Makua Beach - most amazing beach; Shutterstock ID 1719136627; purchase_order: 65050; job: ; client: ; other:
1719136627

Shutterstock / Lostitalianos

Makua (Tunnels) Beach


Yet another too-good-to-be-true North Shore beach. Named for the underwater caverns and lava tubes that pepper the near-shore reef, Tunnels ranks among Kaua‘i’s finest snorkel spots in summer. It’s also the North Shore’s most popular dive site, suitable for shore dives. In winter, however, the swell picks up and the surf can be heavy.

In the shoulder season, the snorkeling can still be decent, but always check with lifeguards before heading into the water. Beware especially of a current flowing west toward the open ocean.

Access to Makua Beach is notoriously difficult. Two short dirt roads link it with the highway, but parking is very limited, and you may attract hostility. Most beachgoers park at Haʻena State Park, then walk a half-mile along the sandy foreshore.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Haʻena Beach Park

0.65 MILES

At this beautiful county-run beach, just under a mile before the end of the road, the sea is usually smooth and safe for swimming in summer. Ask…

2. Maniniholo Dry Cave

0.68 MILES

Flat-bottomed Maniniholo Dry Cave, across from Ha‘ena Beach Park, is deep, broad and fun to explore, though the further you penetrate, the lower the…

3. Limahuli Garden

1.26 MILES

Perhaps the most beautiful spot on an island of unsurpassed beauty, this magnificent garden is a must-see stop on any North Shore itinerary. Besides…

4. Wet Caves

1.3 MILES

Two wet caves lie within Ha‘ena State Park. Carved by the endless pounding of the ocean, the massive cavern of Waikapala‘e Wet Cave is as enchanting as it…

5. Keʻe Beach

1.65 MILES

Long renowned as one of the North Shore’s most glorious beaches, lovely Ke‘e Beach, beside the Kalalau trailhead at the end of Kuhio Hwy, has been given a…

6. Kaulu Paoa Heiau

1.73 MILES

The roaring surf was a teacher to those who first practiced the spiritual art of hula, chanting and testing their skills against nature's decibel levels…

7. Lumahaʻi Beach

2.17 MILES

Countless Kauaʻi locals consider Lumaha‘i their favorite beach on an island blessed with dozens of beauties. It’s utterly cinematic, with thick loamy sand…

8. Middles Beach

2.79 MILES

West of Hanalei in Waipa, not far beyond Waikoko Beach at Mile 4 on the makai (ocean) side of the road is a small, scrubby parking area. Walk along the…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "usa/hawaii/ha-ena/attractions/makua-tunnels-beach/a/poi-sig/453975/1333506",
      "position": "superzone"
    }