Makua Beach (Tunnels)
A.K.A. Ha‘ena Beach Park, Tunnels • Photo by Wasabi
Makua is known for its incredible mountain scenery featured in the movie, "South Pacific." A great snorkeling beach, Tunnels has something for everyone. The shallow inner reef is great for the novice and children, while the outer reefs are exhilarating for the more advanced divers and snorkelers. Tunnels gets its name from the surfers who have seen the tube and divers who have found the caverns. Public parking, bathrooms and showers at Haena Beach Park located west of Tunnels.
CAMPING PERMITS
Visit Kaua‘i County's website for info and applications
Things To Do
- Swimming
- Snorkeling
- Surfing
- Shell searching
- Paddling
- Beach walks
- Family days
- Camping
Cool Because
On calm days this is some of the best snorkeling on Kauai.
Hazards
Strong currents. Dangerous waves breaking on rocks, ledges and reefs. Sharp coral.
Topography
Mostly sandy shoreline. Mixed reef and sand underwater.
Not Good For
Learning to surf or bodyboard. While the reefs at Tunnels create perfectly formed waves (usually during the winter), the shallow and sharp reefs also present extreme hazards to even the most experienced surfers.
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Surf Forecast
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Your Questions Answered!
The Explorer's Guide to Kauai answers all the frequently asked questions from the discussions on this website, including the questions you didn't know to ask. Plus, there's detailed Kauai vacation maps and neighborhood info...Show me!
Let's Discuss (352 comments)
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D. Dawson
Oct 17, 2006 11:05AM
Isn't this also the same place where that girl got her arm bit off by a Tiger Shark?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Oct 23, 2006 4:11PM
Aloha Dawson - Yes, this is where Bethany Hamilton lost her arm to the shark attack. She was about 1/4 mile from shore at the time. And yes, there are sharks in all Hawaiian waters. Statistically you are more likely to get injured in a car accident. As far as safety goes I would be more concerned with ocean conditions.
Nov 03, 2006 11:18AM
I lived in Kauai for a few months and Tunnels is probably the BEST snorkeling and diving I've ever experienced!
I truly do miss it there!
Nov 04, 2006 10:13AM
Snorkeler's heaven. Beautiful beach with huge reef. There is a normally weak, but often present lateral rip current to pay attention to. Just make sure you pop your head up from time to time to check where you are.
Lifeguarded~ but still check for ocean conditions.
I have been here many times, and no shark sightings yet.
Nov 09, 2006 6:53PM
I am going to be visiting for the first time at the end of November. Am I going to be able to snorkel or even swim at Tunnels at this time, or will it be too dangerous?
Nov 11, 2006 9:00AM
I agree with you guys; the best snorkelling that I've ever done. I did see a shark there, but it was only a 5-6 foot white-tip (luckily, not a tiger!), which took off as soon as I saw it. There were also many sea turtles as soon as we got beyond the shallow part of the reef. Just amazing!
Nov 15, 2006 4:33PM
I'm wondering what conditions are normally like in April? We were hoping for it to be pretty mellow, as we have a one year old, but also love to snorket and dive.
Most info talks about summer or winter not the transition months.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Nov 17, 2006 3:17PM
Please see seasonal surf trends for a graph that shows average wave height by month.
@ Monica: Generally during November, swells are larger on the North shore where Tunnels is located. This doesn't mean that there won't be calm days perfect for snorkeling.
@ Lori: north swells will be declining and south swells will be on the rise in April. However, on any given day, the ocean conditions can be different for the norm on that given month.
So, the lesson here is to be aware of current ocean conditions. Check the Ocean Report or consult a lifeguard before entering the water that day.
Lenore Horowitz
Dec 07, 2006 10:08AM
what do you recommend for parking?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Dec 13, 2006 10:26AM
@ Lenore: We would recommend writing a Hawaii Congressman and the Kauai Visitors Bureau and tell them there's no parking!
Dec 28, 2006 7:14PM
We will be visting in June and have never been to this island. What part of the island offers the most comperable beaches to Waimea Bay on Oahu during the same time of the year? Thanks.
