Oahu Snorkel Conditions Report
Help with finding the best conditions for snorkeling on Oahu today. Reserve your gearOahu Snorkel Conditions Report:
Thursday, April 23, 2026
South Oahu Conditions π’
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanauma Bay | 6.0 π‘ | 25β35 ft | NE 10-15 mph | 1 ft | Moderate |
| Waikiki MLCD | 5.0 π‘ | 20 ft | NE 10-15 mph | 1β2 ft | Light |
| San Souci | 5.0 π‘ | 20 ft | NE 10-15 mph | 1β2 ft | Light |
| Waikiki Beach | 4.0 π΄ | 10 ft | NE 10-15 mph | 1β2 ft | Light |
Description: Marginal to Good Visibility. South-facing shores remain the most stable region for snorkeling today with minimal surf heights. Clarity is improving but still hazy in some pockets due to residual sediment suspension.
Leeward (West) Oahu Conditions π‘
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ko Olina Coves | 6.0 π‘ | 30 ft | NE 10-15 mph | 1β2 ft Surge | Light |
| Electric Beach | 3.0 π΄ | 10β15 ft | NE 10-15 mph | 2β4 ft Surge | Strong |
| Papaoneone Beach | 3.0 π΄ | 10 ft | NE 10-15 mph | 2β4 ft | Moderate |
| Makaha Beach Park | 2.0 π΄ | 5 ft | NE 10-15 mph | 2β4 ft | Strong |
Description: Marginal to Poor. Swell energy from the north is wrapping into west-facing shores, creating a notable surge at more exposed locations. Clarity remains significantly lower toward Makaha due to wave energy stirring up fine sand and sediment.
East (Windward) Conditions π΄
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makai Research Pier | 5.0 π‘ | 15β20 ft | NE 10-20 mph | 2β4 ft | Moderate |
| Lanikai Beach | 4.0 π΄ | 10β15 ft | NE 10-20 mph | 1β3 ft | Moderate |
Description: Marginal & Choppy. Rising trade winds are creating a messy surface chop across the windward side, significantly reducing underwater visibility. Entry is manageable at Lanikai, but the water is increasingly hazy due to onshore wind energy.
North Shore Conditions π΄
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Malaekahana Bay | 3.0 π΄ | 10β15 ft | NE 10-15 mph | 3β5 ft | Moderate |
| Turtle Bay | 3.0 π΄ | 10β15 ft | NE 10-15 mph | 3β5 ft | Moderate |
| Shark’s Cove | 2.0 π΄ | 5β10 ft | NE 10-15 mph | 3β5 ft Surge | Strong |
| Three Tables | 2.0 π΄ | 5β10 ft | NE 10-15 mph | 3β5 ft Surge | Strong |
Description: Poor to Marginal. A moderate size northwest swell peaked yesterday and is now slowly declining, but arriving north-northeast swell energy is keeping the water stirred. Surge is significant at Shark’s Cove, making entry hazardous for beginners.
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. Avoid.
BEST TIME TO GO: Early Morning (Before 9:30 AM).
MARINE ADVISORIES: A High Surf Advisory is currently in effect for East Shores. Small Craft Advisory for channels. Brown Water Advisory: Avoid water that appears brown or murky after recent flooding.
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!
