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.

80°F water · 85°F air

Full NWS forecast for Today

Scattered rain showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 85. East wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Tonight

Scattered rain showers. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 73. East wind around 17 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Weather

85°F air — ideal beach weather
39% rain — pop-up showers possible

Water

80°F water — warm — full-day swim weather
5.6ft waves — real surf — fun for confident swimmers, dicey for kids

Safety

UV 13 (extreme) — spf 50+ mandatory, limit mid-day exposure

53 /100

35 Swim

40 Sunbathe

57 Walk

67 Photo

Best for photography today

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Atmosphere

Air Temp

85°F

Partly Cloudy

Wind

17 mph

Rain

39%

Today

UV Peak

13 Extreme

High 10 AM–03 PM · burn in ~15m

Burn-free before 08 AM & after 05 PM

Tomorrow

83°F

Scattered Rain Showers

Water

Water Temp

80°F

Swimming weather

Wave Height

5.6 ft

8s · 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

NWS SRF · HFO · Issued Jul 18, 7:34 PM

Sun & Moon

Sunrise

12:04 PM

Sunset

1:24 AM

Moon · 18%

Waxing Crescent

Neap tides — smaller range

Tides

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

Time	Type	Height
1:43 AM	Low	0.2 ft
8:18 AM	High	1.2 ft
1:06 PM	Low	0.8 ft
7:13 PM	High	1.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:17 AM	Low	0.2 ft
9:43 AM	High	1.4 ft
2:57 PM	Low	1.0 ft
7:28 PM	High	1.2 ft

Time	Type	Height
2:55 AM	Low	0.2 ft
11:05 AM	High	1.5 ft

Time	Type	Height
3:39 AM	Low	0.2 ft
12:10 PM	High	1.7 ft

Time	Type	Height
4:28 AM	Low	0.2 ft
12:59 PM	High	1.9 ft

Time	Type	Height
5:21 AM	Low	0.1 ft
1:40 PM	High	2.0 ft
9:59 PM	Low	0.6 ft

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

7-Day Beach Day Forecast

Today Jul 18

85°

Scattered Rain Showers

39%

Sun Jul 19

83°

Scattered Rain Showers

34%

Mon Jul 20

83°

Scattered Rain Showers

30%

Tue Jul 21

83°

Scattered Rain Showers

47%

Wed Jul 22

83°

Scattered Rain Showers

39%

Thu Jul 23

83°

Scattered Rain Showers

32%

Fri Jul 24

83°

Scattered Rain Showers

35%

What to Bring Today

critical SPF 50 sunscreen UV index 13 — very high
recommended Sturdy umbrella + sand anchor 17 mph wind
optional Swimsuit - water is swimmable Water is 80°F
optional Light cover-up, watch for pop-ups 39% 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.