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.

40% rain · 77°F water · 83°F air

Full NWS forecast for Today

Scattered rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. East wind 16 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.

Tonight

Isolated rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 72. East southeast wind 13 to 16 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Weather

83°F air — ideal beach weather
40% rain — rain likely at some point
20 mph wind — breezy — anchor everything

Water

77°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
5.2ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids

Safety

UV 11 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure

52 /100

45 Swim

36 Sunbathe

53 Walk

64 Photo

Best for photography today

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

83°F

Cloudy

Wind

16 to 20 mph

Rain

40%

Today

UV Peak

11 Extreme

High 10 AM–03 PM · burn in ~18m

Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM

Tomorrow

82°F

Partly Sunny then Scattered Rain Showers

Water

Water Temp

77°F

Swimming weather

Wave Height

5.2 ft

6s · 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 Jun 3, 7:05 PM

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

11:53 AM

Sunset

1:19 AM

Moon · 87%

Waning Gibbous

Neap tides — smaller range

Today's Tides

7-day chart →

Time	Type	Height
1:23 AM	Low	0.4 ft
4:29 AM	High	0.5 ft
10:11 AM	Low	-0.1 ft
6:19 PM	High	1.9 ft

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Jun 3

83°

Scattered Rain Showers

40%

Thu Jun 4

82°

Partly Sunny then Scattered Rain Showers

26%

Fri Jun 5

82°

Scattered Rain Showers

48%

Sat Jun 6

82°

Scattered Rain Showers

48%

Sun Jun 7

81°

Isolated Rain Showers then Mostly Sunny

21%

Mon Jun 8

82°

Scattered Rain Showers

25%

Tue Jun 9

83°

Scattered Rain Showers

28%

What to Bring Today

critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 11 — very high
recommended Beach shelter or anchored canopy 16 to 20 mph wind — umbrellas will flip
optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 77°F
optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 40% 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)

7-Day Tide Chart →

Full high/low predictions for the next week at Tunnels Beach (Makua).

7-Day Weather →

Extended forecast for Tunnels Beach (Makua) from the National Weather Service.

Frequently Asked

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.