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Map of Tunnels (Makua Beach)
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IntermediateShore entry

Tunnels (Makua Beach)

Hawaii, United StatesDirections
Open Water suggested2–21 m (5–69 ft) depthShore entry3mm wetsuit typical

Tunnels (Makua Beach) at a glance

Tunnels (Makua Beach) is an 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 Green sea turtle, Nudibranch, and Hawksbill turtle. Recent reports put the water around 26°C (79°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

No window today· next: Sat 7:00–19:00 · moderate

Forecast for this hour · 6:00 · run 22 h ago
1.8 m (5.8 ft)waves — about two meters expected (waves — about six feet expected)

Tap a factor for its source and model point · Forecast 26°C · seasonal avg 27°C ( · Forecast 79°F · seasonal avg 81°F)

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

MonNo window

1.9 m waves · 7 kn wind (6.2 ft waves · 7 kn wind)

TueNo window

2.0 m waves · 5 kn wind (6.4 ft waves · 5 kn wind)

WedNo window

1.7 m waves · 10 kn wind (5.4 ft waves · 10 kn wind)

ThuNo window

1.6 m waves · 11 kn wind (5.1 ft waves · 11 kn wind)

FriNo window

1.6 m waves · 8 kn wind (5.2 ft waves · 8 kn wind)

Sat7:00–19:00 moderate

1.4 m waves · 3 kn wind (4.6 ft waves · 3 kn wind)

SunNot in the forecast yet

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

Every forecast dive window each day, site-local time, from wave and wind forecasts. Numbers under each bar are daylight averages.

First light 6:16 · Sunrise 6:39 · Sunset 18:04 · some windows run past sunset

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 17 km from site · updated 25 Oct, 07:26 GMT-10

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Compare this weekend’s windows near Tunnels (Makua Beach)

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.

Dived here today — did the forecast match?

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. January, 35% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 25°C (77°F), waves have typically been 1.9 m (6.1 ft), wind has typically been 7 knots
  2. February, 36% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 24°C (76°F), waves have typically been 1.9 m (6.1 ft), wind has typically been 7 knots
  3. March, 49% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 24°C (76°F), waves have typically been 1.7 m (5.6 ft), wind has typically been 7 knots
  4. April, 61% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 25°C (77°F), waves have typically been 1.7 m (5.4 ft), wind has typically been 7 knots
  5. May, 70% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 26°C (78°F), waves have typically been 1.6 m (5.2 ft), wind has typically been 7 knots
  6. June, 70% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 26°C (79°F), waves have typically been 1.5 m (5.0 ft), wind has typically been 7 knots
  7. July, 80% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 27°C (80°F), waves have typically been 1.5 m (4.9 ft), wind has typically been 7 knots
  8. August, 75% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 27°C (81°F), waves have typically been 1.6 m (5.1 ft), wind has typically been 7 knots
  9. September, 91% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 27°C (81°F), waves have typically been 1.4 m (4.6 ft), wind has typically been 6 knots, historically most favorable
  10. October, 83% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 27°C (81°F), waves have typically been 1.4 m (4.5 ft), wind has typically been 6 knots
  11. November, 52% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 26°C (80°F), waves have typically been 1.7 m (5.6 ft), wind has typically been 6 knots
  12. December, 46% of days have historically been favorable, water has typically been 26°C (79°F), waves have typically been 1.7 m (5.7 ft), wind has typically been 6 knots

September has typically 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

Rough labels: “Commonly seen” usually means two or more recorded sightings near this site in public dive logs (GBIF), “Occasionally seen” one; “Seasonal” and “Rarely seen” come from dive-guide research. Not a measured rate.

The underwater calendar

When these animals are most recorded around Hawaiʻi — from open sighting data, not a promise.

Watch the whole year animate on the Migrations map

Fills & rentals nearby

No dive shops mapped within 25 km (16 mi). Know one? Add it to the map.

Data updated July 2026

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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