A MUST SEE FOR KAUAI VISITORS!!!
Written: May 26 '03
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Gorgeous views of Na Pali coast, wonderful snorkeling, not crowded
Cons: No services, can be difficult to find.
The Bottom Line: Tunnels is awesome! If you are the least bit adventurous and want the view of a lifetime, this is the place for you!
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| heidiholbrook's Full Review: Kauai |
I would have reviewed Kauai, but since so many already have, and done an admirable job at that, I decided to write a review on one of the main reasons I continually return to Kauai and the object of many a daydream - Tunnels Beach!
LOCATION! LOCATION!
Tunnels is located on Kauai North shore, about 1 mile before the end of the highway and the beginning of the Napali Coast.
The beach can be difficult to find, because there are no markers. Once when we were there someone had tied some balloons to a tree and it was the common denominator that people were telling others when trying to locate the beach, but usually you can tell where it is due to a multitude of cars parked in precarious positions along the road and lots of people hoofing it to your right.
All in all, the best directions are, if you see the sea caves on your left, you've gone too far, go back. Watch for a lot of cars on your right, scuba, snorkelers, and so forth and take a chance, chances are you are correct. Even if you are a bit off, unless you've packed for an overnight trip (which isn't allowed) you'll be able to walk it.
We have in fact done this with a two and four year olds, which obviously entails taking enough stuff to last four years in a desert.
Once there be prepared.
LOCATION AGAIN!
This ain't no Four Seasons! This is beauty at it's best!
Find a spot, any spot! Plop down. Soak it in. It really doesn't matter where, because it is abundantly obvious that all spots afford an unparalleled view of the Napali coast.
You stare......................Okay, I began to daydream.....................Okay, I won't do that again........during this review!
HEAVEN! Warm sand, views that have no words. Is there anything more??????
Well, yes. There are some neat houses behind you that you can include in that daydream, i.e., you live there.
Okay, really. There is more. You begin to get a bit warm. Honestly, you are sweating like a proverbial pig in this gorgeous, tropical sunshine. Bring on the water.
This isn't the Sheraton (I already used Four Seasons.) The water is shallow and young children should be watched. My youngest son bears the scar of coral in case the skeptical parent should scoff, although he does think it is cool, and does buy some status points at school when said, "I got that one at a secluded beach in Hawaii while my parents were off snorkeling." Unfortunately, I might have lost my children due to neglect.
ANYWAY! Snorkeling is probably the best anywhere that you could find on the island.
The term "Tunnels" comes from the fact that there are coral tunnels all over the area. The reef is amazing and you will often find scuba tours beginning here and ending here (hint! hint! if this is your bag - come here skip the tour price!)
You also find lots of locals who know this is an incredibly beautiful, secluded beach that not only offers great scuba, but awesome snorkeling!
On our last visit, I not only saw tons of beautiful fish fit for an aquarium, but I also saw and photographed a white-tipped reef shark swimming about 20 feet below me.
Totally awesome! By the way the kids were older and had headed back to the beach. Nobody got eaten while I was there.
THE INEVITABLE DOWNSIDE!
If you want to be pampered, don't go here. There are NO facilities, and I mean NO FACILITIES! No bathroom breaks, no I am dying of thirst, no I forgot to get a sandwich.
By my ESTIMATION, you would need at least 20 minutes from beach to designated location to any one of the above mentioned needs, unless you improvised.....(I am almost exclusively referring to the former.)
Parking vacuums. (certain language being forbidden on this site, but you get the picture).
During the winter months, generally October - April, the weather can be rough on North shore, making snorkeling or scuba difficult, if not impossible.
OVERALL
Are you the least bit adventurous? Looking for the SOMETHING that makes Hawaii special? This is it! It is incredible!
Ask any local, make that any friendly local, about Tunnels Beach, and they will give you the best current information on how to locate this unmarked paradise. I know that my directions sound wishy-washy, but it is not as difficult as it seems. Trust me!
I challenge anyone who has been to Tunnels, at the very least, seen this view, to not proclaim it worthy of a trip.
A MUST SEE for anyone visiting Kauai!
Recommended:
Yes
Best Suited For: Couples
Best Time to Travel Here: Jun - Aug
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Epinions.com ID:
heidiholbrook
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Location: northern california
Reviews written: 6
Trusted by: 5 members
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