Oahu Snorkel Conditions Report
Help with finding the best conditions for snorkeling on Oahu today. Reserve your gearOahu Snorkel Conditions Report:
Get a FREE Turtle Beach Bag when you reserve your gear online.
Friday, April 3, 2026.
South Oahu
Description: Marginal & Hazy. This region is physically the calmest today, but visibility remains below seasonal averages. Moderate trade winds (10β15 mph) are creating a light surface chop, which is mixing in lingering sediment from recent runoff.
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind | Waves | UV Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanauma Bay | π‘ 5/10 | 25 ft | NE 10β15 mph | 1 ft | 9 (Very High) |
| Waikiki MLCD | π΄ 3/10 | 15 ft | NE 15 mph | 1 ft | 9 (Very High) |
| San Souci | π΄ 3/10 | 10 ft | NE 15 mph | 1 ft | 9 (Very High) |
| Waikiki Beach | π΄ 2/10 | 5 ft | NE 15 mph | 1 ft | 9 (Very High) |
Leeward (West) Oahu
Description: Surgey & Murky. Small Northwest swell reinforcements are sustaining a noticeable surge at exposed sites. Brown Water Advisories are strictly in effect near river and stream mouths. Ko Olina coves offer the best relative protection, though clarity is still limited.
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind | Waves | UV Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ko Olina Coves | π‘ 4/10 | 15β20 ft | NE 10 mph | 2 ft Surge | 9 (Very High) |
| Electric Beach | π΄ 2/10 | 5β10 ft | NE 10 mph | 3 ft Surge | 9 (Very High) |
| Papaoneone Beach | π΄ 2/10 | 5 ft | NE 10 mph | 2β4 ft | 9 (Very High) |
| Makaha Beach Park | π΄ 1/10 | 0β5 ft | NE 10 mph | 2β4 ft | 9 (Very High) |
East (Windward) Oahu
Description: Choppy & Turbid. Moderate trade winds are blowing directly onshore, creating rough, messy surface conditions. Visibility is near zero due to wind-driven churn and lingering brown water runoff from the mountain ranges.
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind | Waves | UV Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makai Research Pier | π΄ 2/10 | 5β10 ft | NE 15 mph | 3β4 ft | 9 (Very High) |
| Lanikai Beach | π΄ 1/10 | 0β5 ft | NE 15 mph | 2β3 ft | 9 (Very High) |
North Shore Oahu
Description: Hazardous. While the large NNE swell is slowly fading (3β5 ft), a new small-to-medium Northwest swell is expected to arrive tonight. The water remains heavily silted from previous river runoff. Entry/exit at Shark’s Cove is currently dangerous and not recommended.
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind | Waves | UV Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malaekahana Bay | π΄ 1/10 | 0 ft | NE 15 mph | 4β6 ft | 9 (Very High) |
| Turtle Bay | π΄ 2/10 | 5 ft | NE 15 mph | 3β5 ft | 9 (Very High) |
| Sharkβs Cove | π΄ 1/10 | 0 ft | NE 15 mph | 4β6 ft Surge | 9 (Very High) |
| Three Tables | π΄ 1/10 | 0 ft | NE 15 mph | 4β6 ft Surge | 9 (Very High) |
Snorkel Rating Legend
| Symbol | Rating | Description |
|---|---|---|
| π’ | 8β10 | Good: Safe entry, high visibility, and calm surface. |
| π‘ | 4β7 | Fair: Moderate surge or runoff; visibility is limited. |
| π΄ | 1β3 | Hazardous: High surf, brown water, or zero visibility. Avoid. |
Marine Advisories
- Brown Water Advisory: Island-wide. Stay out of water that appears brown or murky to avoid bacteria, pesticides, and debris.
- Tide Alert: Low tide at Honolulu is 10:18 AM (-0.2 ft); High tide is 5:20 PM (1.7 ft).
Ocean conditions can change rapidly.Β 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.Β Savor the moment.Β If the water doesnβt look clear, calm and inviting, donβt go in!