Jan 15, 2007 9:32AM
We will be visiting your great state and MAKUA on Kauai in late Oct. of 2007. Do you keep % of days for that time of year that are good for snorkeling due to ocean conditions in late Oct. at Makua. Also are there many shark spottings inside the reef? This is our 3rd trip to Kauai but first in late Oct. Thanks Fred
Jan 17, 2007 12:16PM
Tunnels offers some of the best snorkeling on Kauai. In the summer the conditions were perfect! Winter is a different matter. Pay attention to surf conditions. Parking is horrible - a couple of turnouts alond the road that fill up early. Haena Beach park is nearby - but it's a hike back to tunnels - especially if you're hauling ice chests, snorkel stuff, kids stuff .... Our favorite snorkeling beach.
Jan 17, 2007 9:42PM
Great snorkeling at Tunnel's! I also saw a 5-6 ft. white-tip reef shark there last summer (2006). Sand gets very hot in the summer and there's very little parking available.
Jan 28, 2007 11:36PM
Just spent the last week hanging on Tunnels...It was amazing as usual. Cannot wait to get back. Waves were a bit big but this is the early part of the year....
I will be back soon!!!!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jan 30, 2007 12:40PM
@ Jennifer: Well, you picked the right beach. Haena Beach Park / Makua is probably the most similar. It's just even more beautiful. Have a great time!
@ Fred Barrow: We do not keep track of percentage of days. However, I can say that late October is the beginning of the North Shore surf season. So you could get some really nice snorkeling days as the swells are not generally as consistent at that point. But you should always check the Ocean Report on this website for daily ocean conditions for your safety.
Feb 10, 2007 10:54AM
I love Tunnels beach because it is soo beautiful AND mostly because my boyfriend proposed to me there!! We are going back to Kauai in march for our honeymoon, it is my favorite place in the world! Would you recommend staying in Hanalei or Poipu area for better weather in the mid March?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Feb 12, 2007 11:55AM
@ Courtney: It depends on what kind of weather you are looking for. If you want it sunny and warm, Poipu will be a better choice for mid March. But Hanalei will be lusher, cooler and sunny most of the time. But chance of rain is really good!
Mar 06, 2007 7:34AM
We are planning on making our 4th trip to northern kauai in feb/march 2008. Will snorkeling be an option then?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Mar 07, 2007 8:51AM
@ Sean: As you can see in the seasonal surf trends, surf is on the decline on the North Shore in February and even more so in March. There could be some good snorkeling days, but there will be some good surf days too. Check for current ocean conditions to help make your decision while you're here.
Linda Killian
Mar 07, 2007 12:43PM
planing a trip to Hanalei Bay on May 1st. we were wanting to surf and snorkel. will there be waves to surf then?
Mar 07, 2007 12:48PM
I wanted to verify that this beach has a lifeguard. Where is the lifeguard station located?
We'll be traveling to Kauai in September. Will snorkeling be OK then?
Thanks much!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Mar 08, 2007 2:05PM
@ Linda: In May, the surf will generally be smaller and better for snorkeling on the North Shore, but it's all dependent on the current ocean conditions for that day. If you are looking for waves during this time check out a beach on the South Side.
@ Lynn: Makua does have a lifeguard. The station is located a ways down from Tunnels at the beach park. September is when the North Shore's surf season begins. But there should be good snorkeling on days when the surf is not large. Check out the current ocean conditions on this website or ask the lifeguard.
Mar 09, 2007 6:13AM
My son, wife & baby are planning a trip in mid-July. They would like to rent a house on or near the beach. How rainy is the north shore then? How are Anini or Tunnels areas for reasonable rentals?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Mar 09, 2007 1:48PM
@ Nancy: July is our summer and it's generally sunny on the North Shore during this time. Sorry, we don't answer questions about rentals here.
Mar 27, 2007 5:21PM
I'll be making my first trip to Kauai this April (9 - 16) staying in Princeville. I want to experience so much. For starters what beach is best for a warm sunny lounge? what about a novice snorkeler? and ATV adventures?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Mar 28, 2007 10:47AM
@ Bon: You've picked a gorgeous beach for lounging here. But there will be so many great beaches on the North Shore during April, it will be hard to choose. The consistency of surf swells on the North Shore should be subsiding during your stay, but there could be some swells during this time, so check with a lifeguard or our daily ocean report. A good place for beginner snorkeling will be just down the way at Ke'e beach. However, Tunnels will be less crowded and offer great snorkeling as well.
Tim F.
