Waipa Shuttle - Tunnels - Ke'e - suggestions?

Question

Aloha!

Super stoked for our Kauai spring break! Splitting the trip between 5 nights in Poipu and 3 nights at the Hanalei Bay Resort. With much assistance from the fine folks on these boards (and excessive work procrastinating) I think we have a perfect balance of reserved adventures and relaxing downtime scheduled for the entire trip.

My question is regarding our Haena State Park Day -- I have shuttle passes for a Wednesday 9:20 am pickup at the Waipa Shuttle Park & Ride.

Questions:

Are we able to park at Tunnels beach without a reservation?

From the reviews I've read it sounds like there may be limited parking lots open to the public, they just fill up early. (Our Fam is up early on West Coast time, getting up extra early on Hawaii time would not be a problem) If possible we might do a Tunnels day separate from the Shuttle day.

Does the shuttle actually stop at Tunnels?

Again, it appears like the closest we get dropped off may be the Haena Beach Park and then it's a long walk to Tunnels. We'll have an adventurous 2-year old. Walking is ok, but not too far.

Recommendations for stops along the shuttle route?

With 3 kids, youngest being the aforementioned 2 year old, we'll be saving the hikes for later trips. We all love swimming and snorkeling.

Should we do Ke'e first? Would you suggest we post up in one spot for the day? Where would you go first? Last? Anything we should try and include?

Appreciate any suggestions in advance.

Mahalo!!

Answer

Aloha! Kauai is an incredible island, and it sounds like you have a well-planned spring break ahead. Here’s a detailed breakdown regarding your Haena State Park day and Tunnels Beach questions, plus suggestions for enjoying the North Shore with kids.

Parking at Tunnels Beach

Tunnels Beach does have public parking, but it is very limited and fills up early, especially during spring break and peak morning hours. Arriving early—around sunrise—is generally the best way to secure a spot. Keep in mind that some spots are accessible only by narrow roadside pull-offs. There is no formal reservation system for Tunnels Beach parking, so it is first-come, first-served.

Shuttle access and stops

The Haena State Park shuttle does not drop passengers directly at Tunnels Beach. It stops at Haena Beach Park, which is about a 15–20 minute walk (roughly 0.75 miles) to Tunnels. For a 2-year-old, this could be manageable with a sturdy carrier or stroller that can handle some uneven terrain, but it’s worth factoring in that the trail includes sand and some rocky areas.

Suggested stops along the shuttle route

Since you have small children and prefer swimming/snorkeling over hiking, the following stops make sense:

Ke’e Beach: This is the first major stop on the shuttle route and a very family-friendly spot. It has calm, clear water protected by a reef, making it ideal for toddlers and kids to splash safely.
Haena Beach Park: You can explore here briefly, but if your goal is snorkeling, most visitors walk to Tunnels from here. Otherwise, a short beach visit for sand play can be fun.
Other lookout points: There are scenic stops along the route like the Kalalau Lookout (further inland, not on the shuttle). Since you’re with young kids, consider skipping strenuous hikes and focusing on easy beach access.

Timing and strategy

For a day with a 2-year-old, it’s best to focus on one main spot and make it relaxing rather than trying to hop multiple beaches:

Arrive at Ke’e Beach first with the shuttle. Spend the morning swimming, snorkeling, and playing in the sand. This avoids the heavier crowds that arrive later in the day.
If you want to visit Tunnels Beach, consider doing a separate day and driving early to try to grab parking. This allows flexibility and avoids the shuttle walk from Haena Beach.
Pack snacks, water, and shade gear — Ke’e has limited facilities, and shade is minimal.

Post-up strategy

With small kids, it’s often easier to choose one beach (Ke’e) and make that your base for the day. Kids can swim, snorkel, and play without worrying about long walks. For Tunnels, it’s better to plan a separate morning when you can arrive early by car if parking is critical.

In short, your Haena shuttle day works best for a stress-free visit to Ke’e Beach. Tunnels Beach is beautiful but involves either a moderate walk from the shuttle or early driving for parking. For snorkeling and swimming with small kids, Ke’e is your safest and most convenient option.

Mahalo and enjoy your Kauai adventure!

Waipa Shuttle - Tunnels - Ke'e - suggestions?

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