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Maui snorkeling conditions


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Your Maui Snorkel Report email arrives around 8 AM Hawaii time each morning. Learn “How We Compile The Maui Snorkel Report” at this link. We can’t wait to see you in the shop—Mahalo!


Monday, March 18 2024


THE SKINNY

Snorkeling on Maui is starting to improve, with Ka’anapali having the calmest water today.

Northwest: 6.0

Inside of Kapalua Bay and the innermost area of Honolua Bay are looking really nice this morning. There are some waves around the points, and currents are very strong outside of these bays. There’s just a slight chance the waves may pick up sometime. Clouds should clear up, with winds likely remaining pretty strong.

Ka’anapali: 8.0

—> Because of ongoing relief efforts, please be extremely mindful in this zone.

Sunshine, light winds, and smaller waves are expected today! Both the south face of Black Rock and Kahekili Beach Park have excellent conditions. There are occasionally elevated waves in areas and strong currents in deeper water, like out near the rock tip. Winds could still get stronger this afternoon, affecting Kahekili.

South Shore: 6.5

Snorkeling conditions are improving. The Kamaole Beaches are the calmest. The waves are getting smaller, and while they’re not big, they are somewhat powerful in areas, with the biggest waves in the Makena area and the smallest in South Kihei. Sunny skies are expected. Winds will likely create rough seas this afternoon.


Sunday, March 17 2024


THE SKINNY

Maui, with its vibrant energy and endless beauty, welcomes us to another promising day.

Northwest: 5.5

Ocean conditions are pretty good inside of Kapalua Bay and the innermost area of Honolua Bay this morning. There are waves and very strong currents along the points and more open ocean-exposed beaches such as D.T. Fleming Beach Park. Be aware there’s an indication that the waves will get bigger and possibly very dangerous this afternoon. Mostly cloudy & very windy.

Ka’anapali: 7.0

—> Because of ongoing relief efforts, please be extremely mindful in this zone.

Beautiful beach day with mostly sunny skies expected. The best visibility is along the south face of Black Rock, although Kahekili Beach is looking really nice too. There are waves to avoid in some areas and strong currents in deeper water, especially out near the rock tip. Winds may affect Kahekili later today.

South Shore: 6.0

The south ends of the Kamaole Beaches have the smallest waves in the zone and the best chance for clear visibility. The waves may pick up here as well. Farther south, the waves are already powerful at times, especially in the Makena area. Increasing afternoon winds will probably create rough wind waves. Blue skies are expected.


Saturday, March 16 2024


THE SKINNY

Beautiful Maui beach day with sunshine and the waves are starting to get smaller.

Northwest: 4.0

Dangerous waves and powerful currents persist in some areas. However, the inside of Kapalua Bay is looking fairly calm so far, with very strong currents and waves only around the outer points. Waves are getting smaller but are still present in Napili Bay; they’re smallest on the north end of the bay. Mostly sunny, possibly scattered showers.

Ka’anapali: 7.0

—> Because of ongoing relief efforts, please be extremely mindful in this zone.

The south face of Black Rock and Kahekili Beach have really nice snorkeling conditions this morning. There are still occasionally powerful waves in certain areas, and currents are very strong out near the rock tip and farther out from shore. Winds may become too strong for Kahekili later. Sunshine is expected for most of the day.

South Shore: 6.0

While the waves are much smaller today, they are still just big enough to affect snorkeling in areas. Mile Marker 14 is the calmest this morning. The south ends of the Kamaole Beaches and Makena Landing also have potential for some clear visibility. Blue skies and increasing afternoon winds expected.


Friday, March 15 2024


THE SKINNY

Happy Aloha Friday on Maui! The surf has picked up throughout the island. Morning rain should start to clear up this afternoon.

Northwest: 0.0

Extremely Dangerous Ocean Conditions! Powerful waves, currents, and undertow. Waves will keep getting bigger. It is highly recommended to stay out of the water here today. Lots of rain this morning with showers expected throughout the day. Strong northerly wind adds to the rough seas.

Ka’anapali: 5.0

—> Because of ongoing relief efforts, please be extremely mindful in this zone.

Morning rain showers should ease by this afternoon with possible sunshine. Ocean conditions are hazardous due to waves and breezy winds. The south face of Black Rock has an area with calmer water, but there are very strong currents near the rock tip. It could improve, but the waves will likely get bigger.

South Shore: 3.5

The waves have picked up and are expected to keep getting bigger. The Kamaole beaches have the smallest waves this morning, but visibility is not looking too good. Mostly cloudy, it could clear up, but there’s a higher chance of scattered showers later this afternoon.


Thursday, March 14 2024


THE SKINNY

Snorkeling across Maui is best this morning as waves and winds are expected to increase this afternoon. Scattered showers are possible, which will create beautiful rainbows today!

Northwest: 3.0

Early this morning, conditions are still calm and nice inside Kapalua Bay. A huge northwest swell is on the way, and ocean conditions will quickly become EXTREMELY DANGEROUS when it arrives, likely by this afternoon. Winds out of the north. Cloudy with a good chance of scattered showers.

Ka’anapali: 6.5

—> Because of ongoing relief efforts, please be extremely mindful in this zone.

Snorkeling conditions along Kahekili are good, despite some surface disturbance from the wind. Black Rock’s south face offers wind protection, but strong currents near the tip. Elevated waves along the shoreline likely getting bigger this afternoon. Mostly sunny with possible scattered showers.

