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Makua Beach • North Shore
Hawaii's #1 snorkeling paradise and most photographed beach—a crescent-shaped bay fringed by palms and Ironwood trees with underwater lava tunnels teeming with marine life.
Boss Frog's & local shops in Hanalei/Princeville
From $25/day
Find Rentals →* Prices are estimates for 2026. Booking in advance is highly recommended for Helicopter and Boat tours as they often sell out weeks in advance. Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a small commission if you book through our links at no extra cost to you.
Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach in Hawaiian) isn't just a picturesque paradise—it's a locale rich in history and cultural significance that connects visitors to the ancient spirit of Kauai's North Shore.
The dramatic mountain peaks visible from Tunnels Beach were featured in the classic 1958 film "South Pacific" as the mystical "Bali Hai." Mount Makana (also called "Bali Hai" by tourists) serves as the iconic backdrop that has appeared in countless photographs and films.
Today, Tunnels Beach represents a delicate balance between preserving natural beauty, respecting Hawaiian culture, and providing access for visitors to experience one of the world's most spectacular coastal environments.
⚠️ NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY
Protected species. Keep 10+ feet distance. No touching!
Endangered. Stay 50+ feet away. They sometimes rest on beach.
Don't chase or attempt to swim with wild dolphins.
Do not stand, walk, or touch coral. Use reef-safe sunscreen only.
For Police, Fire, Ambulance, or Ocean Rescue.
Haena Beach Park
0.5 miles west (approx. 10 min walk)
Makana North Shore Urgent Care
Princeville (808) 320-7300
4.6/5 based on 977 reviews
"Best snorkeling in Kauai. Saw so many colorful fish and sea turtles. The sand is very coarse and tough to walk through and parking is challenging."
— Barbara S., July 2025
"Parking is a nightmare so arrive very early (before 8:00 a.m.). Having said all of that, the beach and snorkeling were wonderful! Shade is available and the variety of fish around the reef was excellent."
— baldguyut, August 2025
"Limited parking but gorgeous views, some shade, awesome beach walk, great snorkeling. My son snorkeled with a turtle all day. Lots of spots to snorkel."
— Travel_the_world11, June 2025
💡 PRO TIP: Check surf reports 2-3 days before your visit. Even in summer, occasional swells can make conditions dangerous. When in doubt, ask locals or lifeguards at nearby Haena Beach Park.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: Parking is extremely limited and fills up early!
"Save yourself the frustration: just park at Haena Beach Park and walk down. The only official parking at Tunnels is a small side street that fills up almost instantly. The 10-minute walk along the coastline is beautiful and far more reliable than hunting for a spot at the Tunnels access point."
Largest public lot in the area. No reservations needed (unlike the State Park).
Requires advance reservation at gohaena.com. Stops at Haena Beach Park.
Guest parking available + scenic 20 min walk
May require advance reservations and fees similar to Haena State Park ($5 per person + $10 parking). State management proposal under review.
"I was there a week ago: Parking at Ha'ena Beach Park is the only real option. Police are active at giving tickets anywhere else. Get there before 8am or wait for around noon. At noon, someone is always leaving side-street lots, causing a few spots to open up. A 10-minute wait can save your day."
r/Kauai Community Insight
Verified Visitor Tip • 2025
The gateway to Tunnels. No reservation required. Free public lot (very competitive).
Entry to Ke'e Beach & Kalalau. MANDATORY advance reservation. Strict entry control.
Experience the stunning beauty of Tunnels Beach through these captures showcasing the crescent bay, Na Pali Coast backdrop, and vibrant marine life.
Crescent bay from above
Golden hour magic
Colorful marine life
Frequent visitors
Lava tube formations
Access to snorkeling areas
Peaceful early hours
Powerful surf season
2 miles of white sand
Swimming with turtles
Sunset at Makua
Crystal clear tunnels
North Shore panorama
Lava tube exploration
Source: Real visitor experiences via YouTube Shorts
Yes, Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach) is accessible via Highway 560 (Kuhio Highway) on Kauai's North Shore. You can access it through two small alleyways near mile marker 8, or by parking at Haena Beach Park and walking about 0.5 to 1 mile along the sand.
Yes, access to Tunnels Beach is free. Unlike the neighboring Haena State Park (Ke'e Beach), no entrance fee or advanced reservation is currently required for the beach itself or the public parking at Haena Beach Park.
It depends on the season. During summer (May-Sept), the inner lagoon is generally calm and safe for swimming and snorkeling. However, during winter (Oct-Apr), high surf and strong currents make it dangerous. There is no lifeguard on duty at Tunnels.
Tunnels Beach itself is rarely closed, but access may be restricted due to dangerous ocean conditions, shark sightings, or flash flood damage to access roads. Additionally, a specific inner reef area (Makua Lagoon) is a designated marine refuge and is closed to snorkeling to protect fish nurseries.
Absolutely. It is widely considered one of the best snorkeling spots in Hawaii, featuring an incredible reef system, underwater lava tubes, and a stunning backdrop of the Na Pali coast mountains.
The walk is easy to moderate. If you park at Haena Beach Park, it's a 10-15 minute (0.5 - 1 mile) walk along flat sand. The alleyway access points are shorter but have extremely limited parking.
It earned its nickname from the extensive series of underwater lava tubes, caverns, and arches found within the reef system that resemble tunnels.
Yes, Makua Beach is the local name for Tunnels Beach. It is one of the most photographed and beautiful beaches on Kauai, offering world-class snorkeling and spectacular mountain views.
While subjective, Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach) is a top contender due to its golden sands and dramatic Mt. Makana backdrop. Other favorites include Hanalei Bay and Poipu Beach.
Yes, swimming is possible at Makua Beach, especially in the protected inner lagoon. However, caution is advised as there are no lifeguards and conditions can change rapidly, particularly in winter.
Parking is extremely limited. There are a few spots in small access alleys past mile marker 8, but the most reliable option is the public lot at Haena Beach Park, followed by a short walk on the sand.
Yes, it is legendary for snorkeling. The inner reef is perfect for beginners, while the outer reef offers advanced snorkeling with more depth and the famous lava tunnels.
No, you do not need a permit or reservation to park at the Tunnels Beach access alleys or Haena Beach Park. This is a common point of confusion with the adjacent Haena State Park (Ke'e Beach), which *does* require a reservation.
Drive north past Hanalei on Highway 560. Look for parking near mile marker 8 or park at Haena Beach Park (near mile marker 9) and walk back along the beach. Arrive before 8 AM to secure a parking spot.
Yes, Tunnels Beach is directly adjacent to Haena Beach Park. It is a scenic 10-15 minute walk along the shore between the two.
Experience the magic of Tunnels Beach! This 4K tour showcases the crystal-clear waters, vibrant reef, and the stunning backdrop of Mt. Makana.
Note: There are no rental shops at Tunnels Beach. Rent gear in Hanalei (~10 mins away) before heading north.
Location: Hanalei Center
Location: Kapaa / Koloa
💡 Want to see everything?
All locations listed above are within a 15-minute drive of Tunnels Beach. We recommend combining a morning snorkel at Tunnels with an afternoon visit to Limahuli Garden or a sunset walk at Ke'e Beach.
