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Map of Tunnels (Makua Beach)
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IntermediateShore entry

Tunnels (Makua Beach)

Hawaii, United States
Open Water suggested2–21 m depthShore entryRash guard or 2mm shorty typical

Tunnels (Makua Beach) at a glance

Tunnels (Makua Beach) is a intermediate shore dive site in Hawaii, United States with depths of 1.5–21 m (5–69 ft). Typically most favorable Sep · from 3 years of archive data. Divers commonly see Hawksbill turtle, Moray eels, and Nudibranchs. Recent reports put the water around 27°C (81°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 3h ago
2.1 mwaves — about two meters expected

Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 27°C · seasonal avg 27°C

Site hazards: Winter surf, rip/current, shallow reef contact, surge, lava tubes/caves/overhead temptation, long surface swims, limited parking/access, and rapidly changing north-shore conditions.

Read the full hazards ↓

Dive windows this week

Best: Thu
Sat—
Sun—
Mon—
Tue—
Wed—
Thu13:00–20:00
Fri—

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 5:43 · Sunrise 6:07 · Sunset 19:21

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 17 km from site · graded 3h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Forecast · NOAA tide model

Tide & slack timing

Loading tide predictions

Recent diver reports

Dated firsthand observations from divers — not current conditions.

No diver reports for this site yet. — one dated observation helps every diver after you.

What Divers Say

Known for: Green sea turtle, Bluespine unicornfish, Moray eels (various)
Best time: Best in calm north-shore summer conditions, roughly May through September, and often near high tide. Avoid winter swell and check current ocean advisories.

Based on community reviews and site data. Conditions vary — always verify before diving.

Best months, historically

What conditions have historically been typical at this site, month by month — not a forecast.

  1. Jan35%25°C1.9 m
  2. Feb36%24°C1.9 m
  3. Mar49%24°C1.7 m
  4. Apr61%25°C1.7 m
  5. May70%26°C1.6 m
  6. Jun70%26°C1.5 m
  7. Jul80%27°C1.5 m
  8. Aug75%27°C1.6 m
  9. Sep91%27°C1.4 m
  10. Oct83%27°C1.4 m
  11. Nov52%26°C1.7 m
  12. Dec46%26°C1.7 m

September hastypically had the largest share of favorable days here. Conditions vary year to year — this is historical context, not a forecast.

Based on 3 years of archive data. Bar height shows the share of days each month whose conditions have historically scored favorably.

Marine life seen at this site

Species noted at this site — not a promise of what you’ll encounter.

Species seen here

  • Hawksbill turtleOccasionally seen
  • Moray eelsOccasionally seen
  • NudibranchsOccasionally seen
  • OctopusOccasionally seen
  • Reef sharksOccasionally seen
  • Green sea turtleCommonly seen
  • Whitetip reef sharkOccasionally seen
  • Bluespine unicornfishCommonly seen
  • Hawaiian monk sealRarely seen
  • Moray eels (various)Commonly seen
  • Reef octopusOccasionally seen

Fills & rentals nearby

No dive shops mapped within 25 km. Know one? Add it to the map.

Site details

Tunnels, also called Makua Beach, is a north-shore Kauai shore dive and snorkel site with a horseshoe reef, outer drop-off, lava tubes, caves, and tunnel-like reef structure. It is excellent in calm summer conditions but can be hazardous in winter or high surf. The site works for snorkeling inside the protected reef and scuba on the outer features when conditions allow.

cavereefshore

Winter surf, rip/current, shallow reef contact, surge, lava tubes/caves/overhead temptation, long surface swims, limited parking/access, and rapidly changing north-shore conditions.

Reviews

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