📸 Tunnels Beach | Kauai, Hawaii
📝 My Story:
As we continued our journey along Kauai’s stunning north shore, we arrived at one of the most iconic beaches on the island — Tunnels Beach.
Known for its breathtaking backdrop of lush mountains and its incredible coral reef system, this beach truly felt like a hidden paradise. Getting there wasn't super straightforward — the access is tucked away through a residential neighborhood, and parking was tight, but the reward was more than worth the extra effort.
Surfers danced with the waves offshore, while snorkelers floated gently above the massive underwater caverns (the "tunnels" that give the beach its name). It was the perfect place to unwind, explore, and soak up the serene beauty that defines Kauai’s rugged coastline.
🌎 Location:
📍 Google Maps: Open Tunnels Beach on Google Maps ➔
📌 Quick Info:
🏙️ City: Wainiha, Kauai
🅿️ Parking: Limited roadside parking — plan ahead!
🚻 Bathrooms: Not available directly at the beach
🚲 Bike Rentals: Not available at beach access points
🧭 Travel Tip: Arrive early in the morning to secure a parking spot
📸 Photographer’s Note: Bring a wide-angle lens to capture both the lush mountains and the golden beach
🛐 Etiquette: Respect the residents — stay on designated paths and keep noise to a minimum
🕰️ Best Time to Explore: Early morning for soft light and fewer crowds
♿ Accessibility: Not easily accessible; sandy trails and uneven terrain
💡 Pro Tip:
Wear water shoes if you plan to explore the shallow reef areas — it’s beautiful but rocky and uneven!
📸 Photography Tip:
Capture stunning sunrise or sunset shots here — the mountains make for a dramatic silhouette as the light shifts across the beach.
🎉 Fun Fact:
Tunnels Beach was one of the filming locations for the classic movie South Pacific! The beach’s spectacular scenery made it an ideal Hollywood backdrop.
🌺 Return to Main Hawaii Travel Story
Want to read the full story of our unforgettable adventure across Kauai and Maui?
👉 Click here to explore our complete Hawaii Travel Journal ➔
🗺️ Planning Your Own Hawaii Adventure?
If you’re planning your own trip to Kauai (or anywhere across Hawaii), you can find this hidden gem — and many more — on my public travel map:
👉 View My Hawaii Travel Map Here ➔