Tunnels Beach Photos
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Tunnels Beach, Kauai
Tunnels Beach located on Haena Point on Kauai's north shore is a postcard-perfect, two-mile (3.2 km) stretch of golden sand fringed with ironwood trees and tropical palms. Even though much of the shoreline at Haena Point is lined by beachrock, which is usually not favored by swimmers, Tunnels Beach is nevertheless one of the north shore’s most popular beaches.
One of the main attractions is the large reef offshore. The beach is unique for having an inner and an outer reef. About an eighth of a mile offshore is a half-moon shaped reef. This is the inner reef and it is shallow. This area is ideal for families with kids and novice snorkelers, while advanced divers and snorkelers explore the outer reef, which has more lava tubes, arches and coral formations. During the winter months or times of high surf, the water conditions are hazardous at Tunnels Beach and swimming and snorkeling are very dangerous.
Divers may chance upon white-tipped sharks resting among the lava tubes, but this is a very rare chance. A popular surf break called Tunnels is located at the outer edge of the reef, which is visited by both surfers and windsurfers. It is for experts only. A wide channel lies between the two reefs. Tunnels Beach got its name because parts of the reef here have many arches and tunnels.
Tunnels Beach Overview
- Good beach for snorkeling, diving, surfing and windsurfing
- Has an inner reef and an outer reef
- Dangerous swimming conditions in the winter months due to strong currents and high surf
Location: 560 Kuhio Highway, Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii 96714 Directions: From Hanalei, take Highway 560. A little past Mile Marker 8, take a right on a small dirt road. The road leads to Tunnel Beach Park along the road where it is marked so.
