Tunnels Beach

From our guide

Tunnels Beach (Makua) and Kauapea Beach (Secret Beach) are separate North Shore Kauaʻi beaches, not one attraction. Tunnels, at Hāʻena beneath Mount Makana, is known for its shallow inner reef and summer snorkeling; Kauapea, near Kīlauea, is a long cliff-backed surf beach valued for dramatic walks and lighthouse views. As of September 30, 2026, Tunnels should be treated as inaccessible to visitors because Hāʻena/Wainiha restrictions remain in place after Hurricane Lowell; Kauapea is a separate option subject to lawful-access and weather conditions.

Choose Tunnels in calm late-spring-to-early-fall conditions for Kauaʻi’s classic reef-snorkeling beach experience, once access restrictions are lifted. Choose Kauapea for scenery, beach walking, photography, and sunset rather than swimming; skip it if you have mobility or balance issues, if the trail is wet, or if surf is large. Neither is appropriate for casual ocean entry when conditions are rough.

Booking the visit

Do not book a Hāʻena State Park reservation for Tunnels: it does not cover Tunnels Beach. When Hāʻena reopens, arrive before 8 a.m., park legally at Hāʻena Beach Park, and walk east along the sand 10–15 minutes; do not block driveways or use informal roadside spaces. For Kauapea, book nothing, but use only a clearly signed lawful public access route and legal parking—do not follow social-media trails across private land. Recheck the Hāʻena access restriction immediately before attempting Tunnels.

For Tunnels, arrive before 8 a.m. on a weekday for the best chance of legal parking and calmer water. Kauapea is less about crowds than safe access: avoid it after rain, storm damage, or during major winter swell.

• Tunnels has no facilities or lifeguard tower directly on site; use Hāʻena Beach Park for parking, toilets, showers, and lifeguard advice when it is accessible.
• At Tunnels, snorkel only genuinely calm inner-reef water, never stand on coral, and do not enter if surf, murk, or current is present.
• Kauapea’s descent is steep and can become muddy and slippery; wear grippy sandals or trail shoes and bring all water, food, and sun protection.
• Kauapea has no toilets, showers, concessions, or lifeguards. Powerful shorebreak and currents make it a poor casual-swimming beach.
• For Kauapea photos, shoot from the sand toward Kīlauea Point Lighthouse or along the cliffs; return via the same trail rather than trying to continue along the coast.

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