Beautiful southern Kauai deserves a grand entrance, and this tunnel of trees surely provides one!
You’ll be awestruck as you drive through the Kauai Tree Tunnel on State Highway 520 between Kaumualii Highway (50) and the town of Koloa. The highway is lined with more than 500 Eucalyptus trees imported from Australia and planted by Scottish cattle rancher Walter McBryde over one hundred years ago.
Another story says the trees were planted by the Knudsen family in the 1800s as a windbreak and to shore up the soggy ground. Today, the trees form a majestic canopy over the road, resulting in a truly wondrous drive.
In addition to being a scenic drive, this route is also the fastest way between the main part of Kauai (Lihue) and the towns of Koloa and Poipu.
Drive carefully! This is a two-lane road with no center divider, and it’s especially easy to get distracted. Have a passenger take photos and videos, or use a GoPro camera mounted to the dash.
There is very limited parking along the route and it’s best to stay in your vehicle. A few roadside parking spots can be found near the entrance at Highway 50. This is often a very busy intersection and caution should be exercised at all times. Do not stand in the roadway to take photos or videos!
Approaching the Tree Tunnel from Koloa Town.
Getting closer!
Almost there!
In the tunnel!
Hurricane Iniki in 1992 caused major damage to the canopy of trees, stripping the trees of almost all leaves. But the tree canopy has made a nice recovery in recent years.
Nearing the end of the one-mile tunnel at Highway 50.
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