Big Island Snorkel Conditions

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Thursday, July 16, 2026

North Kohala Conditions 🟒

Location Rating Visibility Wind Speed Waves Currents
Hapuna Beach 7.5 🟒 Good E 10-15 mph 0-2 ft Flat Light
Wai’alea Bay (69) 8.5 🟒 Good E 10-15 mph 0-1 ft Flat Low
Makaiwa Bay 8.5 🟒 Good E 10-15 mph 0-1 ft Flat Low
Anaeho’omalu Bay 7.5 🟒 Good E 10-15 mph 0-1 ft Flat Light

Description: The North Kohala coastline is highly protected from ocean waves. Light winds are blowing offshore, keeping nearshore water flat and glassy. Since there are no waves to stir up the sand, water clarity is excellent inside the reef areas.

Kona Coast Conditions 🟑

Location Rating Visibility Wind Speed Waves Currents
Honokohau Rock 6.0 🟑 Fair N 5 mph AM 2-3 ft Swell Wrap Moderate
White Sands Beach 5.5 🟑 Fair/Hazy N 5 mph AM 2-4 ft Easing Surge Moderate Inside
Kahalu’u Beach Park 6.5 🟑 Fair/Good N 5 mph AM 2-3 ft Reef Surge Moderate Surge

Description: Marginal: South wave activity has dropped today, but a small wave wrap is still keeping some light surge along the coast. Morning winds are calm and the water surface is flat, but underwater surge is keeping the sand slightly suspended and leaving visibility fair.

South Kona Conditions 🟑

Location Rating Visibility Wind Speed Waves Currents
Kealakekua Bay 6.5 🟑 Fair/Good Variable < 5 mph AM 2-3 ft Easing Surge Light
Pu’uhonua O Honaunau 6.0 🟑 Fair Variable < 5 mph AM 2-4 ft Easing Surge Moderate Surge
Ho’okena Beach Park 5.5 🟑 Fair/Hazy Variable < 5 mph AM 2-3 ft Easing Surge Moderate Surge

Description: Marginal: Wave energy is much lower today, but a light surge is still active across the entry ledge at Honaunau (Two-Step). The deep water inside Kealakekua Bay is mostly clear, while shallow sandy beach entries still have some light haze.

KEY LEGEND

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

BEST TIME TO GO: Snorkel in the morning (7:30 AM to 11:00 AM) to catch calm, flat water before afternoon sea breezes kick up the chop. North Kohala is the clearest area today. Kona and South Kona are highly workable with the fading surge, but expect some light sand haze.

MARINE ADVISORIES: A small west swell is mixing with the fading south swell to keep waves on south and west shores around 2 to 4 feet. Trade winds are light to moderate, keeping east shores stable with waves around 2 to 4 feet. Midday sun is extremely hot.

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!

Maui