Tunnels
Tunnels is a spectacular hollow right-hander that breaks over shallow reef on Kauai's North Shore. The long paddle out is rewarded with deep barrel tubes in crystal-clear water with the Na Pali coast as a backdrop. Appropriately named and very localized.
Tunnels surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- N (350°)
- Direction range
- 320° - 40°
- Size range
- 1.2m - 3m
- Ideal size
- 2m - 2.6m
- Height multiplier
- 1.00×
- Ideal period
- 14s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SSE (160°)
- Offshore range
- 110° - 200°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- mid
Water temp
25°C
Wetsuit
Boardshorts / Rashguard
Bottom
Reef
Max wave face
4m+
Board
Shortboard
Consistency
6/10
Difficulty
7/10
Crowd level
5/10
Access: Beach access at Ha'ena Beach Park. Long paddle out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Tunnels?
The Tunnels profile favors mid tide. Compare this preference with the forecast tide and local conditions before choosing a session.
What wind direction is offshore at Tunnels?
The Tunnels profile uses wind from SSE (160°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 110° to 200°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Tunnels?
The Tunnels scoring profile favors swell from N (320° to 40°), a swell-height range of 1.2m to 3m, and a reference period of 14s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Tunnels?
The main season at Tunnels is Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. Nov-Mar. Long paddle to spectacular hollow rights over shallow reef. Na Pali backdrop.
How do I get to Tunnels?
The spot profile lists LIH as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 45 minutes. Beach access at Ha'ena Beach Park. Long paddle out.
What kind of wave is Tunnels?
Tunnels is a reef break, a right-hander over a reef bottom. Difficulty is rated 7/10.
Best Season
Peak: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Nov-Mar. Long paddle to spectacular hollow rights over shallow reef. Na Pali backdrop.
Getting There
Nearby Spots
Cannons
💣 Tunnels' twin left • Equally hollow • Breathtaking setting
Waikoko's
🌴 Hanalei Bay's hidden left • Fickle but beautiful • Secluded
Hanalei Point
🏄 Irons brothers' proving ground • 300-yard rights • Multiple peaks
Hideaways
🙈 Hidden Princeville gem • Hollow A-frames • 10 parking spots
Polihale
🏝️ End of the road • Empty epic peaks • Na Pali power
Pakala
♾️ Infinities • 200-yard lefts • Kauai's hidden gem
Plan a trip around Tunnels
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