Maui Snorkel Conditions
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Wednesday, June 17, 2026
North West Maui Conditions π’
| Location | Rating | Visibility | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honolua Bay | 8.0 π’ | Good | E 5-10 mph | 0-2 ft Flat | Low |
| Slaughterhouse Beach | 8.5 π’ | Good | E 5-10 mph | 0-2 ft Flat | Low |
| Kapalua Bay | 6.5 π’ | Good | E 5-10 mph | 0-1 ft Flat | Low |
| Napili Bay | 4.0 π‘ | Fair/Surge | E 5-10 mph | 1.2 ft | Low |
Description: Northwest bays have returned to better status today as yesterday’s muddy valley discharge has completely cleared out. With the high mountain watersheds dry and streams running clear, the brown water lines at Honolua have diminished, leaving pristine, glassy surfaces. Gentle easterly trade winds at 5β10 mph keep the nearshore water columns calm, providing excellent morning visibility across the entire region. Napili Bay is still receiving some surge action.
Kaanapali Conditions π‘
| Location | Rating | Visibility | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Beach | 6.5 π’ | Fair/Good | E 5-10 mph | 1-3 ft Light Wrap | Light |
| Black Rock | 4.0 π‘ | Fair/Poor | E 5-10 mph | 3-5 ft Wrap | Moderate |
Description: Marginal: The massive southern swell has fallen significantly below warning levels this morning, though a lingering 3β5 ft wrap continues to sweep around the point at Black Rock. Underwater sand churning is settling down, leaving the water columns fair but still holding light suspended particulates. Airport Beach sits protected, showing clean surfaces and good visibility.
Lahaina Conditions π’
| Location | Rating | Visibility | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Beach Lahaina | 8.0 π’ | Good | Variable < 5 mph | 1 ft Inside | Low |
| Olowalu | 4.5 π‘ | Fair | Variable < 5 mph | 3-4 ft Wrap | Light Surge |
Description: Leeward shorelines have smoothed out beautifully under highly gentle, variable breezes under 5 mph. Baby Beach remains protected inside its shallow stone breakwater, keeping the wading zone calm and exceptionally safe. Olowalu reef flats have quieted down down to a minor 2β4 ft wrap, dropping the heavy multi-day seafloor churn and allowing clarity to rebound back to fair ranges.
South Maui Conditions π‘
| Location | Rating | Visibility | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlie Young | 5.5 π‘ | Fair | E 5-10 mph | 6-8 ft Breakers | Moderate Lateral |
| Kamaole 1, 2 & 3 | 5.0 π‘ | Fair/Hazy | E 5-10 mph | 6-8 ft Breakers | Moderate Surge |
| Ulua Beach | 5.0 π‘ | Fair | E 5-10 mph | 6-8 ft Breakers | Moderate |
| Makena Landing | 4.0 π‘ | Hazy | E 5-10 mph | 6-8 ft Surge | Moderate-Strong |
| Maluaka Beach | 4.0 π‘ | Hazy | E 5-10 mph | 6-8 ft Surge | Moderate-Strong |
| Ahihi Bay | 4.0 π‘ | Hazy/Poor | E 5-10 mph | 6-8 ft Active Wave | Strong Surge |
Description: Marginal: The southwest swell has significantly fallen out of warning ranges, but a firm, lingering 2-4 ft breaker line continues across exposed South Maui beaches. Subsurface surge remains highly active, holding fine beach sand suspended in the water columns and keeping visibility restricted to fair and hazy. While far more manageable than previous days, caution and awareness are required for entries around Makena and Ahihi reef corridors.
KEY LEGEND
- π’ (7.0-10.0) Good: 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 turbid conditions. Avoid.
BEST TIME TO GO: Mid-morning window (9:30 AM to 1:00 PM) targeting the beautifully clear, calm platforms of North West Maui (Kapalua, Slaughterhouse, or Honolua). South Maui is recovering nicely but remains hazy due to the multi-day churn. Always spend a few minutes (5-10) in snorkel meditation watching the conditions.
MARINE ADVISORIES: A High Surf Advisory remains in effect for all south-facing shores today. Breaking wave heights have backed down below warning criteria but stay elevated at 6 to 8 feet through this evening before fading out. Note that a secondary, moderate long-period south-southwest swell is expected to fill in late tonight through Thursday morning, which could bump southern breakers back up near advisory lines tomorrow. Mild trade winds hold out of the east at 5β10 mph, keeping windward corridors quiet.
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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