The best Kauai diving and snorkeling spot is Tunnels, on the north shore. Composed of an inner and outer reef with a wide channel in between, Tunnels is a maze of coral formations, ancient lava tunnels and arches. Tunnels gets its name from both the lava tunnels and the shape of the surfing break, which surfers compare to a tunnel.
Kauai Snorkeling at Tunnels
Tunnels is an amazing place to strap on a snorkeling mask and fins. Enter the water at the sandy spot on the northern part of the reef. Don't try to snorkel over areas where the reef extends all the way to the shore: that's a good way to get cut up by coral, sharp rocks and sea urchin spines. Instead, snorkel along the inner reef close to the channel separating it from the outer reef. Ask the lifeguard at Haena Beach Park if you're unsure.
Out on reef you'll see a wide variety of fishes and invertebrates. Parrot fish, bird wrasse, filefish and moray eels are all common sights, as are large schools of Manini (convict tangs).
Sea turtles, or honu as they are known in Hawaiian, are common sights at Tunnels. If you do see one, keep your distance and remember these endangered reptiles need to reach the surface to breath. It's not uncommon to see several turtles while snorkeling Tunnels.
Tunnels and Kauai Scuba Diving
Tunnels offers spectacular scuba diving. Divers tend to favor the outer reef, which offers more lava tubes and arches. Snorklers should NEVER attempt to swim into one of the lava tunnels: getting stuck in a lava tube is one of the most effective ways of becoming a permanent part of the reef (which puts a damper on most vacations). It should go without saying that no one should attempt Kauai scuba diving without proper instruction and scuba certification.
Surfing and Windsurfing
Past the outer reef the surf kicks up, making Tunnels popular with both surfers and kite boarders. The waves here are not for beginners, however. There are better (and safer) spots on Kauai for novice surfers.
Safety, Tunnels and Rip Currents
Tunnels in the summer is usually safe to snorkel and scuba dive, although it's always smart to check conditions with the Haena lifeguard before entering the water. Tunnels during the winter is entirely different.
Kauai's north shore is hit by massive swells during the winter, and on most days the surf will rush right over the reef to the shore. When this happens Tunnels is dangerous and should be avoided. There are occasional calm days on the north shore during the winter, but remember that winter waves on the north shore can kick up quickly. Lydgate Park, Poipu, and south shore beaches offer clamer water during the winter.
A rip current does run between the inner and outer reef at Tunnels. Normally the rip current is quite weak, but be aware that it's there. If you are caught in a rip current, don't fight it. Swim at an angle towards the shore, moving with the current. The rip current at Tunnels would carry you towards Haena beach, where a lifeguard is usually on duty.
It is possible to encounter sharks at Tunnels, but the chances of a run-in with a shark are low. Scuba divers may discover white-tipped reef sharks resting in the reef tunnels. Other wildlife to watch for includes the corals, partly for your protection, mostly for theirs. Coral can cause irritating scrap, is easily damaged, and slow to heal, so please respect the reef.
Getting to Tunnels
Take Kuhio highway through Hanalei. While there are a couple of turn-offs through the beach houses where you can park to reach Tunnels, it's usually better to drive up to the Haena Beach parking and walk the quarter mile down the shore to Tunnels. This also allows you to check out the Dry Cave just mauka (towards the mountains) of the road. Be aware that both Tunnels and Haena are popular with locals and tourists. The earlier you're at Haena, the less trouble you'll have finding parking.
Parking at Haena also lets you check ocean conditions with the lifeguard before heading for Tunnels. Haena also has washrooms and showers, while Tunnels has no such facilities.
