Maui Snorkel Conditions

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Thursday, May 14, 2026


North West Maui Conditions 🟑

Location Rating Clarity Wind Speed Waves Currents
Honolua Bay 5.0 🟑 Fair/Hazy E 15 mph 2-3 ft Moderate
Slaughterhouse Beach 4.5 🟑 Hazy E 15 mph 2-3 ft Moderate
Kapalua Bay 7.0 🟒 Good E 15 mph 1-2 ft Surge Low
Napili Bay 7.0 🟒 Good E 15 mph 1-2 ft Surge Low

Description: Marginal: The new moderate, long-period NW swell is peaking today, bringing 2-4 foot surf to exposed North West reefs. Honolua and Slaughterhouse are seeing significant haze. Sheltered pockets like Kapalua remain the best bet for the morning window before trade winds freshen this afternoon.

Kaanapali Conditions 🟒

Location Rating Clarity Wind Speed Waves Currents
Airport Beach 7.5 🟒 Good E 15 mph 1 ft Low
Black Rock 7.0 🟒 Good E 15 mph 1-3 ft Surge Moderate

Description: Solid Morning: Stronger trades are blowing offshore, keeping the Kaanapali coast glassy near the beach. Clarity is high, but be aware of peaking surge energy at Black Rock as the NW swell fills in. Early sessions are highly recommended before afternoon gusts arrive.

Lahaina Conditions 🟒

Location Rating Clarity Wind Speed Waves Currents
Baby Beach Lahaina 8.5 🟒 Excellent E 10-15 mph 0 ft Low
Olowalu 8.5 🟒 Excellent E 10-15 mph 0 ft Low

Description: Standout region: Sheltered from the building NW swell and trade wind chop, Lahaina is perfectly glassy today. World-class clarity at Olowalu and Baby Beach this morning makes this the island’s premier bet for high-visibility snorkeling.

South Maui Conditions 🟑

Location Rating Clarity Wind Speed Waves Currents
Charlie Young 6.5 🟑 Fair E 15 mph 2-4 ft Surge Light
Kamaole 1, 2 & 3 6.5 🟑 Fair E 15 mph 2-4 ft Surge Light
Ulua Beach 6.0 🟑 Hazy E 15 mph 2-4 ft Surge Moderate
Makena Landing 6.0 🟑 Hazy E 15 mph 2-4 ft Surge Strong
Maluaka Beach 3.5 πŸ”΄ Poor E 15 mph 2-4 ft Surge Strong
Ahihi Bay 3.5 πŸ”΄ Murky E 15 mph 2-4 ft Surge Strong

Description: Marginal: Small, medium to long-period south swell energy is holding steady, providing active surge energy at southern exposures. Marginal: Maluaka and Ahihi remain murky. Kihei is the most stable pocket, though clarity is below average across the south coast today.

KEY LEGEND

  • 🟒 (7.0-10.0) Good/Excellent: Safe, clear water, low surge.
  • 🟑 (4.0-6.5) Marginal: Fair visibility, light surge. Use caution.
  • πŸ”΄ (0.0-3.5) Dangerous: High surf, strong currents. Avoid.

BEST TIME TO GO: Early morning window (before 10:00 AM) to take advantage of glassy conditions and the morning low tide. Low tide today: -0.4 ft at 6:26 AM; High tide 2.4 ft at 1:33 PM (Kahului).

MARINE ADVISORIES: A new small to moderate, long-period NW swell is peaking today; expect surf to reach 6-8 feet on favored north-facing exposures. Breezy trade winds persist; watch for mountain showers and avoid murky water near stream mouths.

Ocean conditions can change rapidly.Β  Watch the surf, waves, currents and surge on the shoreline, rocks and reefs. Always spend 5-10 minutes in snorkel meditation watching the conditions.Β  Savor the moment.Β  If the water doesn’t look clear, calm and inviting, don’t go in!

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