The outer reef is best saved for more advanced snorkelers who have experience with Kauai’s currents, but there is also a smaller protected shallow lagoon area perfect for children or beginners. This is one of the largest and most popular beaches in Maui. Best Maui Beaches for Both Snorkeling and Swimming Ka’anapali Beach & Black Rock. All throughout the year, you’ll find calm waters in this area thanks to the small waves and protective man-made rock wall. This crescent shaped bay is fringed by palms and Ironwood trees. More at: Pray For Sex Beach (Makua Beach) Snorkeling at Ko Olina. Don’t forget, coral is full of vibrant living organisms (even the coral itself is delicately alive), so remember to avoid stepping on, touching, or disturbing any wildlife while snorkeling. We like to start at Ulua and and swim to the right all away around the reef to Mokapu. Located on the north shore of Kauai, Tunnels Beach (also known as Makua Beach) has something for everyone. During the winter, snorkeling becomes dangerous due to huge waves and strong currents. Right next door to the trailhead for the famous Kalalau Trail and the gateway to Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, Ke’e Beach houses a barrier reef full of Hawaiian fish, turtles, and even mellow white-tipped reef sharks. The horseshoe-shaped outer reef offshore is great for intermediate or advanced swimmers while the protected shallow spots along the shore are better for beginners. Lawai Beach is known for being one of the best snorkeling spots on the island, and you’ll often find snorkel lessons or tours taking place within its waters. 34-year-old woman dead after becoming unresponsive while snorkeling at Makua Beach. It is also where the famous Black Rock is located. Experienced Snorkelers and Strong Swimmers often snorkel along the inside of the Hā‘ena Point Offshore Reef, starting on the right side of the reef. Makua Beach is home to a pod of spinner dolphins that often hang out in the early morning hours. Father & daughter with snorkel gear at Makua Beach; Haena, Kauai, Hawaii. That’s not to say there won’t be room for everyone—there’s plenty of ocean to go around here. The 7 Best Snorkeling Tours in Kauai of 2021, Where to Go Surfing on Your Hawaiian Vacation, You Need to Check Out These Kauai Beaches, Take a Drive Along Kauai's Scenic North Shore, Na Pali Coast State Park: The Complete Guide, Why Kauai Deserves a Spot on Your Bucket List, 18 Pristine Hawaii Beaches You'll Want to Visit, Your Trip to the Hawaii: The Complete Guide. Adventurers can opt for a kayak rental or book a snorkel tour with a boating company in order to experience this gorgeous snorkel site. Hard to park near, harder to leave--this sandy strand boasts ideal snorkeling in calm weather and cavern-laced reefs farther out for expert surfers and divers. Tunnels Beach (Makua Beach), Kauai. Tunnles Beach, also known as Makua Beach, located in Kauai County, Hawaii, is an massive snorkeling area, and is one of the best locations on the island. You won’t be alone unless you get there early—it's known as one of the best beaches in America, making it understandably quite popular. Just like the other Hawaiian islands, Kauai’s north shore sees larger swells in the winter, and Tunnels is no exception. Makua Beach (Tunnels Beach) With a large lagoon and a massive hook-shaped reef providing protection from the surf, its no question that Makua Beach is Kauai’s snorkeling and diving paradise. On the far west side of Oahu, Makua Beach lies at the foot of majestic mountains, hiding behind a wall of trees. Snorkeling Makua, Oahu, Hawaii With an easy, sandy beach entry, a visibility of 15 - 50 feet, and abundant marine life that includes Moorish idol, giant parrot fish, barracudas, dolphins, and humpback whales, Makua Beach is a gem off the beaten track. The snorkeler, a 34-year-old female, was found 100 yards off of Makua Beach. You’ll often find families at Anini enjoying themselves and taking advantage of the facilities like restrooms, showers, and picnic areas. Add to Cart Add to Lightbox Download. If you're visiting the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina or Aulani A Disney Resort And Spa, then be sure to give snorkeling try. This beautiful sandy beach stretches for almost a mile. The bottom of the ocean here is mostly sand, and bright, tropical fish swarm it regularly. Only accessible by foot, the journey means that the beach isn’t often busy, so you might just end up with your own private oasis. Snorkeling is an activity enjoyed by people of all ages. As the least developed of all the major Hawaiian islands, Kauai contains pristine water and an abundance of happy ocean life. Maui Snorkeling Beach Guide. Located on the north shore of Kauai, Tunnels Beach (also known as Makua Beach) has something for everyone. Ka'ena Point is supposedly a "leina a … Makua Beach. Right next to Lydgate Park, Nukoli’i Beach