There are a plethora of reasons to book a vacation to Hawaii. The islands are a perfect respite for relaxation after hiking at a Hawaiian state park, celebrating a honeymoon in Oahu, or swimming alongside wild sea life. Out of all of the activities you can partake in when in Hawaii, snorkeling and scuba diving are amongst the best things to do. The waters of Hawaii are well-known as some of the most beautiful in the world, making it a prime destination for water lovers and mermaids at heart.
With so many beaches (and islands) to choose from, if your goal is to snorkel your little heart away while visiting Hawaii, one beach was recently voted as not only one of Hawaii’s best destinations for snorkeling but also the world’s. Tunnels Beach, part of Haena Beach Park, is a snorkeler’s paradise, offering a unique underwater setting with abundant, adorable wildlife accompanying swimmers.
What makes Tunnels Beach unique
Located on the North shore of Kauai, Tunnels Beach didn’t get its acclaim out of thin air. There’s a reason it’s well-known as one of the best snorkeling destinations in the world. As the name suggests, Tunnels Beach is full of underwater underpasses or caves formed by natural lava tubes. The coral reef is known to be especially vibrant and colorful, and the odds of seeing cute fish and sea animals are high. Please remember to never touch or step on coral to pay respect to the ocean and protect the land’s ecosystem.
Most certain is your chance of seeing a Hawaiian monk seal. Aside from that, you might see a variety of triggerfish, majestic butterflyfish, octopus, eels, and, if you’re lucky, the fan-favorite sea turtle. When you’re ready to take a break from swimming, lay out and sunbathe on the beach’s pristine golden sands.
When to visit for prime snorkeling conditions
Despite being one of the best snorkeling spots in the world, some planning and precautions need to go into your visit to Tunnels Beach. Hawaii provides a warm, sunshine-filled escape from the frigid winters of the mainland U.S., but snorkeling at Tunnels Beach in the wintertime is not advised. This is because large waves and swells come into the north shore, and conditions tend to be so bad that it is sometimes closed altogether for snorkeling and swimming, especially in December and January.
Instead, the best time to take advantage of one of the world’s top snorkeling spots is during the summer months, June to August, with the latter offering the most prime days for snorkeling. During this time, waters tend to be much calmer. Best of all, this is considered Hawaii’s low season, meaning you’re more likely to find better flights and hotels, making this paradise on Earth even more alluring. Don’t believe us? See the best spots to stay in Hawaii on a budget, according to trusted booking sites.
