Tunnels Beach, sometimes referred to as Makoa Tunnels Beach, is one of the most beautiful in the Hawaiian Islands and is our secret pick for the best swimming on Kauai.

It's located in a secluded, rural area with breathtaking scenery, safe swimming, spectacular sunsets and the best snorkeling conditions on Kauai.

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Swimming and beach facilities

Love natural beaches with beautiful backdrops far from civilization yet relatively easy to get to? Then Tunnels Beach is your dream vacation spot. Without compromise.

Over a mile long, a strip of fine white sand blending into a belt of shade-providing trees stretches along Kauai's north shore near the start of the popular Kalalau Trail.

Tunnels Beach is situated on the edge of a wider bay and is therefore protected from the largest waves and backwash currents, so swimming here is relatively safe. The location of the beach creates incredible conditions for watching the sunset against a backdrop of steep cliffs and mountains.

The beach surface - fine golden sand
Entrance to the water - gradual and without rocks, the sea is relatively shallow about 50 meters from the beach
Length of the beach - 1 km
Width of the beach - 50 metres
Sunbed rental - no
Toilets and showers - yes, in the nearby Haena Beach Park
Catering - no
Shops - no

Best snorkeling on Kauai

The shallow, calm waters close to the beach are filled with small coral reefs, and the rugged bottom combined with the clear water makes for absolutely fabulous snorkeling conditions.

Thousands of colorful fish, small turtles and other sea creatures in such an accessible location are unlikely to be found anywhere else on Kauai.

Snorkeling gear can be rented or purchased in the town of Hanalei, 9 km away, through which you'll drive to Tunnels Beach anyway.

Accommodation at Tunnels Beach

In the village of Haena, just off Tunnels Beach, you can find several vacation homes for rent, but the prices are high and only worth it if you're going with more than 4 people.

How to get there

Tunnels Beach can only be reached conveniently by car on the circular road around the east coast of the island, number 560.

From Lihue, the largest town, it takes 59 km to get here. Parking directly at Tunnels Beach is not possible, you have to walk here from Haena State Park where you can park along the road.

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