Apr 02, 2007 2:28PM
I am faced with a seemingly chronic problem: where to go and what to do in only 5 days! I have 2-3 days free for beach activities, I am a novice snorkeler and my girlfriend has never snorkeled. The trip is for the dates of April 10th to 15th and at it seems like Tunnels is a must-do. I'm thinking of starting out with Poipu (where we are staying) and Lydgate to "practice" and work our way to Tunnels and Ke'e if conditions permit. Can you validate this for me or offer any advice? Thanks!
Apr 03, 2007 7:37AM
I will be in The Princeville area April 9-16. What are water temps like in the north compared to the south Poipu? Great website!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Apr 04, 2007 11:00AM
@ Charlie Prokop: Water temperatures vary only slightly from one part of the island to the other. Temps in April should be between 74 and 78 degrees.
@ Tim F.: Sounds like you have a great plan. Just be sure to check for current ocean conditions for that day. It may be that tunnels is better for snorkeling then Poipu and vice-versa.
Apr 08, 2007 6:47AM
HI..we are planning to go to Kauai in June. What would be the ocean condition at tunnel beach during that time?
Justin
Apr 09, 2007 11:18AM
@ Swezin: During the summer, surf at this beach is generally small and good for snorkeling.
Apr 12, 2007 4:04PM
I will be visiting Kauai for the first time e in mid-May'07. Where (area) is best to stay this time of year? Is this a good season for snorkeling at this beach?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Apr 13, 2007 9:23AM
@ Bill: While we don't answer questions about accommodations, I can say that there should be some good snorkeling and swimming at this beach in May. However, it will all be dependent on current ocean conditions for that day. Check out daily ocean report or with a lifeguard.
Apr 16, 2007 4:47AM
We are hoping to bring the family (our kids are ages 9 and 12) to Kauai for the first time from December 25-January 8th. Our favorite things to do are snorkeling and boogie boarding. Initially I was thinking about spending one week on the North Shore and one week on the South Shore. However, I've been reading about the rough water conditions in the North that time of year. I would hate to spend a week on the North Shore and not be able to go in the water at all. Would we be better off just staying in the South the whole time? I just want to make sure that there are enough beaches to explore/things to do for two weeks without having to spend a lot of time driving. Thanks!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Apr 18, 2007 9:40AM
@ Kristin: During December and January, If you want to do both boogie boarding and snorkeling, then you will want to spend at least a few days on the North Shore to catch some waves. The waves can be big on the North Shore during these months, but there should be some beginner surfing zones in Hanalei Bay near the pier. The South Shore will generally have better snorkeling at the time of your vacation.
Apr 19, 2007 3:35PM
Are dogs allowed on this beach?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Apr 23, 2007 3:43PM
@Angela: Legally, dogs are not allowed on any beach without a leash.
Apr 25, 2007 2:14PM
We will be staying on Kepuhi beach east of Tunnels in June.....I rarely see this beach mentioned. Where are the better spots to snorkel here along Kepuhi? Or is it better to keep walking to Tunnels? Thanks..
Kauai Explorer Staff
May 01, 2007 11:17AM
@John and Jean: Tunnels is the best place to snorkel in the area. The walk can be a distance if you do it in the soft sand from Kepuhi. Maybe a bike ride or walking the dirt road would be a better idea. Parking is horrible, so don't drive!
May 10, 2007 5:48AM
Can you rent snorkel gear at Tunnels Beach? And if not, where is the cheapest, closest place to do so?
Kauai Explorer Staff
May 14, 2007 12:32PM
@ Sarah: You cannot rent gear at Tunnels. However, there are several companies located nearby in Hanalei.
Anna
May 23, 2007 6:35AM
Tunnels was the best place we went to snokel. We had heard about this beach the whole week we had been in Kauai, but unfortunately waited till the last day to go and explore. I wish we had gone earlier, we would have been there every day!
Jun 02, 2007 10:27AM
My fiance and I plan to honeymoon in Hawaii in September or October 2007 and are having a hard time picking an island. We've both been to Oahu and loved Waikiki beach and are looking for something similar but less crowded / touristy. Any suggestions for Kauai?
Jun 15, 2007 1:41PM
We will be in Kauai at the end of July. We are having a difficult time deciding on whether to snorkel on the North Side (Haena Beach Park & Kee Beach) or South Side (Poipu Beach). What would you recommend? How long of a drive are the beaches on the North Side of Kauaui from Lihue?
