Haena Beach Park

Thursday, July 26, 2012

This is a drive-up beach park popular with campers year-round. The wide bay here—named Makua and commonly known as Tunnels—is bordered by two large reef systems creating favorable waves for surfing during peak winter conditions. In July and August, waters at this same beach usually are as calm as a lake, and snorkelers enjoy the variety of fish life found in a hook-shape reef made up of underwater lava tubes, on the east end of the bay. During the summer months only, this is a premier snorkeling site on Kauai. It's not unusual to find a food vendor parked here selling sandwiches and drinks out of a converted bread van. Amenities: lifeguards; parking; showers; toilets; food and drink. Best For: walking; snorkeling; surfing.