Maui Snorkel Conditions Report
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Saturday, March 14, 2026
Ocean conditions remain extremely hazardous today as a powerful Kona storm continues to impact the islands. A Gale Warning, Flash Flood Warning, and Special Marine Warning are all currently in effect for Maui County. Strong southwest winds (gales) are generating large, rough, and choppy surf across south and west-facing shores, while thunderstorms and heavy rain make any water entry life-threatening.
| Region | Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind | Surf | Currents | UV Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| North West | Honolua Bay | 🔴 1.0 | Murky | SW 25-35 mph | 4-6 ft | Extreme | 2 |
| Slaughterhouse | 🔴 1.0 | Murky | SW 25-35 mph | 4-6 ft | Extreme | 2 | |
| Kapalua Bay | 🔴 2.0 | Poor | SW 20-30 mph | 2-3 ft Surge | Strong | 2 | |
| Napili Bay | 🔴 2.0 | Poor | SW 20-30 mph | 2-3 ft Surge | Strong | 2 | |
| Kaanapali | Airport Beach | 🔴 2.0 | Poor | SW 25-35 mph | 2-4 ft Chop | Strong | 2 |
| Black Rock | 🔴 1.0 | Poor | SW 25-35 mph | 6-8 ft Surge | Extreme* | 2 | |
| Lahaina | Baby Beach (L) | 🔴 2.5 | Poor | SW 20-30 mph | 1-2 ft Chop | Moderate | 2 |
| Olowalu | 🔴 1.5 | Murky | SW 20-30 mph | 3-5 ft | Extreme | 2 | |
| South Maui | Charlie Youngs | 🔴 1.0 | Poor | SW 30-40 mph | 8-12 ft | Extreme | 3 |
| Kamaole 1, 2, 3 | 🔴 1.0 | Poor | SW 30-40 mph | 8-12 ft | Extreme | 3 | |
| Ulua / Mokapu | 🔴 1.0 | Poor | SW 30-40 mph | 8-12 ft | Extreme | 3 | |
| Makena Landing | 🔴 1.0 | Poor | SW 25-40 mph | 6-10 ft | Extreme | 3 | |
| Maluaka Beach | 🔴 1.0 | Poor | SW 25-40 mph | 6-10 ft | Extreme | 3 | |
| Ahihi Bay | 🔴 1.0 | Poor | SW 25-35 mph | 4-6 ft Surge | Extreme | 3 |
Key Legend
- 🟢 (8–10) Good/Excellent: Safe conditions, clear water, and calm surface.
- 🟡 (4–7) Marginal: Low visibility, surface chop, or surge. Use extreme caution.
- 🔴 (1–3) Dangerous: Severe storm activity, high surf, and extreme currents. DO NOT ENTER.
Regional Descriptions & Advisories
- North West & Kaanapali: Usually sheltered, these areas are currently facing “onshore” gale-force winds. Black Rock is seeing massive surge and wrap-around currents; stay far away from the point.
- Lahaina/Olowalu: Direct southwest winds are turning the coastline into a messy, turbid area with dangerous shorebreak.
- South Maui: This is the most dangerous zone. 8-12 foot surf is pounding the Kihei and Wailea coastlines. Gale-force winds and life-threatening currents make ocean entry impossible.
- Marine Advisories:
- Gale Warning: In effect for all Maui County waters through Sunday morning. Winds 30-40 knots with gusts up to 60 mph.
- High Surf Advisory: Active for south-facing shores.
- Special Marine Warning: Thunderstorms capable of producing waterspouts and sudden wind gusts over 50 knots are occurring.
- Flash Flood Warning: Active for Maui and Molokai. Stay away from stream mouths as flooding is occurring.
Best Time to Go: ABSOLUTELY NOT RECOMMENDED. There is no safe time for snorkeling today. Conditions are life-threatening. Please stay inland and follow all local emergency directives.
Ocean conditions can change rapidly. Watch the surf, waves, currents and surge on the shoreline, rocks and reefs. Always spend a few minutes (5-10) in snorkel meditation watching the conditions. Savor the moment. If the water doesn’t look clear, calm and inviting, don’t go in!
