Kauai County, HI · Hawaiian Islands

Tunnels Beach (Makua)

A reef-protected lagoon on Kauai's North Shore named for the underwater lava-tube tunnels that honeycomb the outer reef — among the best shore snorkeling and scuba diving in Hawaii when summer flattens the surf. Winter brings massive surf and dangerous rip currents through the reef channels.

Today's Conditions

Decent day for photography.

7.5ft waves · 48% rain · 79°F water

Full NWS forecast for Sunday

Scattered rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 82. East southeast wind 14 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

Scattered rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. East southeast wind around 14 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Weather

82°F air — ideal beach weather
48% rain — rain likely at some point
20 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything

Water

79°F water — warm — full-day swim weather

Safety

UV 11 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
7.5ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only

44 /100

19 Swim

29 Sunbathe

49 Walk

63 Photo

Best for photography today

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

82°F

Clear

Wind

14 to 20 mph

ESE

Rain

48%

Sunday

UV Peak

11 Extreme

High 10 AM–02 PM · burn in ~18m

Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM

Tomorrow

83°F

Scattered Rain Showers

Water

Water Temp

79°F

Swimming weather

Next Low Tide

10:33 PM

0.4 ft · in 7.3h

Wave Height

7.5 ft

8s · ENE swell

Rip Current Risk · Regional Reference

No zone-specific NWS forecast for this beach (HIZ029)

The HFO office's Surf Zone Forecast doesn't cover this beach's forecast zone directly. Nearby coastal zones it does cover are listed below — regional reference only, not a substitute for the conditions at this specific beach.

HIZ003 Kauai n/a
HIZ006 Oahu n/a
HIZ017 Maui n/a
HIZ052 Big Island Windward and Southeast n/a
HIZ053 Big Island Windward and Southeast n/a
HIZ054 Big Island Windward and Southeast n/a
HIZ023 Big Island Leeward n/a

NWS SRF · HFO · Issued Jul 12, 1:25 PM

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

12:01 PM

Sunset

1:25 AM

Moon · 5%

Waning Crescent

Spring tides — bigger range

Tides

Time	Type	Height
1:04 AM	High	0.6 ft
7:04 AM	Low	-0.3 ft
3:03 PM	High	2.5 ft
10:33 PM	Low	0.4 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:08 AM	High	0.6 ft
7:54 AM	Low	-0.4 ft
3:46 PM	High	2.6 ft
11:04 PM	Low	0.4 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:06 AM	High	0.7 ft
8:44 AM	Low	-0.3 ft
4:28 PM	High	2.6 ft
11:35 PM	Low	0.4 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:01 AM	High	0.8 ft
9:31 AM	Low	-0.2 ft
5:07 PM	High	2.4 ft

Time	Type	Height
12:07 AM	Low	0.3 ft
4:58 AM	High	0.9 ft
10:19 AM	Low	-0.1 ft
5:44 PM	High	2.3 ft

Time	Type	Height
12:38 AM	Low	0.3 ft
5:57 AM	High	1.0 ft
11:07 AM	Low	0.2 ft
6:18 PM	High	2.0 ft

Time	Type	Height
1:10 AM	Low	0.3 ft
7:03 AM	High	1.1 ft
11:59 AM	Low	0.5 ft
6:48 PM	High	1.7 ft

High/low predictions from NOAA station 1611400, refreshed on every build. Times shown local.

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Jul 12

82°

Scattered Rain Showers

48%

Mon Jul 13

83°

Scattered Rain Showers

48%

Tue Jul 14

82°

Scattered Rain Showers

48%

Wed Jul 15

83°

Scattered Rain Showers

48%

Thu Jul 16

84°

Scattered Rain Showers

48%

Fri Jul 17

84°

Scattered Rain Showers

48%

Sat Jul 18

84°

Scattered Rain Showers

48%

What to Bring Today

critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 11 — very high
recommended Beach shelter or anchored canopy 14 to 20 mph wind — umbrellas will flip
optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 79°F
optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 48% rain chance

Always remember water bottle, trash bag (leave no trace).

Beach Info

Parking

A handful of unpaved shoulder spots in two access alleys past mile marker 8; fills by dawn. Most visitors park free at Haena Beach Park and walk ~0.5 mi along the sand.

Dogs

Dogs prohibited (Kauai County beach parks prohibit dogs under Chapter 22).

Entry Fee

Free

Address

Kuhio Hwy (past MM 8), Haena, HI 96714

Amenities

restrooms (at Haena Beach Park)outdoor showers (at Haena Beach Park)

Frequently Asked

Is it safe to swim at Tunnels Beach (Makua) today?

Tunnels Beach (Makua) shows a live water-quality reading (bacteria levels) and today's swim-safety score at the top of this page, refreshed on every update. No lifeguards are on duty, so check the day's conditions and swim with caution. Always review the current advisories, surf, and rip-current notes before getting in the water.

Is Tunnels Beach (Makua) dog-friendly?

Dogs prohibited (Kauai County beach parks prohibit dogs under Chapter 22).

Is there an entry fee at Tunnels Beach (Makua)?

Entry to Tunnels Beach (Makua) is free.

Are there lifeguards at Tunnels Beach (Makua)?

No lifeguards are stationed at Tunnels Beach (Makua). Swim at your own risk and keep close watch on children.

What amenities are at Tunnels Beach (Makua)?

Amenities at Tunnels Beach (Makua) include restrooms (at Haena Beach Park), outdoor showers (at Haena Beach Park).

When is the water warmest at Tunnels Beach (Makua)?

Hawaiian water is consistently 75-82°F year-round, with the summer peak in August-September. Swimming comfortable every month; rip currents and shore-break hazards drive the safety picture more than temperature.

Where is Tunnels Beach (Makua) located?

Tunnels Beach (Makua) is in Kauai County, HI, at Kuhio Hwy (past MM 8), Haena, HI 96714.