Kauai Snorkel Conditions
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Monday, May 11, 2026
North Shore Conditions π΄
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ke’e Beach | 3.0 π΄ | Poor | NE 10-15 mph | 4-6 ft | Strong |
| Haena State Park | 3.0 π΄ | Poor | NE 10-15 mph | 4-6 ft | Strong |
| Hideaways | 3.5 π΄ | Poor | NE 10-15 mph | 4-6 ft | Moderate |
| Anini Beach | 6.0 π‘ | Fair/Hazy | NE 10-15 mph | 1-2 ft Surge | Light |
Description: Hazardous/Poor: A new northerly swell is peaking today, keeping surf heights at 4-6 feet across exposed North Shore reefs. STRICT WARNING: Local safety officials have issued warnings against swimming at Hanalei and North Shore beaches due to heavy runoff and brown water conditions. Even sheltered Anini is seeing increased haze and surge energy today.
East Shore Conditions π΄
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lydgate Park | 3.0 π΄ | Murky | NE 10-15 mph | 3-5 ft | Moderate |
Description: Avoid. Windward shores are handling residual trade wind chop and visibility is near zero outside the pools. The island-wide Brown Water Advisory remains active, and runoff from morning showers is further degrading water quality in the Lydgate/Wailua area.
South Shore Conditions π‘
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poipu Beach Park | 5.5 π‘ | Fair/Hazy | NE 10-15 mph | 3-5 ft Surge | Light |
| Beach House | 5.0 π‘ | Fair/Hazy | NE 10-15 mph | 2-4 ft Surge | Light |
Description: Marginal: A new small, long-period south swell has arrived today, increasing surge energy at Poipu and Beach House. While trades are keeping the surface clean, the building surge is stirring up sediment across the reef. Morning is best before wind and surge energy peak together this afternoon.
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). Tide: Low 0.1 ft at 6:11 AM; High 1.0 ft at 12:40 PM (Nawiliwili). Hanalei Bay: Low 0.1 ft at 4:49 AM; High 1.1 ft at 11:39 AM.
MARINE ADVISORIES: Island-wide Brown Water Advisory remains in effect. North Shore Warning: Ocean Safety warns of heavy runoff and brown water for Hanalei and all north shores today. Peaking N Swell: 4-6 ft surf through tonight. New S Swell: Building pulse peaking today; expect increased surge energy at southern exposures.
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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Snorkel Safety & Health