Big Island Snorkel Conditions Report:
Get a FREE Turtle Beach Bag when you reserve your gear online.
Saturday, March 14, 2026
Ocean conditions today are extremely hazardous due to a powerful and prolonged Kona Storm moving across the island chain. Strong, gusty southerly winds (20–30 mph) and a building West-Northwest (WNW) swell are creating rough, choppy seas and dangerous surge on nearly all leeward and south-facing shores. Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms have triggered widespread Brown Water Advisories due to soil runoff and increased bacteria.
North & South Kohala (North)
Conditions are poor. While the south winds are technically offshore for some of these bays, the wrap-around energy from the WNW swell and locally generated wind waves is creating significant surge and murky, sediment-heavy water.
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind | Waves/Surf | UV Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hapuna Beach | 2 🔴 | Murky | S 25 mph | 4–6 ft (Surge) | 4 (Mod) |
| Wai‘alea Bay (69) | 3 🔴 | Low | S 20 mph | 2–4 ft | 4 (Mod) |
| Makaiwa Bay | 3 🔴 | Silt | S 20 mph | Moderate Surge | 4 (Mod) |
| Anaeho‘omalu Bay | 2 🔴 | Poor | S 25 mph | Rough/Choppy | 4 (Mod) |
Kona Coast (Central)
Kona is highly exposed to the current southerly wind flow. Popular sites are experiencing uncharacteristic chop, reduced visibility, and a dangerous shorebreak.
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind | Waves/Surf | UV Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kekaha Kai (Kua) | 3 🔴 | Milky | S 25 mph | 5–7 ft (Rough) | 4 (Mod) |
| Honokohau Rock | 3 🔴 | Moderate | S 20 mph | 2–3 ft (Choppy) | 4 (Mod) |
| White Sands Beach | 1 🔴 | Low | S 30 mph | 3–5 ft (Hazardous) | 4 (Mod) |
| Kahalu’u Beach Park | 3 🔴 | Murky | S 20 mph | 2–3 ft (Surge) | 4 (Mod) |
South Kona
Typically a sanctuary, South Kona is currently vulnerable to the south-southwest wind fetch. High rainfall in the upland areas is likely causing runoff into these bays.
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind | Waves/Surf | UV Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kealakekua Bay | 4 🔴 | Fair/Murky | S 20 mph | Bumpy/Choppy | 4 (Mod) |
| Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau | 4 🔴 | Silt | S 20 mph | Moderate Surge | 4 (Mod) |
| Ho’okena Beach Park | 2 🔴 | Poor | S 30 mph | 6–8 ft (Rough) | 4 (Mod) |
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. |
| 1–4 | Red | 🔴 | Hazardous/Poor: High surf, dangerous surge, or brown water. |
⚠️ Marine Advisories & Hazards
- Box Jellyfish Warning: We are 11 days past the full moon (March 3). Today is a High Probability window for box jellyfish on leeward shores. Sightings are common during these conditions; exercise extreme caution at Kahalu’u and Two-Step.
- Flood Watch: A Flood Watch is in effect for all Big Island districts through Monday morning. Heavy rain and thunderstorms can cause “Brown Water” conditions instantly.
- Wind Advisory: Southerly winds are gusting up to 45–50 mph. Kayaking and paddleboarding are extremely hazardous and not recommended.
- Small Craft Advisory: Remains in effect for all coastal waters due to gale-force gusts and seas up to 14 feet in the channels.
- Water Quality Advisory: The Department of Health advises staying out of the water when it appears brown or murky. Runoff contains bacteria, debris, and can attract predators.
Best Time to Go: Stay Out. Between the Kona storm runoff, extreme wind gusts, and box jellyfish window, today is not a safe day for ocean activities.
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!
