Kauai Snorkel Conditions Report

Kauai Snorkel Conditions Report:

Friday, February 6, 2026

Snorkel Conditions Legend

UV Index key (for sun safety):
☀️ Low (0–2), 🟡 Moderate (3–5), 🟠 High (6–7), 🔴 Very High (8–10) — Kauai’s midday UV today is generally Very High (~8–9), meaning strong sun protection is recommended.

Wind today is light to moderate (approx. ~5–15 mph) across Kauai with trade wind influence, which can create choppy surface conditions on exposed shores.

🌴 North Kauai

1) Ke‘e Beach

• Water Clarity: 🟥 Poor to Fair — north shore swells reduce visibility and stir sand.

• Wind: 🟨 Moderate NE trades (~5–15 mph).

• Waves/Surf: 🟥 High / Rough — north/northwest swells around advisory levels.

• UV Index: 🔴 Very High midday.
  Overall Snorkel Rating: 🟥 2/10 — Not recommended.

2) Ha‘ena Beach State Park

• Water Clarity: 🟥 Poor from swell and offshore movement.

• Wind: 🟨 Moderate trades.

• Waves/Surf: 🟥 Rough / Advisory levels forecast on the north shore.

• UV Index: 🔴 Very High midday.
  Overall Snorkel Rating: 🟥 2/10 — Unsafe.

3) Hideaways (Pali Ke Kua Beach)

• Water Clarity: 🟨 Fair — smaller protected pocket reef may help a bit, but north swell still affects surface.

• Wind: 🟨 Moderate NE winds.

• Waves/Surf: 🟨 Moderate — somewhat sheltered but still choppy with underlying swell.

• UV Index: 🔴 Very High midday.
  Overall Snorkel Rating: 🟨 4/10 — Fair at best, better than open north shore but conditions are not calm.

🌴 Mid-Island Kauai

4) Anini Beach

• Water Clarity: 🟨 Fair — reef protection helps clarity in calm conditions, but wind waves can cloud water.

• Wind: 🟨 Moderate trades.

• Waves/Surf: 🟨 Light to Moderate — generally protected reef, but choppy outside.

• UV Index: 🔴 Very High midday.
  Overall Snorkel Rating: 🟨 5/10 — Fair; can be okay nearshore if sheltered, but visibility and conditions vary.

5) Lydgate Beach State Park

• Water Clarity: 🟨 Fair — inside protected ponds often calmer, but trade wind waves can stir sand.

• Wind: 🟨 Moderate.

• Waves/Surf: 🟨 Small inside barrier / choppy outside.

• UV Index: 🔴 Very High midday.
  Overall Snorkel Rating: 🟨 5/10 — Fair; best snorkeling is inside protected areas.

🌴 South Kauai

6) Poipu Beach Park

• Water Clarity: 🟩 Good — south shore tends to be calmer and clearer in winter.

• Wind: 🟨 Moderate (~5–15 mph).

• Waves/Surf: 🟩 Small / Gentle — typical 1-2 ft sets on south beaches.

• UV Index: 🔴 Very High midday.
  Overall Snorkel Rating: 🟩 7/10 — Good choice today.

7) Beach House (Poipu / Hoai Bay area)

• Water Clarity: 🟩 Good — reef area near Beach House often clearer calmer.

• Wind: 🟨 Moderate trade winds.

• Waves/Surf: 🟩 Small to Moderate — manageable on south shore.

• UV Index: 🔴 Very High midday.
  Overall Snorkel Rating: 🟩 7/10 — Good conditions for snorkeling.

Quick Summary (North → South)

🌞 Sun & Safety Tips

• UV Index is Very High (~8–9) around midday — strong sun protection needed (reef-safe sunscreen, sunblcok T).

• Conditions can change quickly — always check with local lifeguards for real-time conditions.

Conditions can change rapidly. Always spend a few minutes in snorkel meditation––for 5-10 minutes. Savor the moment. Watch surf, current & surge on reefs/rocks with your own eyes. If it doesn’t look calm and inviting, don’t go in.