Saturday, October 17, 2026
North Kohala Conditions π‘
| Location | Rating | Visibility | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hapuna Beach | 7.5 π’ | GoodAM / Shorebreak Surge & Sand Turbidity | ENE 10-15 mph Trades | 3-5 ft Easing NNW Swell Wrap | Moderate Longshore Drift |
| Wai’alea Bay (69) (CLOSED) | 7.5 π’ | Good AM / Outer Reef Surge | ENE 10-15 mph Trades | 3-5 ft Easing NNW Swell Wrap | Moderate Cove Surge |
| Makaiwa Bay | 7.5 π’ | Good AM / Ledge Surge & Sand Haze | ENE 10-15 mph Trades | 3-5 ft Easing NNW Swell Wrap | Moderate Ledge Drift |
| Anaeho’omalu Bay | 7.5 π’ | Good AM / Light Lagoon Murkiness | ENE 10-15 mph Trades | 1-2 ft NNW Swell Wrap Inside | Low Lagoon Drift |
Description: North Kohala experiences a gradual easing trend from yesterday’s north-northwest swell pulse, with wrapping set wave action sitting around 3-5 ft today. Moderate easterly trade winds (10-15 mph) keep surface water smooth offshore, though lingering set wave action maintains light shorebreak surge and suspended sand haze across Hapuna, Wai’alea Bay, and Makaiwa.
Kona Coast Conditions π‘
| Location | Rating | Visibility | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honokohau Rock | 6.5 π‘ | Fair AM / Ledge Surge & Sand Turbidity | Variable < 5 mph AM / SW 5 PM | 3-5 ft Easing South Swell | Moderate Ledge Drift |
| White Sands Beach | 6.0 π‘ | Fair AM / Shorebreak Backwash & Sand Haze | Variable < 5 mph AM / SW 5 PM | 3-5 ft Easing South Swell | Moderate Shorebreak Backwash |
| Kahalu’u Beach Park | 6.5 π‘ | Fair AM / Basin Surge & Outer Reef Break | Variable < 5 mph AM / SW 5 PM | 3-5 ft Easing South Swell | Moderate Basin Drift |
Description: The Kona Coast sees a gradual easing trend in southern swell energy today (3-5 ft) following yesterday’s peak. Gentle land breezes keep sea surfaces smooth near shore, but residual set wave action generates active shorebreak backwash, outer ledge surge, and suspended sand haze across open entries at Honokohau, White Sands, and Kahalu’u basin.
South Kona Conditions π’
| Location | Rating | Visibility | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kealakekua Bay | 8.0 π’ | Good AM / Glassy Deep Monument Wall | Variable < 5 mph AM | 1-2 ft Minor Inside Wrap / 3-5 ft Outer | Low Inside Wall Drift |
| Pu’uhonua O Honaunau | 6.5 π‘ | Fair AM / Lava Ledge Surge & Backwash | Variable < 5 mph AM | 3-5 ft Easing South Swell | Moderate Ledge Surge |
| Ho’okena Beach Park | 6.0 π‘ | Fair AM / Sand Entry Shorebreak Surge | Variable < 5 mph AM | 3-5 ft Easing South Swell | Moderate Shorebreak Surge |
Description: South Kona entries see a gradual drop in southern wave action today (3-5 ft). Exposed rock ledges at Two-Step (Honaunau) and beach entry zones at Ho’okena retain light surge and sand churn, holding conditions in the marginal range. Deeply protected Kealakekua Bay blocks the remaining swell energy along the inner monument wall, offering good water clarity and smooth swimming conditions.
KEY LEGEND
- π’ (7.0-10.0) Good: Safe, clear water, low surge.
- π‘ (4.0-6.5) Marginal: Fair visibility, light surge. Use caution.
- π΄ (0.0-3.5) Dangerous: High surf, strong currents, or turbid conditions. Avoid.
BEST TIME TO GO: Head out early during the morning window (7:30 AM to 10:30 AM) to sheltered Kealakekua Bay along the monument wall for clear water and minimal surge before afternoon sea breezes develop.
MARINE ADVISORIES: Both the long-period south swell (3-5 ft) and the north-northwest swell (3-5 ft wrap) are on a slow downward trend today. East trade winds remain steady at 10-15 mph across island channels..
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 Are there other snorkelers in the water? Savor the moment.Β If the water doesnβt look clear, calm and inviting, donβt go in!
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