IntermediateShore entry

Tunnels (Makua Beach)

Hawaii, United StatesDirections

Open Water suggested2–21 m 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 27°C (80°F). Check the latest conditions and entry details before you go.

Marine model · graded 2h ago

1.4 mwaves — about a meter and a half 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: Wed

Fri—

Sat—

Sun—

Mon7:00–12:00

Tue7:00–14:00

Wed7:00–14:00

Thu18:00–19:00

Favorable windowModerate window— no window

First light 6:01 · Sunrise 6:24 · Sunset 18:45

Source: Open-Meteo marine · model point 17 km from site · graded 2h ago

Forecast only — always assess conditions on site.

Forecast · NOAA tide model

Tide & slack timing

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.

Jan35%25°C1.9 m
Feb36%24°C1.9 m
Mar49%24°C1.7 m
Apr61%25°C1.7 m
May70%26°C1.6 m
Jun70%26°C1.5 m
Jul80%27°C1.5 m
Aug75%27°C1.6 m
Sep91%27°C1.4 m
Oct83%27°C1.4 m
Nov52%26°C1.7 m
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

The underwater calendar

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

Green sea turtleDec–Feb

Watch the whole year animate on the Migrations map

Fills & rentals nearby

No dive shops mapped within 25 km. 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.

How deep is Tunnels (Makua Beach)?

Tunnels (Makua Beach) ranges from 1.5 to 21 metres deep (5–69 feet). It is a saltwater site rated as intermediate difficulty. Depths vary across the site, so plan your profile to your training and verify conditions locally.

Is Tunnels (Makua Beach) a shore dive or a boat dive?

Tunnels (Makua Beach) is a shore dive — you can enter from land. The entry is recorded as a surf entry. The site is recorded as tide-dependent (high tide only), so check local tide tables when planning your entry. The entry area is recorded as exposed to surge. No facilities are recorded at the site, and cell service is recorded as good. Entry details and parking notes, where known, are listed in the access section of this page.

Can beginners dive Tunnels (Makua Beach)?

Tunnels (Makua Beach) is rated as intermediate difficulty, which may not suit new divers. Listed depths run from 1.5 to 21 metres (5–69 feet). Access is from shore, with the entry recorded as a surf entry. Consider your experience level, conditions, and local guidance before planning.

When is the best time to dive Tunnels (Makua Beach)?

Best in calm north-shore summer conditions, roughly May through September, and often near high tide. Avoid winter swell and check current ocean advisories. No fixed dive closure verified; practical closure during high surf/winter conditions. Conditions vary, so check the latest reports and forecasts on the dive site page before your trip.

What will I see at Tunnels (Makua Beach)?

Divers at Tunnels (Makua Beach) in United States commonly report sightings of Green sea turtle, Nudibranch, Hawksbill turtle, Whitetip reef shark, and Moray eel. Green sea turtle is recorded as common sightings, while Nudibranch, Hawksbill turtle, Whitetip reef shark, and Moray eel are reported only occasionally. Marine life varies by season and conditions—check the site page for recent diver observations and photos.

What hazards are recorded at Tunnels (Makua Beach)?

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. Hazards and conditions change, so verify current local information before diving.

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