Tunnels Beach
Also known as: Makua
Best time to dive
May to September; November to March
What you might see
- Grey reef sharkLikely
- Manta rayLikely
- Moray eelLikely
- NudibranchLikely
- Sea turtleLikely
Sightings are seasonal probabilities, not promises - even in peak season nature does its own thing.
Certification & difficulty
Advanced Open Water - advanced conditions (currents/depth); dive within your training.
Snorkelling
Snorkel-friendly - Yes - one of Kauai's most famous summer snorkel sites for lava-tube topography and clear water; NOT safe in winter due to surf
Safety notes
Winter surf/rip currents (extreme - a leading cause of Kauai's high drowning rate); year-round east-to-west current on outer reef; navigation complexity in cavern system; sea turtles protected (10ft/3m NOAA distance); note: commercial dive-shop trips to Tunnels reportedly restricted/prohibited as of 2024 per one operator page (VERIFY current status)
Permits & fees
None found - public beach access; possible commercial-trip restriction noted above (VERIFY)
Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.
Location
Nearest hub: Hanalei
This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand dive report. Coordinates are approximate.