Wednesday, May 13, 2026
North Kohala Conditions 🟡
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hapuna Beach | 5.5 🟡 | Fair/Hazy | NE 10-15 mph | 2-4 ft | Moderate |
| Wai’alea Bay (69) | 6.0 🟡 | Fair | NE 10-15 mph | 1-2 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 small, long-period NW swell is arriving this afternoon, keeping exposed North Kohala reefs slightly active. Clarity is currently fair but may degrade as surge builds. Protected pockets at Waikoloa remain the most stable for the morning window before trade energy increases.
Kona Coast Conditions 🟢
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honokohau Rock | 8.0 🟢 | Excellent | Variable <5 mph | 2-3 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 semi-glassy this morning with light winds. A fading long-period south swell (1.6 ft @ 15s) is maintaining high clarity but watch for a slight building surge by the afternoon. Visibility is high—entry is clean for the early morning window before sea breezes develop.
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 building NW swells, conditions at Two-Step and Captain Cook are world-class. Expect exceptional visibility throughout the morning window with negligible surge energy.
KEY LEGEND
- 🟢 (7.0-10.0) Good/Excellent: Safe, clear water, low surge.
- 🟡 (4.0-6.5) Marginal: Fair visibility, light surge. Use caution.
- 🔴 (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: High 1.9 ft at 1:48 PM in Kona; 1.8 ft at 12:01 AM in Hilo Bay. Next Low tide window at 6:54 AM for Oahu (local reference).
MARINE ADVISORIES: Brown Water Advisory continues for Hilo Bay, the Hamakua Coast, and the Ninole area. NW Swell: Long-period pulse arrives late today and peaks Thursday; watch for increased energy on north-facing reefs. South Swell: Small long-period pulse fading through the week.
Ocean conditions can change rapidly. Watch the surf, waves, currents and surge on the shoreline, rocks and reefs. Always spend 5-10 minutes in snorkel meditation watching the conditions. Savor the moment. If the water doesn’t look clear, calm and inviting, don’t go in!
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