Jun 16, 2007 8:23AM
Generally North-facing shores are calmer in summer because surf is coming from storms in the southern hemispheres (and therefore affecting South shores). That said, on a day like today where the wind is strong there will be some wind swell and associated currents on the North shore. Early in the AM and low tides provide more protection for places like Makua or Kee. See the seasonal surf trends page seasonal surf trends for more info and always check the daily conditions. Takes about 1 hour from Lihue
DLittman
Jun 30, 2007 11:49AM
We spent a spectacular afternoon snorkeling here in May. The water was crystal clear and there was an abundance of marine life. This was one of the best single snorkeling days we have had. The entrance is very hard to find, but the scenery and snorkeling are worth it.
DLittman
Jun 30, 2007 11:53AM
Having had a spectacular day in May, we are planning to return late January/early February 2008. Would Tunnels be a good bet for snorkeling at that time, or should we stay more in the south at Salt Ponds or Poipu?
Jun 30, 2007 1:07PM
I will be visiting Kauai at the end of July and wanted to know where the best snorkeling spots will be then. Thanks for all of your advice!
Marjorie Barr
blevins
Jun 30, 2007 6:52PM
My fiance and I are planning our honeymoon in Kapa'a, Kauai! We will be there August 20th-27th 2007 and we're very excited! I was wondering if you have any suggestions for activities to do while we are there! We are for sure going to go snorkeling and most likely on a horse back ride! Are there any other things that are great to do toward the end of August?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jun 30, 2007 7:21PM
D - Jan / Feb is prime season for storms in the North Pacific. The same storms that bring snow to North America create large surf North and West facing shorelines in the Hawaiian Islands. You might be able to snorkel at this time of year, but the chances are low. South facing shores are generally calm from October - April.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jun 30, 2007 7:23PM
Marjorie - the North shore is generally calm during July. Always check our daily Ocean Report for the current conditions / forecast.
Jul 06, 2007 4:34AM
My fiance and I are trying to figure out what time of year is the absolute best time to go to Kauai for our honeymoon. We will be staying on the Northshore near Hanalei. We were thinking January, however I keep reading about storms and huge waves! We must be able to get some great snorkeling in and we don't want any rain! Any suggestions for which month is best?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jul 06, 2007 8:22AM
Bandit - it can pour any time of year here, but it can also be very nice in January. If the North shore surf is large when you come in January the nice thing is that you can always go to the East or South shore. On the "garden island" we do get rain.
Jul 11, 2007 7:43PM
What's the best way to get to this beach? Is it possible to walk here from Ke'e Beach?
Thanks.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jul 12, 2007 7:36AM
The best access to Tunnels is via the Haena Beach Park. You can check with the lifeguards there for current conditions and tips on the best snorkeling / swimming spots. It would be a long - but beautiful - walk from Ke?e.
Jul 15, 2007 4:17PM
When are the waters the strongest?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jul 16, 2007 10:23AM
Surf, wind and tides all create powerful conditions at Makua. Summer is generally calmer but dangerous conditions can happen at any time of the year. Please read the safety tips.
Jul 29, 2007 2:18PM
I am not relishing the near 1/2 mile walk (by Google Earth) from the parking lot to the main snorkeling area. Furthermore I am concerned the parking lot will be full when I get there. Is there usually open parking?
Are there nearby beaches almost as good as Tunnels for snorkeling? I am planning to go there around Aug 10.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jul 30, 2007 6:59AM
Unless you beat the private dive companies to some of the nearby beach access roads (think 7AM) the only parking will be at Haena beach park and, yes, you will have to walk. Makua (Tunnels) is definitely some of the best snorkeling on Kauai. The facilities and parking are lacking, but once you get in the water the experience is amazing. Please check the Ocean Report for current surf conditions.
Jul 31, 2007 10:21AM
If we are staying in Kapaa on the East side and want to snorkel the Tunnels where should we rent snorkel gear?
Are there places on the way or at Tunnels itself?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jul 31, 2007 10:36AM
Hanalei Surf Company or Pedal and Paddle. Have fun.
