87°
Scattered Rain Showers
27%
63
Kauai County, HI · Hawaiian Islands
Tunnels Beach (Makua)
Kuhio Hwy (past MM 8), Haena, HI 96714
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
Great day for photography.
8.9ft waves · 78°F water · 87°F air
Full NWS forecast for Today
Scattered rain showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 87. North wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Tonight
Scattered rain showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 75. East southeast wind 2 to 6 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.
Weather
- 87°F air — ideal beach weather
- 27% rain — pop-up showers possible
Water
- 78°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
Safety
- UV 12 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
- 8.9ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only
63 /100
good
33 Swim
59 Sunbathe
70 Walk
74 Photo
Best for photography today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
87°F
Scattered Rain Showers
Wind
2 to 6 mph
N
Rain
27%
Today
UV Peak
12 Extreme
High 10 AM–02 PM · burn in ~17m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
86°F
Isolated Rain Showers
Water
Water Temp
78°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
9:20 PM
0.3 ft · in 2.0h
Wave Height
8.9 ft
10s · N 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
Sun & Moon
Sunrise
6:23 AM
Sunset
6:47 PM
Moon · 5%
Waning Crescent
Spring tides — bigger range
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
86°
Isolated Rain Showers
21%
69
85°
Scattered Rain Showers
39%
63
85°
Scattered Rain Showers
36%
64
85°
Isolated Rain Showers
20%
73
85°
Scattered Rain Showers
25%
70
86°
Scattered Rain Showers
25%
70
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 12 — very high
- recommended Umbrella or shade warm day, light wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 78°F
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
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.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS