Oahu Snorkel Conditions
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Thursday, May 14, 2026
South Oahu Conditions π’
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hanauma Bay | 8.0 π’ | 35-45 ft | E 10-15 mph | 2-3 ft | Light |
| Waikiki MLCD | 7.5 π’ | 30-35 ft | E 10-15 mph | 2 ft | Light |
| San Souci | 7.0 π’ | 30 ft | E 10-15 mph | 2 ft | Light |
Description: Premier Region: Moderate easterly trades are providing clean, offshore conditions for South Oahu. The south swell is holding at a gentle 2-foot background level, maintaining exceptional clarity. Hanauma Bay remains the island’s best bet, especially during the morning low tide window before trade winds freshen slightly in the afternoon.
Leeward (West) Oahu Conditions π‘
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ko Olina Coves | 6.5 π‘ | 25 ft | E 10 mph | 1-2 ft Surge | Low |
| Electric Beach | 3.5 π΄ | Murky | E 10 mph | 3-4 ft Surge | Moderate |
| Makaha Beach Park | 3.0 π΄ | Poor | E 10 mph | 4-5 ft Surge | Strong |
Description: Hazardous/Poor: STRICT CAUTION: Brown Water Advisories remain active for Makua Beach and Haleiwa to Mokuleia. A peaking NW swell pulse is stirring up sediment and maintaining dangerous surge at exposed sites. Ko Olina coves are the only semi-viable option, though clarity is significantly reduced compared to the South Shore.
North Shore Conditions π΄
| Location | Rating | Clarity | Wind Speed | Waves | Currents |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shark’s Cove | 3.0 π΄ | Murky | E 15-20 mph | 4-6 ft Surge | Strong |
| Three Tables | 2.5 π΄ | Poor | E 15-20 mph | 4-6 ft Surge | Strong |
Description: Dangerous: A peaking long-period NW swell (4-6 ft) is creating high energy and unsafe surge conditions. WARNING: Brown Water Advisory remains for Haleiwa to Mokuleia. Visibility is poor island-wide for the North Shore. Entries are strongly discouraged until energy fades later this weekend.
KEY LEGEND
- π’ (7.0-10.0) Good/Excellent: Safe, clear water, low surge.
- π‘ (4.0-6.5) Marginal: Fair visibility, light to moderate surge. Use caution.
- π΄ (0.0-3.5) Dangerous: High surf, strong currents, or Brown Water Advisories. Avoid.
BEST TIME TO GO: Early Morning window (before 10:00 AM). Tide: Low -0.3 ft at 7:42 AM (Honolulu); High 2.1 ft at 2:52 PM.
MARINE ADVISORIES: Brown Water Advisories: Haleiwa to Mokuleia and Makua Beach remain in effect. NW Swell: Peaking today; expect surf to reach 5-7 feet on exposed North and West reefs. High UV Index: Extreme levels today; use reef-safe sun protection.
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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