Tunnels Beach Parking

[Chrispee]

We are headed to Kauai in March after a 5 year hiatus. One of our favourite beaches is Tunnels on the North Shore, but it has always been a pain to get to and find parking. I can only assume it has gotten worse since our last visit. We used to just wait for a parking spot at the Ha'ena parking lot across from the cave and then walk down the shore, but I'm not sure if that's even feasible nowadays without a permit? Other than showing up at 8am, does anybody have a winning strat for getting to Tunnels?

 

[klpca]

We are headed to Kauai in March after a 5 year hiatus. One of our favourite beaches is Tunnels on the North Shore, but it has always been a pain to get to and find parking. I can only assume it has gotten worse since our last visit. We used to just wait for a parking spot at the Ha'ena parking lot across from the cave and then walk down the shore, but I'm not sure if that's even feasible nowadays without a permit? Other than showing up at 8am, does anybody have a winning strat for getting to Tunnels?

We have always done the same as we usually go mid afternoon, but last August it was a no-go. There were probably 15-20 cars waiting so we turned around and left (and that was difficult). Time to find another beach.

 

[TolmiePeak]

We have always done the same as we usually go mid afternoon, but last August it was a no-go. There were probably 15-20 cars waiting so we turned around and left (and that was difficult). Time to find another beach.

Why don't they just jack up the price for the parking so that supply and demand are in balance?

 

[jacknsara]

Aloha,
We're heading to Kauai next week. As of last year, no permit was required for Haena beach (as opposed to the State park). We found parking there last year. I don't remember the time but we don't move early so it was probably around 3PM. If we try again this year I'll post the results.
Edited to add:
It just occurred to me that you may not be aware of the erosion that has occurred at the Tunnels entrance in the last 5 years. The last time we looked, we left but I don't remember if that was more or less than 5 years. Part of our decision is our joints and fitness for the climbing challenge.
Jack

 

[easyrider]

We are headed to Kauai in March after a 5 year hiatus. One of our favourite beaches is Tunnels on the North Shore, but it has always been a pain to get to and find parking. I can only assume it has gotten worse since our last visit. We used to just wait for a parking spot at the Ha'ena parking lot across from the cave and then walk down the shore, but I'm not sure if that's even feasible nowadays without a permit? Other than showing up at 8am, does anybody have a winning strat for getting to Tunnels?

Take an Uber.

Bill

 

[wilma]

Take an Uber.

Bill

Uber & lyft are not reliable on the north shore of Kauai. You might be able to get a ride to tunnels and get dropped off but it’s almost impossible to get a return ride from tunnels/haena back to princeville. My nephew tried this last summer and they had to ask others at tunnels for a ride back to hanalei bay resor.

 

[easyrider]

Uber & lyft are not reliable on the north shore of Kauai. You might be able to get a ride to tunnels and get dropped off but it’s almost impossible to get a return ride from tunnels/haena back to princeville. My nephew tried this last summer and they had to ask others at tunnels for a ride back to hanalei bay resor.

In most places you can do a round trip uber ride through their app. I haven't used this feature but I know others that do.

Bill

 

[wilma]

please do the roundtrip uber to tunnels and report back!