diff --git a/variables.tf b/variables.tf
index f250cf3..0aa5da6 100644
--- a/variables.tf
+++ b/variables.tf
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ variable "hyperkube_image_url" {
 
 variable "hyperkube_image_tag" {
   description = "The version of the hyperkube image to use."
-  default     = "v1.7.6_coreos.0"
+  default     = "v1.8.1_coreos.0"
 }
 
 variable "cluster_dns" {