Big Island Snorkel Conditions Report:
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Friday, April 3, 2026
Ocean conditions today are seeing a gradual stabilization as trade winds slowly diminish, though a short-period Northeast (NE) swell continues to wrap into leeward exposures.
North & South Kohala (North)
Visibility remains “milky” in the shallows as the short-period northeast swell continues to stir up residual storm sediment. Trade winds are wrapping into these bays, creating a surface chop, though they are beginning to trend down compared to earlier this week.
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind | Waves/Surf |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hapuna Beach | 4 🔴 | Murky | NE 10–15 mph | 1–3 ft (Surge) |
| Wai‘alea Bay (69) | 5 🟡 | Fair | NE 10 mph | 1 ft |
| Makaiwa Bay | 5 🟡 | Moderate | NE 5–10 mph | Minor Surge |
| Anaeho‘omalu Bay | 4 🔴 | Low | NE 10–15 mph | Choppy |
Kona Coast (Central)
Kona is currently the most protected region, offering glassy conditions in the early morning. However, a small, medium-period Northwest (NW) swell is arriving today, which may increase surge at exposed sandy entries like Kua Bay.
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind | Waves/Surf |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kekaha Kai (Kua) | 5 🟡 | Milky | Light/Var | 2–4 ft |
| Honokohau Rock | 5 🟡 | Moderate | Calm | 1–2 ft |
| White Sands Beach | 3 🔴 | Low | W 5–10 mph | 2–3 ft (Surge) |
| Kahalu’u Beach Park | 6 🟡 | Fair | Calm | 1–2 ft |
South Kona
Typically the island’s sanctuary for clarity, South Kona is currently seeing the best visibility in deeper water. However, the lingering South swell surge makes rocky entries and exits at sites like Two-Step more hazardous than they appear.
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind | Waves/Surf |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kealakekua Bay | 7 🟡 | Fair/Good | Light/Var | Bumpy |
| Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau | 6 🟡 | Fair | Light/Var | Moderate Surge |
| Ho’okena Beach Park | 4 🔴 | Poor | NE 5–10 mph | 3–6 ft (Rough) |
Snorkel Conditions Key & Legend
| Rating | Color | Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–10 | Green | 🟢 | Excellent: Calm surface, high visibility, and safe. |
| 5–7 | Yellow | 🟡 | Fair: Generally safe, but visibility limited by surge or runoff. |
| 1–4 | Red | 🔴 | Hazardous/Poor: High surf, dangerous surge, or brown water. |
⚠️ Marine Advisories & Hazards
- Brown Water Caution: While the island-wide advisory has been lifted, the Department of Health recommends staying out of water that appears brown or murky.
- Surge Warning: A new, small medium-period NW swell is filling in today.
- Small Craft Advisory: Effective for Big Island leeward and windward waters through this evening due to building trade winds in the channels.
Best Time to Go: Immediately (Before 10:00 AM). Wind speeds are forecast to increase slightly by midday, which will lead to choppier surfaces and reduced visibility across all regions.
Ocean conditions can change rapidly. Watch the surf, waves, currents and surge on the shoreline, rocks and reefs. Always spend a few minutes (5-10) in snorkel meditation watching the conditions. Savor the moment. If the water doesn’t look clear, calm and inviting, don’t go in!