Park is one of those sites you’ll want to avoid in the winter months or when the surf is large (locals refer to the surf break here as “graveyards,” if that gives you any indication). Download this stock image: Split image of snorkeler and coastal hill, Makua Beach, Oahu, Hawaii, USA - D0NKMY from Alamy's library of millions of high resolution stock photos, illustrations and vectors. Where to snorkel: The north end of Ulua Beach around the reef is best. Read below for helpful snorkeling techniques and our recommendations for Kauai's best snorkeling beaches.. Snorkel Gear . Snorkeling Makua, Oahu, Hawaii In the shadow of verdant mountains, and shaded by palm and ironwood trees, Makua Beach has golden sand and baby blue waters. Makua Beach is one of the most spectacular beaches on Oahu with camping activities, amazing snorkeling, turtles, dolphins and often big waves! It is important to observe the current and identify any obstacles such as rocks. Both beaches are part of the Ka'ena Point State Park. Makua Beach is the second last beach where the road ends (the last one is Yokohama Bay). As the name implies, the inner reef contains a number of caves and tunnels popular with scuba divers and free divers (just be sure not to disturb the coral). Also, please be mindful of the… The post-card-perfect setting was featured in the 1958 movie South Pacific, but it’s the labyrinthine underwater reef, snaked with caves, that lends the beach its nickname and draws visitors today: Tunnels Beach is one of Kauai’s best snorkeling spots. If youre looking for one of the best North Shore snorkeling beaches, look no further than Tunnels Beach- a North Kauai gem that has a coral reef so massive it can be seen from space! One of the best snorkeling spots on the island is also one of the least accessible. (Note that you'll also hear this beach referred to as Tunnels Beachp> Image of ocean, snorkeling, water - 22121200 Add to Cart Add to Lightbox Download. Choosing the proper gear and the right location is key to having a safe underwater adventure. It is for experts only. Located along the majestic Na Pali Coast, Nualolo Kai can only be entered by boat (anchor only, no beach landing allowed) thanks to the 2,000-foot Na Pali cliffs. The current at Tunnles Beach can be strong due to the water coming over the reef edge, then leaving back into the ocean. For what the pond lacks in coral, it makes up in safety and convenience away from Kauai’s notoriously unpredictable surf. Get an early start and snag a free parking spot if you can. The reef is so big here at Makua Beach, that it can actually be seen from space! Tunnles Beach Parking is limited therefore, we recommend arriving early in the morning, or parking at the Ha’ena Beach Park and walking down to Tunnles Beach. Image 1 of 1 . ... During the winter months or times of high surf, the water conditions are hazardous at Tunnels Beach and swimming and snorkeling are dangerous. The second-to-last beach on the leeward coast’s Farrington Highway, Makua Beach is one of the most off-the-beaten-path beaches on the island of Oahu. Faces come in many shapes - … Take your time and walk along the 2 mile white sand beach. Feb 12, 2016 - Tunnels Beach snorkeling is considered the best on the island of Kauai. Getting here will require a hike down a steep trail from the St. Regis Resort on the north shore of Kauai in Princeville. A 34-year-old woman is in critical condition after becoming unresponsive in waters 100 yards off Makua Beach. Just be safe and cautious. During the winter, snorkeling becomes dangerous due to huge waves and strong currents. During calm summer months, however, Makua Beach is a wonderful snorkeling spot. Katherine Gallagher is a Hawaii-based travel writer in love with Oahu's lush tropical rain forests and pristine beaches. A general rule of thumb to follow before getting in the ocean is to find a comfortable place in the shade and observe the water for 20 minutes before entering. It is framed by jagged cliffs. You will find turtles further out the point. The most unique part? The island’s reef-protected beaches create calm waters perfect for beginner snorkelers, while more experienced swimmers can look forward to less populated ocean spaces with vibrant, healthy coral and unique species of fish. You can find shells and admire the views of Mount Makana. Officially known as Pali Ke Kua Beach, Hideaways certainly got its nickname for a good reason. Snorkeling If you aren’t scuba certified, you can still check out some of the amazing coral and marine life at this beach. Although the underdeveloped charm of the island might make it more difficult to access certain snorkel spots around Kauai, the extra effort will be more than worth it once you jump into the water and find your own impressive slice of snorkeling paradise. 