Oahu Snorkel Conditions
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Thursday, July 16, 2026
North Shore Conditions π’
| Location | Rating | Visibility | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark’s Cove | 8.0 π’ | Good | E 9 mph | 1-2 ft Minor Ripple | Low |
| Three Tables | 8.0 π’ | Good | E 9 mph | 1-2 ft Minor Ripple | Low |
Description: Great morning conditions across the North Shore beaches. Offshore winds are keeping nearshore waters flat, leaving the sand settled on the bottom for clear viewing inside the rocky ledge areas.
South Oahu Conditions π’
| Location | Rating | Visibility | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanauma Bay | 7.0 π’ | Good/Fair | E 9 mph | 1-2 ft Easing Surge | Light-Moderate Rip |
| Waikiki MLCD | 7.0 π’ | Good/Fair | E 9 mph | 1-2 ft Easing Surge | Light Longshore |
| San Souci | 6.5π‘ | Fair/Good | E 9 mph | 2-3 ft Easing Surf | Moderate Outflow Rip |
Description: Marginal: Open ocean wave activity has dropped off today. The water is calm and the lingering underwater sand haze is clearing up. Entry areas are mostly quiet and recovering well.
Leeward (West) Oahu Conditions π‘
| Location | Rating | Visibility | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ko Olina Coves | 7.5 π’ | Good/Fair | E 9 mph | 1 ft Flat Inside | Low Inside |
| Electric Beach | 6.0 π‘ | Fair | E 9 mph | 1-2 ft Swell Wrap | Moderate Surge |
| Makaha Beach Park | 6.0 π‘ | Fair | E 9 mph | 1-2 ft Swell Wrap | Moderate |
Description: Marginal: Some light wave energy is wrapping around the western side of the island. Open areas like Electric Beach have a small surge, while the protected rock pools at Ko Olina remain flat and calm.
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: Go in the morning (9:00 AM to 12:30 PM) to catch flat water before afternoon trade winds create surface chop. South and west shores are cleaner today with the drop in wave action.
MARINE ADVISORIES: Light trade winds are keeping east shores mostly calm with waves around 1 to 2 feet. Waves on the south side are manageable today, but a new south swell is expected late Friday to bring wave heights back up for the weekend. Afternoon high tides may cause minor coastal wash on low-lying paths.
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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