Big Island Snorkel Conditions Report

Help with finding the best conditions for snorkeling on the Big Island today.

 

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Monday, May 11, 2026


North Kohala Conditions 🟑

Location Rating Clarity Wind Speed Waves Currents
Hapuna Beach 5.5 🟑 Fair/Hazy NE 10-15 mph 3-4 ft Moderate
Wai’alea Bay (69) 6.0 🟑 Fair NE 10-15 mph 2-3 ft Light
Makaiwa Bay 7.0 🟒 Good NE 10 mph 1-2 ft Surge Low
Anaeho’omalu Bay 7.5 🟒 Good NE 10 mph 1 ft Low

Description: Marginal: A new north swell is peaking today, keeping surf active on exposed northern reefs. Clarity at Hapuna and Wai’alea is slightly hazy due to the wash. Protected pockets in Waikoloa remain the most stable for the morning window before trade energy picks up slightly.

Kona Coast Conditions 🟒

Location Rating Clarity Wind Speed Waves Currents
Honokohau Rock 8.0 🟒 Excellent Variable <5 mph 1-2 ft Light
White Sands Beach 6.5 🟑 Fair Variable <5 mph 2-3 ft Surge Moderate
Kahalu’u Beach Park 7.5 🟒 Good Variable <5 mph 1-2 ft Light

Description: Solid: Kona remains glassy under light morning winds. Visibility is high at Kahalu’u and Honokohau early. A new small south swell is filling in today, which may increase surge energy slightly by the afternoon. Note: High Bacteria Count Notification at Kahalu’u was canceled as of late April, making it safe for entry.

South Kona Conditions 🟒

Location Rating Clarity Wind Speed Waves Currents
Kealakekua Bay 9.0 🟒 Excellent Variable <5 mph < 1 ft Low
Pu’uhonua O Honaunau 9.0 🟒 Excellent Variable <5 mph 1 ft Surge Low
Ho’okena Beach Park 8.5 🟒 Excellent Variable <5 mph 1 ft Light

Description: Premier Region: South Kona is the island standout today. Sheltered from the peaking north swell, conditions at Two-Step and Captain Cook are world-class with negligible energy. Expect exceptional visibility throughout the morning window.

KEY LEGEND

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

BEST TIME TO GO: Early Morning window (before 11:00 AM). Tide: Low 0.2 ft at 6:11 AM in Kona; 0.2 ft at 5:34 AM in Hilo Bay. Next High at 12:27 PM in Kona.

MARINE ADVISORIES: Brown Water Advisory continues for Hilo Bay, the Hamakua Coast, and the Ninole area. NW/N Swell: Peaking today; watch for increased energy on north-facing reefs. New South Swell: Long-period pulse filling in today; watch for building surge energy at southern exposures by late afternoon.

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