83°
Scattered Rain Showers
38%
75
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 a beach walk.
78°F water · 83°F air
Full NWS forecast for Thursday
Scattered rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. East wind 13 to 17 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tonight
Scattered rain showers. Cloudy, with a low around 72. East wind around 13 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Weather
- 83°F air — ideal beach weather
- 38% rain — pop-up showers possible
Water
- 78°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
- 5.9ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids
Safety
- UV 10 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure
71 /100
great
64 Swim
67 Sunbathe
76 Walk
73 Photo
Best for walking today
Atmosphere
Air Temp
83°F
Mostly Cloudy
Wind
13 to 17 mph
E
Rain
38%
Thursday
UV Peak
10 Very High
High 10 AM–03 PM · burn in ~20m
Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM
Tomorrow
83°F
Scattered Rain Showers
Water
Water Temp
78°F
Swimming weather
Next Low Tide
9:56 PM
0.6 ft · in 7.1h
Wave Height
5.9 ft
7s · NE 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
11:56 AM
Sunset
1:25 AM
Moon · 80%
Waxing Gibbous
Neap tides — smaller range
Today's Tides
7-day chart →| Time | Type | Height |
|---|---|---|
| 5:57 AM | Low | -0.1 ft |
| 2:02 PM | High | 2.0 ft |
| 9:56 PM | Low | 0.6 ft |
7-Day Beach Day Forecast
83°
Scattered Rain Showers
37%
75
83°
Scattered Rain Showers
34%
75
83°
Scattered Rain Showers
35%
75
84°
Scattered Rain Showers
35%
75
84°
Scattered Rain Showers
37%
75
84°
Scattered Rain Showers
43%
62
What to Bring Today
- critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 10 — very high
- recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 13 to 17 mph wind
- optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 78°F
- optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 38% 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
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.
Nearby Beaches
Updated · Data from NOAA, NWS