Maui Snorkel Conditions
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Saturday, August 29, 2026
North West Maui Conditions π’
| Location | Rating | Visibility | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honolua Bay | 8.0 π’ | Good Outer Reef | E 15-20 mph Breezy | 0-1 ft Flat | Low |
| Slaughterhouse Beach | 8.0 π’ | Good | E 15-20 mph Breezy | 0-1 ft Flat | Low |
| Kapalua Bay | 8.5 π’ | Good Inside Coves | E 15-20 mph Breezy | 0-1 ft Flat Inside | Low Inside |
| Napili Bay | 7.0 π’ | Good AM | E 15-20 mph Breezy | 0-1 ft Flat Inside | Low |
Description: Northwest Maui remains shadowed and protected today, continuing as the island’s standout zone for clear, glassy snorkeling. Good visibility holds along outer reefs at Kapalua, Napili, Slaughterhouse, and Honolua Bay before afternoon trade breezes produce surface chop.
Kaanapali Conditions π’
| Location | Rating | Visibility | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Beach | 7.0 π’ | Good AM / Light Sand Haze | E 15-20 mph Breezy | 1-3 ft Declining South Swell Wrap | Light-Moderate Surge |
| Black Rock | 7.0 π’ | Good AM / Sandy Point Haze | E 15-20 mph Breezy | 1-3 ft Declining South Swell Wrap | Light-Moderate Point Current |
Description: Kaanapali conditions improve today as the south swell slowly declines, with wave wrap dropping down to 1-3 ft around Black Rock point. Strong offshore trade winds keep nearshore surface water flat, allowing underwater visibility along Airport Beach drop-offs and around Black Rock to clear compared to earlier in the week. Winds will produce wave chop in the P.M.
Lahaina Conditions π’
| Location | Rating | Visibility | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Beach Lahaina | 8.5 π’ | Good Inside Lagoon | Variable < 5 mph AM | 0-1 ft Protected | Low |
| Olowalu | 7.5 π’ | Good Outer Channel | Variable < 5 mph AM | 1-2 ft Outer Swell Wrap | Low-Moderate Surge |
Description: Baby Beach remains flat, glassy, and sheltered with its breakwater reef. At Olowalu, gentle early morning land breezes preserve smooth surface conditions across shallow flats, keeping deep outer channels clear before trade winds build afternoon chop.
South Maui Conditions π‘
| Location | Rating | Visibility | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlie Young | 6.5 π‘ | Fair AM / Light Sand Haze | ENE 15-20 mph Breezy | 2-4 ft Easing South Swell | Light-Moderate Surge |
| Kamaole 1, 2 & 3 | 6.5 π‘ | Fair Inside | ENE 15-20 mph Breezy | 2-4 ft Easing South Swell | Light-Moderate Surge |
| Ulua Beach | 6.5 π‘ | Fair AM | ENE 15-20 mph Breezy | 2-4 ft Easing South Swell | Light-Moderate Surge |
| Makena Landing | 6.0 π‘ | Fair AM / Ledge Surge | ENE 15-20 mph Breezy | 2-4 ft Easing South Swell | Moderate Surge |
| Maluaka Beach | 6.0 π‘ | Fair AM / Shorebreak Haze | ENE 15-20 mph Breezy | 2-4 ft Easing South Swell | Moderate Surge |
| Ahihi Bay Marine Preserve | 5.5 π‘ | Fair Outer / Light Ledge Wash | ENE 15-20 mph Breezy | 2-4 ft Light Ledge Wash | Light-Moderate Surge |
Description: Marginal: South Maui sees a gradual downward trend in surf today (2-4 ft) as the recent long-period south-southwest swell slowly fades. Early morning conditions offer improved clarity along Kihei and Wailea entries, though residual set pulses maintain light sand haze and moderate surge at Makena ledges before afternoon trade breezes build.
KEY LEGEND
- π’ (7.0-10.0) Good: Safe, clear water, low surge.
- π‘ Marginal: (4.0-6.5) Fair visibility, light surge. Use caution.
- π΄ (0.0-3.5) Dangerous: High surf, strong currents, or turbid conditions. Avoid.
BEST TIME TO GO: Head out early in the morning (7:30 AM to 10:30 AM) across Northwest Maui (Kapalua, Napili, Slaughterhouse, Honolua), Olowalu, or Baby Beach in Lahaina for optimal clarity and calm water before trade breezes increase afternoon chop.
MARINE ADVISORIES: Breezy easterly trade winds (15-20 knots) continue across coastal waters and channels today. A Small Craft Advisory remains in effect for Maalaea Bay and Pailolo Channel. The recent south-southwest swell continues a slow decline today (2-4 ft surf) before another similar south swell fills in mid-week. A small medium-period east swell from former Tropical Storm Iselle holds today along east-facing exposures. Always avoid swimming or snorkeling in brown water near stream or gulch outlets.
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 Are there other snorkelers in the water? Savor the moment.Β If the water doesnβt look clear, calm and inviting, donβt go in!
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