10000-01355.jpg. This is an excellent hidden beach in the Haena area on the north shore of Kaua'i.It would likely see larger crowds if the parking situation wasn't so bad. Add to Cart Add to Lightbox Download. 10000-01437.jpg. What to look for: Plenty of fish and healthy coral close to shore. No matter your swimming ability, be sure to stay mindful of the strong ocean currents and never turn your back on the ocean. Beginner snorkelers often snorkel in the small shallow area in front of the beach near the left edge of the large offshore reef. The golden sand beach has a backdrop of lush jungle and mountains making this a picture perfect beach. For children and beginner snorkelers, it doesn’t get any better than the Keiki Pond at Lydgate Beach Park in Lihue. Photo about Tunnels Beach is famous for snorkeling in Kauai, Hawaii. A whole host of marine creatures and tropical underwater environments are just waiting to be discovered all around the coast of Maui, with snorkeling in Hawaii being one of the most popular activities to enjoy on this island’s beautiful beaches. Kayak Kauai is six miles east of Tunnels Beach … But the surf here can be very big and potentially dangerous at times. Makua Beach aka "Tunnels" is known as a great snorkeling spot. SNORKELING. SNORKELING. And if you or someone in your group is an advanced swimmer, the water can get as deep as 10 feet, so it offers a fun challenge. You should expect to encounter Butterflyfish, Chromis, Cornetfish, Dascyllus, Emperor, Filefish, Goatfish, Hawkfish, Hogfish, Humuhumunukunukuapua’a, Moray Eel, Parrotfish, Sergeant, Snapper, Surgeonfish, Tang,Toby, Trevally, Wrasse, Coral, Sea Cucumber, and Sea Urchin. While you may not get to explore some of the underwater tunnels without a tank on, you’ll still be able to take in the underwater beauty of this reef. Feb 17, 2014 - Makua Beach - Kauai - United States - Snorkeling and Diving - SnorkelDiveHawaii.com The reef along the coast of Anini Beach is one of the longest in the state, and the water can get pretty shallow (especially during low tide in the winter). This is the second trip for my husband and I but first for everyone else. HONOLULU (KHON2) — Honolulu Ocean Safety responded to an unresponsive snorkeler on Wednesday, Aug. 14, just after 9 a.m. The lagoons are protected by a man-made reef, which makes it one of the safest places to venture in the ocean in Hawaii. Answer 1 of 11: We are heading to Kauai at the end of May with our 4 and 1.5 year olds and family with 15 and 17 year olds. Being aware of your surroundings will help keep your snorkeling adventure as safe as it is fun. A popular surf break called Tunnels is located at the outer edge of the reef, which is visited by both surfers and windsurfers. Image 1 of 1 . Leave your car at Ha‘ena Beach Park (near milepost 9 on State 560) and walk a few hundred feet east. Open seven days a week, it packages a mask, snorkel and a set of fins in nylon bags that can be reserved. Tunnles Beac Tunnels Beach (Makua) is the ultimate snorkeling and scuba divers beach. Best of all, this beach is hardly ever crowded. Then make your way to either side of the bay where the coral is most abundant thanks to the horseshoe-shaped reef that surrounds the ramp. The further you go out towards the reef at Lawai, the better the visibility gets and the more fish you’ll see, so make sure you've got your fins and some solid swimming skills! GV1258-3116.jpg. The horseshoe-shaped outer reef offshore is great for intermediate or advanced swimmers while the protected shallow spots along the shore are better for beginners. Tunnles Beach, also known as Makua Beach, located in Kauai County, Hawaii, is an massive snorkeling area, and is one of the best locations on the island. Kahekili (Ali'i Kahekili Nui 'Ahumanu) Beach Park, Sans Souci State Recreational Park (Queens Beach). On the south side of the island, Koloa Landing offers a one-of-a-kind option for intermediate to advanced snorkelers. While Tunnels is the name you hear most often, the Hawaiian word for this beach is Makua. It’s also known as Bali Hai from the movie South Pacific. Snorkeling news; Snorkeling beginner’s guide; Snorkeling spots types; Snorkeling photo tips Opt for some tough water shoes in addition to fins since the ramp can get pretty slippery while you’re walking out. When the water is calm, however, there are plenty of good opportunities for scuba diving and snorkeling thanks to the offshore reef that provides protection for swimmers during the low surf season. Tunnels is a favorite surfing, winds surfing and kite surfing beach. With the exception of the occasional large swell, the southern shore of Poipu Beach Park is a great first-snorkel spot for the beginner. Please take safety into consideration before snorkeling, especially if venturing out of protected areas where stronger currents can overpower a swimmer. If you're up for a hike, there is a trail that leads to the northwestern tip of the island. 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