Makua Beach (Tunnels Beach)

The offshore part of the reef is a beautiful option for dive tours, with deep drops in some areas. Many people come to Makau Beach to snorkel, and while you can see quite a bit right off the coast, a snorkeling tour is a good idea if you want to head out to sea. Gear is provided, and some tours include the use of sea scooters.

• The beach is a hotspot for snorkeling, so bring equipment that includes gear if you aren't on a tour.

• The waves off the beach can get rough sometimes, particularly in the winter, so be careful and never face your back to the ocean.

• If you see a seal on the sand, do not touch it. Instead, call the NOAA Marine Wildlife Hotline.

The beach is located just east of Ha'ena State Park on Hawaii's North Shore, about a 15-minute drive from Hanalei and an hour's drive from Lihue. It's easiest to reach by car, taxi, or as part of an island tour, as public transportation won't get you there.

The best time to visit the beach is early morning, when crowds are few, though afternoons can be a bit warmer and more pleasant for playing in the surf. The waters are at their calmest in the summer. The island tends to be at its busiest during the summer and between the Thanksgiving and New Year's holidays when families from the mainland US come to the area in great numbers.

The Na Pali Coast is Kaui's most beautiful stretch of coastline, but you can only see it by taking a boat or flightseeing tour or arriving on your own two feet. Backpacking requires time, gear, and permits, but day hikers can still see the coast by heading over to Ke'e Beach, a 5-minute drive from Tunnels Beach, and taking the Kalalau Trail to Hanakāpī‘Ai Beach, the first beach on the Na Pali coast.