Kauai Snorkel Conditions
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Friday, May 15, 2026
North Shore Conditions π΄
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ke’e Beach | 2.0 π΄ | Murky | ENE 15-20 mph | 4-5 ft | Strong |
| Haena State Park | 2.0 π΄ | Murky | ENE 15-20 mph | 4-5 ft | Strong |
| Hideaways | 2.5 π΄ | Poor | ENE 15-20 mph | 3-4 ft Surge | Moderate |
| Anini Beach | 5.5 π‘ | Fair/Hazy | ENE 15-20 mph | 1-2 ft Surge | Light |
Description: Hazardous/Poor: Marginal: A residual NNW swell (4 ft @ 12s) and building trade energy are keeping North Shore entries unsafe. STRICT WARNING: Brown Water Advisories remain in effect for the entire North Shore except Anini. Heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms are producing runoff that is keeping Hanalei and Haena murky. Anini is the only semi-viable option, though clarity is significantly reduced by wind chop and surge energy.
East Shore Conditions π΄
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lydgate Park | 2.5 π΄ | Murky | ENE 20-30 mph | 6 ft | Moderate |
Description: Avoid. Windward shores are handling fresh to locally strong trade winds and 6-foot east seas. Brown Water Advisory remains active from Lydgate to Wailua. Widespread heavy rain and scattered thunderstorms make this region unsuitable for any snorkeling activities today.
South Shore Conditions π‘
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poipu Beach Park | 5.5 π‘ | Fair/Hazy | ENE 15-20 mph | 2-4 ft Surge | Light |
| Beach House | 5.0 π‘ | Fair/Hazy | ENE 15-20 mph | 2-4 ft Surge | Light |
Description: Marginal: Small, medium-period south swell energy is maintaining active surge energy. While trades are blowing side-offshore, heavy runoff from thunderstorms and building wind chop are keeping visibility in the “fair” range. Morning is best to take advantage of the low tide window before storms potentially freshen.
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, or water quality alerts. Avoid.
BEST TIME TO GO: Early morning window (before 10:00 AM) to take advantage of the low tide and beat building thunderstorms. Tide: Low -0.4 ft at 6:31 AM (Hanalei); Low -0.4 ft at 7:53 AM (Nawiliwili). High tide 2.3 ft at 2:23 PM.
MARINE ADVISORIES: Island-wide Brown Water Advisory remains in effect. Heavy Rain & Thunderstorm Alert: Widespread heavy rainfall and isolated thunderstorms across nearshore waters today. NNW Swell: 4-5 ft waves peaking this afternoon. High UV Index: Extreme levels between storms; use reef-safe sun protection.
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!
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