The Hawaiian Islands are home to 750 miles of stunning coastline — putting the island state behind Alaska, Florida, and California when it comes to coastline length. While among that coastline you will find countless rock formations and sea cliffs, the beaches are what truly matter. In addition to being one of the most picturesque stretches of sand in the Aloha State, this Kauai beach is also one of the country’s best for collecting seashells. Ready for an adventure? Let’s go visit one of the best shelling beaches in Hawaii! 

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If your favorite beach day activity is searching for seashells, you’ll want to head to this beach tucked away on Kauai’s north shore as soon as possible.

Gary Eyring/Flickr

While you’ll find several beaches along this stretch of coastline — particularly around Haena — perfect for shell hunting, Tunnels Beach was included on Coastal Living’s list of “The Best Shelling Beaches in America” for nostalgic reasons.

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Rumor has it that the puka shell necklace craze began at Tunnels Beach in the 1960s. But its seashells aren’t the only things to enjoy about this beloved beach.

Wally Gobetz/Flickr

With enticing turquoise waters and the mountains of the Na Pali coast serving as the prettiest of backdrops, there’s nothing you won’t love about this classic Hawaiian beach.

Garden State Hiker/Flickr

Add in a plethora of sea life as well as a protective reef and it’s easy to understand why Tunnels is one of the best snorkeling destinations on Kauai. Named for the tunnels and archways you’ll find carved into the reef, this destination is magical, to say the least.

Andy Price/Flickr

Swimming and snorkeling are best enjoyed during the summer months when the surf is low, but the beach-combing is excellent no matter when you visit. Tunnels Beach is also popular among experienced surfers and windsurfers.

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If Tunnels Beach isn’t already on your Hawaii beach bucket list, add it immediately. This stunning stretch of golden sand sure is impressive and you’ll fall in love within moments of arriving.

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Have you ever been to Tunnels Beach before? What about these 11 hidden gems you’ll discover on Kauai’s north shore? Don’t forget to share your favorite Hawaiian beaches with us in the comments! 

Gary Eyring/Flickr

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Wally Gobetz/Flickr

Garden State Hiker/Flickr

Andy Price/Flickr

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Michael Buck/Flickr

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Address: Tunnels Beach, Hawaii 96746, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Shelling Beaches In Hawaii August 09, 2022 Courtnie Erickson Are there seashells in Hawaii? Yes! With hundreds of miles of coastline, you are bound to find several beaches that are perfect for collecting seashells in Hawaii. However, if you want to find something a little unique, hunt for sea glass while walking along Hawaii’s Ke Iki Beach. This beautiful beach offers gorgeous views but be aware that the shore break can be a bit much. However, this is what brings shards of glass to shore and gives you the most beautiful — and colorful — sand collection. Plus, if you look closely, you’ll find little shells and bits of coral in its mix. Are there any hidden beaches in Hawaii? While there are certainly beaches where you’ll be surrounded by other individuals, if you know where to look, you can enjoy a day in the water and sun with a little peace and quiet. To help you find and enjoy some of the best beaches in Hawaii, we put together a hidden beaches road trip. This road trip takes place on Oahu and features 10 secluded, yet absolutely beautiful beaches that are just waiting to be explored. If you do choose to tackle this road trip, we suggest breaking it up into multiple days so you can spend time at each beach and you never feel like you have to rush. What Hawaii attractions should I place on my bucket list? It is hard to narrow down the things to see and do in Hawaii into a single list. In fact, there are hundreds of attractions that should be placed on your Hawaii bucket list. But, if you want to truly see the Aloha State from a new perspective and you don’t want to miss any of its main highlights, check out this list of 30 places in Hawaii that you must see before you die. This is a great starting place for when you decide to visit (or live!) on the islands.

The OIYS Visitor Center

Best Shelling Beaches In Hawaii

August 09, 2022

Courtnie Erickson

Are there seashells in Hawaii? Yes! With hundreds of miles of coastline, you are bound to find several beaches that are perfect for collecting seashells in Hawaii. However, if you want to find something a little unique, hunt for sea glass while walking along Hawaii’s Ke Iki Beach. This beautiful beach offers gorgeous views but be aware that the shore break can be a bit much. However, this is what brings shards of glass to shore and gives you the most beautiful — and colorful — sand collection. Plus, if you look closely, you’ll find little shells and bits of coral in its mix. Are there any hidden beaches in Hawaii? While there are certainly beaches where you’ll be surrounded by other individuals, if you know where to look, you can enjoy a day in the water and sun with a little peace and quiet. To help you find and enjoy some of the best beaches in Hawaii, we put together a hidden beaches road trip. This road trip takes place on Oahu and features 10 secluded, yet absolutely beautiful beaches that are just waiting to be explored. If you do choose to tackle this road trip, we suggest breaking it up into multiple days so you can spend time at each beach and you never feel like you have to rush. What Hawaii attractions should I place on my bucket list? It is hard to narrow down the things to see and do in Hawaii into a single list. In fact, there are hundreds of attractions that should be placed on your Hawaii bucket list. But, if you want to truly see the Aloha State from a new perspective and you don’t want to miss any of its main highlights, check out this list of 30 places in Hawaii that you must see before you die. This is a great starting place for when you decide to visit (or live!) on the islands.

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

Yes! With hundreds of miles of coastline, you are bound to find several beaches that are perfect for collecting seashells in Hawaii. However, if you want to find something a little unique, hunt for sea glass while walking along Hawaii’s Ke Iki Beach. This beautiful beach offers gorgeous views but be aware that the shore break can be a bit much. However, this is what brings shards of glass to shore and gives you the most beautiful — and colorful — sand collection. Plus, if you look closely, you’ll find little shells and bits of coral in its mix.

Are there any hidden beaches in Hawaii?

While there are certainly beaches where you’ll be surrounded by other individuals, if you know where to look, you can enjoy a day in the water and sun with a little peace and quiet. To help you find and enjoy some of the best beaches in Hawaii, we put together a hidden beaches road trip. This road trip takes place on Oahu and features 10 secluded, yet absolutely beautiful beaches that are just waiting to be explored. If you do choose to tackle this road trip, we suggest breaking it up into multiple days so you can spend time at each beach and you never feel like you have to rush.

What Hawaii attractions should I place on my bucket list?

It is hard to narrow down the things to see and do in Hawaii into a single list. In fact, there are hundreds of attractions that should be placed on your Hawaii bucket list. But, if you want to truly see the Aloha State from a new perspective and you don’t want to miss any of its main highlights, check out this list of 30 places in Hawaii that you must see before you die. This is a great starting place for when you decide to visit (or live!) on the islands.