Big Island Snorkel Conditions Report:
Thursday, April 23, 2026
North & South Kohala (North) Conditions π‘
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hapuna Beach | 6.0 π‘ | Hazy | NE 10-15 mph | 2-4 ft | Moderate |
| Wai’alea Bay (69) | 6.5 π‘ | Fair | NE 10 mph | 1-2 ft | Light |
| Makaiwa Bay | 7.0 π’ | Good | NE 5-10 mph | 1 ft | Low |
| Anaeho’omalu Bay | 6.5 π‘ | Fair | NE 10 mph | 1 ft | Low |
Description: A moderate NNE swell is gradually declining but still impacting northern exposures with advisory-level surf at times. Hapuna is seeing sand suspension and active shorebreak, while Makaiwa remains the most sheltered and clear option in the region today.
Kona Coast (Central) Conditions π’
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kekaha Kai (Kua) | 6.5 π‘ | Fair | W 5 mph | 2-3 ft | Moderate |
| Honokohau Rock | 7.5 π’ | Good | W 5 mph | 1-2 ft | Light |
| White Sands Beach | 6.0 π‘ | Hazy | W 5-10 mph | 2-3 ft | Moderate |
| Kahalu’u Beach Park | 7.5 π’ | Good | W 5 mph | 1-2 ft | Light |
Description: The Kona coast is currently shielded from the brunt of the north energy. Kahalu’u is clear with manageable surge, though light afternoon sea breezes may create minor surface chop and haze later in the day.
South Kona Conditions π’
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kealakekua Bay | 9.0 π’ | Excellent | W 5 mph | 0-1 ft | Low |
| Pu’uhonua O Honaunau | 8.5 π’ | Excellent | W 5 mph | 0-1 ft | Low |
| Ho’okena Beach Park | 8.0 π’ | Good | W 5 mph | 1 ft | Light |
Description: South Kona remains the island’s standout snorkeling region today. Shielded bays like Kealakekua and Honaunau are glassy with high visibility, providing ideal conditions for all experience levels as the tide begins to recede.
KEY LEGEND
- π’ (7.0-10.0) Good/Excellent: 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. Avoid.
BEST TIME TO GO: Early Morning (Before 10:30 AM).
MARINE ADVISORIES: High Surf Advisory in effect for all east-facing shores until 6:00 PM today. Exercise extreme caution near north-facing points where residual swell remains active.
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 doesnβt look clear, calm and inviting, donβt go in!