Aug 07, 2007 5:51PM
I am a strong ocean swimmer and would like to know which beach would be best for swimming 1 to 2 miles over beautiful coral reef, I can swim in all conditions but prefer calmer waters. I will be there the 1st of Sept.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Aug 07, 2007 8:36PM
The term "strong ocean swimmer" is subjective and for that reason I am hesitant to recommend any one swim because the conditions change daily. Please contact us when you are here to get an accurate report.
Aug 09, 2007 12:07PM
Further to my previous question about renewing my wedding vows in September and since we are staying in Kilaulea that one of the beaches up North would be the nicest! Any feedback?? Parking, walking distance etc. Should we check out the site in advance???
We are planning our renewel at the 3pm and then are heading out to a celebration dinner. There are 8 people in our party and we are doing a very informal yet intimate renewel. All feedback greatly appreciated as this is our first visit to Kauai. Thanks Rosemarie
Kauai Explorer Staff
Aug 09, 2007 1:51PM
There are many nice North shore locations. I do strongly suggest that you spend a few days checking out Haena, Lumahai, Hanalei and Kauapea to see which you like.
Aug 11, 2007 8:15PM
One of the best snorkeling spots on the island. Please everyone stop walking and touching the reef your killing it! Also, you cant touch or chase the turtel's and the fish have plenty of food in the sea to EAT!!! Have fun and spread the word at the beach.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Aug 12, 2007 7:17AM
Good points Rowdy - bringing fish food to ANY snorkeling location disrupts the natural balance and causes certain species to dominate. If people did not feed the fish there would be more diversity of beautiful things to see. Mahalo.
Aug 13, 2007 8:14AM
The list of guarded beaches is not up-to-date. Wailua beach is no longer guarded (due to budget constraints?). Tunnels is no longer guarded, but Heana beach (1/2 mile away)now is.
Thank you
Kauai Explorer Staff
Aug 13, 2007 9:13AM
Thank you Raymond - we have removed Wailua as lifeguarded. For simplicity we call the entire area at Haena Beach Park Makua or Tunnels.
Aug 16, 2007 3:23PM
How is the weather during the first 2 weeks of march?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Aug 16, 2007 4:40PM
Sometimes rainy, sometimes sunny, alsways warm.
Aug 30, 2007 7:02PM
am going to kauai in late sep 07; i plan to be at tunnels reef every morning for the week that i am there......been there before in april '05 i am expecting the same incredible snorkeling.....all who enquire about tunnels be assured...it's the best!!!!!
Aug 31, 2007 8:12AM
Hello. I'll be visiting from Dec 25 - Jan. 5th and wondered about the snorkeling during this time at Tunnels :)
Kauai Explorer Staff
Aug 31, 2007 8:49AM
If you are lucky the surf MAY be flat in December. But it could also be 30' "victory at sea." Be safe and check our Ocean Report.
Sep 02, 2007 2:02AM
Hi, my boyfirend and I are visiting Kauai in Mid Sept 07 and are really looking forward to doing some snorkelling and maybe some surfing for beginners! We are really torn between the North and South shore, which do you recommend, unfortunately we can only stay for 4 nights?!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Sep 02, 2007 9:12AM
September is a transitional month so you can have calm (or rough) surf from the North or South. The nice thing about this small island is that you can always drive to the other side is the conditions are not favorable where you are staying. Hanalei Bay is a great place for beginning surfers.
Sep 06, 2007 1:26PM
Generally speaking, how is Tunnels during the end of Feb.? The Surf Trends graph shows the North Shore on the decline from "gigantic" surf at that time. Does this mean good snorkeling at Tunnels will be rare near the end of Feb???
Mahalo
Kauai Explorer Staff
Sep 06, 2007 5:42PM
February is still prime time for some big surf on ANY North or West exposed shoreline area. Yes, the surf is trending towards spring / summer, but this means that instead of 15-35 feet it is statistically in the 10-15 foot range. Remember that this is Hawaii - some small islands in a big ocean with no continental shelf and a reputation for the most powerful waves in the world!
There are always exceptions - we do get flat days in February and I have also seen many late-season "thumpers" even in March and April. The ocean is always changing, just be in tune and you'll find the right conditions for your activity. We encourage you to come and just be smart. Thanks for visiting and posting. WW
Sep 07, 2007 1:20PM
My boyfriend lives in Honolulu but we are taking a weekend trip to Kauai late this month (Sept). I am in charge of planning and can NOT decide on what part of the island to stay. I know you can't recommend a hotel, but can you