Surf Forecast  Tunnels

Tunnels surfspot characteristics

More about Tunnels surfspot

Just before the Prince Kuhio Hwy ends abruptly at the beginning of the Na Pali Coast, is Tunnels. Typically North Shore, it’s wild, localised and sharky rights can be totally epic, breaking over sharp, live coral a long way from shore. Handles some macking swells from the NW but also works on NE windswells if big enough. This wave (and another in the area) are experts only if the locals are in a tolerant mood.

General: Heading west past Hanalei and Wainiha Bays, you'll run into beautiful Ha’Ena Beach, a goofy or regular footer's dream in the winter. On the eastern side of the shallow bay is Tunnels, a right-hander breaking over shallow reef, which on a proper N to NE swell it will quickly make you realize this wave has a very appropriate name. The paddle-out to Tunnels is a long one, but gets you warmed up for the waves waiting beyond. On the other side of the bay is Cannons, an equally hollow and shallow left that really gets going on a solid N to NW swell. The paddle-out to Cannons isn't as long as Tunnels. Like most surf spots in Kauai, Ha’Ena is breathtaking -- crystal clear water and jagged green mountains rising beyond the white sand beach. Ha’Ena is, however, a popular surf spot, especially in winter, and visiting surfers should pay special attention to the local crew in the water at all times. Tides: Medium to high Size: Head high-3X overhead. Tunnels can hold even bigger sets of up to 15-20' faces or so. Wind: Calm or light southerly wind for both. Tunnels is good with E to SE wind as well, while Cannons is good with SSW to WSW wind. Swell: Between Cannons and Tunnels, anything from the WNW to NE. Bottom: Reef Paddling: The paddle out is not hard, just long, especially for Tunnels. And they are each point breaks, so longer the rides then longer the paddle back. Spot Rating: A couple of the best waves on the island, offering barreling rights or lefts within close proximity of each other. Also, chances are high the wind is good for at least one of these spots, usually Tunnels given the prevailing easterly trades.

Best suited for good to advanced surfers when its on.

Easy. Enter the water either from anywhere of the sandy beach in the bay.

Winter is best. Tradeswell in summer can be OK, at least rideable.

Crowd Factor: Usually always people out there, but not as bad as Hanalei. Can be pretty spread out along the two points. Local Vibe: Competitive. Locals tend to rule the place. Humility and respect expected.

NE trades will bump it up and chances of bumping into a shark are high. The other high-firepower wave is way too shallow, urchin covered and guaranteed to make you bleed if you don't pay heed.

Pristine most of the time. There is a rivermouth in the center of the bay that will occasionally open up during periods of heavy rain.

Sections of shallow reef, currents, sharks.