Oahu Snorkel Conditions
Help finding the best conditions for snorkeling on Oahu today. Reserve your gearThursday, June 4, 2026
South Oahu Conditions π΄
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanauma Bay | 3.0 π΄ | Poor | E 15-20 mph | 5-7 ft Surge | Strong Seaward |
| Waikiki MLCD | 2.0 π΄ | Murky | E 15-20 mph | 7-10 ft Surf | Strong Rips |
| San Souci | 2.0 π΄ | Murky | E 15-20 mph | 6-8 ft Surf | Strong Lateral |
Description: High Surf Advisory Holding / Avoid: The massive south-southwest groundswell train is showing an exceptionally slow, stubborn easing pattern today. Long-period energy continues to hammer the nearshore reef architecture with 7-10 ft surf faces outside. Marginal: Strong easterly trade lines tracking at 15-20 mph groom the immediate shoreward layers offshore but introduce a hefty top-water texture further out. Bottom sand beds across Waikiki remain entirely scoured and suspended, turning viewlines murky and driving dangerous rip channels out through the reef keyholes.
Leeward (West) Oahu Conditions π‘
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ko Olina Coves | 6.0 π‘ | Fair/Hazy | E 15-20 mph | 2-3 ft Wrap Surge | Light Inside |
| Electric Beach | 3.5 π΄ | Poor | E 15-20 mph | 3-5 ft Wrap Surf | Moderate |
| Makaha Beach Park | 3.5 π΄ | Poor | E 15-20 mph | 3-5 ft Surge | Strong |
Description: Heavy Refracted Wrap: Significant deep-water energy is breaking past the island’s southern corners and angling straight into the leeward shelf boundaries. Ko Olina’s stone breakwaters intercept the core breakers to maintain calm swimming coves, but internal columns carry a thick sand haze. Marginal: Completely open coast lines at Electric Beach and Makaha are absorbing 3-5 ft wrapped shoreline surf, triggering substantial shore-wash and hazardous outward pull vectors. Restrict open water leeward entry.
North Shore Conditions π‘
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark’s Cove | 6.5 π‘ | Fair/Good | E 15 mph | 2-4 ft Trend | Moderate |
| Three Tables | 6.0 π‘ | Fair | E 15 mph | 2-4 ft Trend | Moderate |
Description: Marginal: The northerly horizons are shifting today as a brand-new, medium-period north groundswell begins tracking onto the reef plates, lifting surf heights up to an unseasonable 2-4 ft format. While brisk easterly trades blow cleanly offshore to groom the inner beach line, this new northern pulse is actively scrubbing the lava shelves and stirring up sand layers. Visibility has dropped down to fair tiers across Shark’s Cove; line up entry steps carefully to counter the increasing surge.
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 turbid conditions. Avoid.
BEST TIME TO GO: Late afternoon window (4:00 PM to 6:00 PM) exclusively inside the protected interior bowls of Ko Olina or the early morning window down north before the new northern pulse crests fully. Time entries to coordinate with peak high tide metrics to secure essential depth buffers over shallow reef structures. Tides: Honolulu hits its daily absolute maximum high tide of 2.0 ft at 6:29 PM; Waianae reaches its peak high tide of 1.9 ft at 6:49 PM. Haleiwa hits 1.6 ft at 5:27 PM. Avoid the south side completely as major wave runup will advance onto dry beach tracks.
MARINE ADVISORIES: A High Surf Advisory remains strictly in effect for all south-facing shorelines of Oahu today. The powerful, long-period south-southwest groundswell continues to hold at advisory thresholds, stacking up 7-10 ft surf faces alongside dangerous rip currents across exposed town shelves. Significant wave runup issues remain active during late afternoon high tide tracks, causing seawater to sweep unexpectedly across dry sand pathways. Concurrently, a new medium-period north swell is filtering down north, creating a 2-4 ft uptick, while steady easterly trades run near 15 mph.
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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