Tunnels Beach Kauai is breathtaking and picture-perfect. It’s also the best of all Kauai beaches for snorkeling and likened to swimming through an aquarium. The exceptional Hawaiian beach is exquisite at sunset where the pinnacles of Bali Hai absorb the setting sun creating one of the most spectacular views of any of Kauai’s beaches. The fine sand resembles creamy butter and feels just as soft underfoot. The many things to do in and out of the water at Tunnels Beach is the best reason to visit aside from exquisite scenery.
Located on Highway 560 on the North Shore of Kauai,
Tunnels Beach is the place to go for snorkeling and diving.
Navigating the crystalline ocean water here provides the
opportunity to experience a protected half-moon reef like
no other. Plenty of sea life frequents the water with
sea turtles being the star of the show. They’re
most often seen basking in the sunshine at the turn of
the main beach entrance to the right. Divers head to the
deep caverns located underwater near the shore where there’s
plenty more to see. Trigger fish, wrasses, trumpet fish,
moray eels and tangs are all common sights.
For those just visiting for the day, early arrival is recommended in order to get one of the limited parking spots. The upside is the crowds are also limited. The main car park only accommodates about ten cars but there’s a flat entryway about two hundred yards farther up the road where another small parking area can be utilized.
The isolated location makes the beach ideal for
those looking for Kauai
beach rentals away from major crowds. Kauai beach
rentals at Tunnels Beach come in a large variety of different
styles. Seaside cottages just steps from the shoreline
are favorites. Kauai beach rentals in the area also include
many private, fully equipped homes perfect for families.
Choose from one to six bedrooms and more. Weekly rates
are reasonable for many of the rentals at Tunnels Beach.
Ocean side villas are also available with some providing
magnificent views of the Napali Coast.
There is a host of travel agents in Kauai that can help
you find the perfect beach rental. You can find agents
all over Kauai, check local papers or search online for
Kauai vacation rentals.
There are also many Kauai hotels in the area to choose
from if you prefer but the location makes a vacation rental
the better choice. Though you’ll spend a little
more money the immediate access you’ll have to all
the great activities and sights are unbeatable. If you’re
considering a luxury
Kauai hotel, Kauai beach rentals will likely offer
more of a savings.
Tunnels Beach Kauai has limited facilities so make sure you’re well prepared. There are no lifeguards and no restrooms or picnic tables of any kind along the two-mile beach. Bring along your own food and drinks for the day to avoid having to leave for a meal. The sand can get piping hot so bringing some type of footwear along is highly recommended. Mature ironwood trees flank the arching beach providing respite from the tropical sun, but if the beach is full you may not get a spot, leaving another incentive to arrive early.
The best time for Kauai tours
is undoubtedly springtime and summer. During the fall
and winter the ocean gets quite rough along the North
Shore making swimming an often dangerous game. If you
do visit in the winter months there’s still plenty
to do. The scenery remains breathtaking with Bali Hai
and the Napali Coast
being the major scenic backdrops. The other upside is
the North Shore is replete with the most luscious and
impressive tropical growth bordering many of Kauai’s
best and most beautiful beaches.
