty. Snorkeling. Many turtle sightings. Great sea shell hunting. Ghost fish sightings and other fish. Little to no shade. Pick up your trash when leaving. Aloha 🌺

The snorkeling at this beach is primarily why we drove halfway around the island to get here, and it didn't disappoint. The variety and abundance of tropical fish was very impressive. We went during the summer, so the water was fairly calm. My mask kept filling up, so I didn't go out very far, but my wife went further out and said that the underwater tunnels were breathtaking. If you don't get there early, you will either have to wait for a parking space to open up or park up the road and hike to the beach and back. I found a couple of decent shells, but I suspect that the good ones are either further down the beach or were plucked by the early birds. One of the better snorkeling spots on the island.