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.

Stay 3

Today's Conditions

Decent day for photography.

6.9ft waves · 44% rain · 81°F air

Full NWS forecast for Today

Scattered rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 81. East wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. East wind around 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph.

Weather

81°F air — ideal beach weather
44% rain — rain likely at some point

Safety

6.9ft waves — big surf — strong currents, expert swimmers only

57 /100

good

44 Sunbathe

55 Walk

67 Photo

Best for photography today

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

81°F

Partly Cloudy

Wind

16 mph

Rain

44%

Today

UV Peak

7 High

Peaks 01 PM · burn in ~29m

Tomorrow

81°F

Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

Water

Water Temp

—

Next Low Tide

7:56 PM

-0.1 ft · in 1.4h

Wave Height

6.9 ft

12s · NW 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 Nov 7, 8:12 AM

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

6:45 AM

Sunset

5:58 PM

Moon · 5%

Waning Crescent

Spring tides — bigger range

Tides

Time	Type	Height
2:50 AM	High	2.1 ft
9:13 AM	Low	0.6 ft
1:59 PM	High	1.1 ft
7:56 PM	Low	-0.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:23 AM	High	2.2 ft
10:03 AM	Low	0.6 ft
2:26 PM	High	1.0 ft
8:20 PM	Low	-0.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:56 AM	High	2.3 ft
10:51 AM	Low	0.6 ft
2:52 PM	High	0.8 ft
8:45 PM	Low	-0.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:30 AM	High	2.2 ft
11:38 AM	Low	0.6 ft
3:16 PM	High	0.7 ft
9:12 PM	Low	-0.0 ft

Time	Type	Height
5:05 AM	High	2.2 ft
12:29 PM	Low	0.6 ft
3:39 PM	High	0.7 ft
9:41 PM	Low	0.0 ft

Time	Type	Height
5:43 AM	High	2.1 ft
1:32 PM	Low	0.6 ft
4:00 PM	High	0.6 ft
10:09 PM	Low	0.1 ft

Time	Type	Height
6:25 AM	High	2.0 ft
10:39 PM	Low	0.2 ft

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

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Nov 7

81°

Scattered Rain Showers

44%

Sun Nov 8

81°

Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

18%

Mon Nov 9

81°

Isolated Rain Showers

21%

Tue Nov 10

81°

Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

18%

Wed Nov 11

80°

Isolated Rain Showers

18%

Thu Nov 12

80°

Scattered Rain Showers

27%

Fri Nov 13

79°

Isolated Rain Showers

21%

What to Bring Today

recommended SPF 30 sunscreen UV index 7 — high
recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 16 mph wind
optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 44% 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.