Oahu Snorkel Conditions
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Sunday, August 30, 2026
North Shore Conditions 🟢
| Location | Rating | Visibility | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark’s Cove | 8.0 🟢 | Good AM / Light Surface Chop | ENE 15-20 mph Breezy | 0-2 ft Flat / Light Trade Chop | Low Inside |
| Three Tables | 7.5 🟢 | Good AM / Light Texture | ENE 15-20 mph Breezy | 0-2 ft Surface Chop Wrap | Low-Moderate Surge |
Description: Oahu’s North Shore continues with flat summer snorkeling conditions this morning. Shallow tide pools at Shark’s Cove remain protected and calm, while outer ledges at Three Tables show light surface wind texture.
South Oahu Conditions 🟢
| Location | Rating | Visibility | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanauma Bay | 7.0 🟢 | Good Inner / Light Outer Haze | ENE 15-20 mph Breezy | 1-3 ft Easing South Pulse | Light-Moderate Channel Surge |
| Waikiki MLCD | 7.0 🟢 | Good AM / Clearing Sand | ENE 15-20 mph Breezy | 1-3 ft Easing South Pulse | Light-Moderate Surge |
| San Souci | 6.5 🟡 | Fair AM / Light Sand Haze | ENE 15-20 mph Breezy | 1-3 ft Easing South Pulse | Light-Moderate Surge |
Description: South Oahu conditions show solid improvement today as the south-southwest swell drops to a low background level (1-3 ft set waves). This lull in swell energy is allowing nearshore sand sediment along Waikiki MLCD and inner Hanauma Bay to settle and clear significantly.
Leeward (West) Oahu Conditions 🟢
| Location | Rating | Visibility | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ko Olina Coves | 8.5 🟢 | Good Inside Lagoon | ENE 15-20 mph Breezy | 0-1 ft Flat Inside | Low Inside |
| Electric Beach | 7.0 🟢 | Good AM | ENE 15-20 mph Breezy | 1-2 ft Minor Swell Wrap | Low-Moderate Ledge Surge |
| Makaha Beach Park | 7.0 🟢 | Good AM | ENE 15-20 mph Breezy | 1-2 ft Minor Swell Wrap | Low Surge |
Description: West Oahu is seeing smooth and conditions, with trade winds coming over the Waianae mountains. Enclosed coves at Ko Olina offer flat, safe swimming inside, while outer reef entries at Electric Beach and Makaha show minimal swell wrap (1-2 ft), yielding clear morning visibility.
KEY LEGEND
- 🟢 (7.0-10.0) Good: Safe, clear water, low surge.
- 🟡 Marginal: (4.0-6.5) Fair visibility, light surge. Use caution.
- 🔴 (0.0-3.5) Dangerous: High surf, strong currents, or turbid conditions. Avoid.
BEST TIME TO GO: Head out early in the morning window (7:30 AM to 10:30 AM) to North Shore locations (Shark’s Cove, Three Tables), West Oahu (Electric Beach, Makaha), or Ko Olina Coves before trade winds build afternoon surface chop.
MARINE ADVISORIES: Surf along south-facing shores continues at a low summer background level (1-3 ft) today before another similar long-period south swell fills in mid-week. Short-period trade windswell maintains rough, choppy conditions along east-facing exposures, while the residual east swell from former Tropical Storm Iselle slowly fades. Always avoid swimming or snorkeling in brown water near stream or canal outlets.
Ocean conditions can change rapidly. Watch the surf, waves, currents and surge on the shoreline, rocks and reefs. Always spend 5-10 minutes in snorkel meditation watching the conditions. Are there other snorkelers in the water? Savor the moment. If the water doesn’t look clear, calm and inviting, don’t go in!
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