Tunnels Beach

A regular among “best beaches” lists, Makua (a.k.a. Tunnels) Beach’s gorgeous landscape was featured in the classic movie version of Rodgers and Hammerstein’s South Pacific. Especially popular among snorkelers and divers for its clear waters, massive coral reef, huge lagoon, and abundance of marine life, Tunnels Beach supposedly gets its nickname from the reef’s tunnels and archways. Surfers, though, are fond of saying that the name comes from the “totally tubular” waves that the shore provides. Either way, Tunnels has something for all, no matter what their favorite beach activity. A word of caution: novice snorkelers and swimmers should avoid this area during the winter when the waters are especially choppy.