Snorkeling at Tunnels Beach in Kauai, Hawaii

Tunnels Beach in Kauai, Hawaii is one of the best snorkeling and diving spots in all of North America. It gets its name from the tunnel created between the two coral reefs located in the area. In addition to the coral reefs, the area has ancient lava formations that have hardened to form a maze of tunnels and arches under the water's surface. The area's waves also break in the shape of a tunnel, adding to the suitability of the name Tunnels Beach.

Snorkeling at Tunnels Beach in Kauai: How to get there

To reach Tunnels Beach in Kauai, Hawaii, take the Kuhio Highway that runs through Hanalei. The best place to park is at the Haena Beach parking lot, which is about a quarter mile away from the Tunnels Beach shore. This area fills up fast, especially when the surf is good and the locals are out, so get there early to be sure you can find a parking place. The Haena Beach parking lot has shower facilities and restrooms that are not available once you get down to Tunnels Beach. You can also ask the lifeguard at Haena about the weather and wave conditions at Tunnels, so you know if it is worth walking down to the beach. If the parking lot at Haena Beach is full, you can go back up the Kuhio Highway, where there are two exits leading to beach houses that offer parking.

Snorkeling at Tunnels Beach in Kauai: Where to enter the water

Once you get down to Tunnels Beach, you will find an amazing area for snorkeling. The best place to get into the water is on the north portion of the reef, near the sandy spot. Stick to the inner reef that runs close to the channel and do not snorkel in parts where the reef goes all the way to the shoreline. These areas can be quite dangerous and you may get cut by rocks, sea urchins, or the coral reef itself. Also, stay away from the lava tunnels, no matter how tempting it may be to see if you can swim through them. It is very easy to get stuck in these hardened lava tunnels and you will not be able to get back to the surface before your air runs out.

Snorkeling at Tunnels Beach in Kauai: Sea life

While snorkeling at Tunnels Beach in Kauai, Hawaii, you will see many types of unusual sea life. Sea turtles can frequently be seen in the area, along with moray eels, parrot fish, and several other fish and invertebrate sea animals. If you do come upon a sea turtle while snorkeling Tunnels Beach, be sure to give it plenty of room. Sea turtles must come up to the surface to breathe before descending back into the water.