South Shore: 6.0

The Kamaole Beaches have the smallest waves this morning, although winds are already starting to pick up. Makena Landing offers good wind protection, but waves are increasing in that area. Waves will likely become powerful everywhere this afternoon. Increasing clouds may bring scattered showers.


Wednesday, March 13 2024


THE SKINNY

Ka’anapali Zone is looking pretty nice for snorkeling today. Kahekili Beach, Kapalua Bay, and Makena Landing appear to be the top spots throughout the zones with all day sunshine expected.

Northwest: 6.5

Inside Kapalua Bay and Honolua Bay offer the most calm water with good snorkeling. Napili Bay is experiencing elevated waves and the outer parts of Honolua are as well. The Northwest Zone is expecting sunny skies and wonderful beach conditions.

Ka’anapali: 8.0

—> Because of ongoing relief efforts, please be extremely mindful in this zone.

Kahekili Beach Park is hosting the most calm waters in the zone. Strong shore breaks can be found across Ka’anapali Beach but a small pocket of calm is on the south face of Black Rock. Sunny skies are expected in the Ka’anapali Zone with little to no wind.

South Shore: 6.0

Ulua Beach and Makena Landing should remain nice in the AM with elevated waves further north in the zone. Charley Zone is experiencing a prominent shorebreak. Mostly sunny skies are set to shine over the South Shore today. Winds should pick up slightly in the afternoon.


Tuesday, March 12 2024


THE SKINNY

Sunshine is expected to prevail over Maui by this afternoon. Lighter winds are also expected today!

Northwest: 3.0

Hazardous conditions with powerful waves and currents. The inside of Kapalua Bay has an area of fairly calm water with the exception of waves and very strong currents around the points on either side of the bay. Waves will likely become dangerous here too later. Mostly sunny and very windy.

Ka’anapali: 7.0

—> Because of ongoing relief efforts, please be extremely mindful in this zone.

Beautiful beach day with light winds and sunshine expected. They are not huge but the waves have picked up. The strongest shore-breaking waves are south of Black Rock. The smallest waves and best snorkeling are along Kahekili Beach Park. Still, be extra cautious to avoid any waves.

South Shore: 6.5

Conditions are good despite a south swell that has brought elevated waves. Kamaole Beaches 2 and 3, Wailea Beach, and even Makena Landing are all nice. Take care to thoughtfully avoid waves, and be aware that the waves may get bigger later. Some clouds mixing with sunshine. Winds should remain fairly calm.


Monday, March 11 2024


THE SKINNY

Clouds over Maui this morning should clear up this afternoon. Kaanapali and parts of the South Shore have excellent snorkeling today.

Northwest: 4.5

The waves are smaller but are still present, and currents are strong along the points & more exposed beaches. It’s fairly calm inside of Kapalua Bay. The waves in Honolua Bay are pretty small but are breaking over most of the reef on the right side and will likely pick back up. Winds are very strong. Mostly cloudy with scattered showers.

Ka’anapali: 7.5

—> Because of ongoing relief efforts, please be extremely mindful in this zone.

Ocean conditions are nice and calm along Kahekili Beach Park and the south face of Black Rock. There are elevated waves at times. As usual, currents become very strong out along the rock tip and in deeper water. It looks like the winds will stay favorable for snorkeling. Cloudy, but it will probably clear up a bit.

South Shore: 7.0

Conditions are looking good this morning at most beaches. The waves are expected to start to pick up today. Kamaole Beaches 1, 2, and 3 are nice and calm. Makena Landing is also a good call. Currents will increase as the waves rise. Lots of clouds cover, but it could clear up this afternoon.


Sunday, March 10 2024


THE SKINNY

Maui’s South Shore has calm winds and water this morning. Ka’anapali also has areas of calm water, while the Northwest is stormy with rough seas and waves.

Northwest: 2.5

Dangerous conditions with waves and winds that are causing rough seas, strong currents, and undertow. The innermost area of Kapalua Bay offers some calm water, although currents are strong and waves are breaking on both outer points. Scattered showers and clouds may clear up this afternoon.

Ka’anapali: 6.5

—> Because of ongoing relief efforts, please be extremely mindful in this zone.

The south face of Black Rock offers really good wind protection and clear water. Keep in mind that currents become dangerously strong out near and beyond the rock tip. Kahekili Beach Park is looking nice this morning as well, but currents are strong in deeper water and it may become too windy. Partly sunny and windy.

South Shore: 7.5

Calm winds and small waves this morning are making for great snorkeling along the Kamaole Beaches, Ulua Beach, Makena Landing, and most spots in between. The winds and waves may pick up this afternoon, creating choppy conditions and kicking up sand. Clouds are starting to clear up, and sunshine is expected.


Saturday, March 9 2024


THE SKINNY

Snorkeling on Maui is really nice this morning in Ka’anapali and along the South Shore Zones. A Wind Advisory has been issued as winds are forecast to gust up to 50 mph in areas.

Northwest: 4.5

The conditions inside Kapalua Bay looking favorable this morning. However, the winds and waves are expected to pick up and may become too dangerous due to powerful waves, currents, and undertow. Cloudy skies with strong winds that will intensify, further adding to the strength of the currents.

Ka’anapali: 7.5

—> Because of ongoing relief efforts, please be extremely mindful in this zone.

Beautiful snorkeling conditions this morning along Kahekili Beach and Black Rock. Winds could strengthen significantly later in the day, likely affecting Kahekili, but the south face of Black Rock should remain calm throughout. However, currents will become hazardous in deeper water and beyond the rock tip. Mostly cloudy skies should clear up sometime.

South Shore: 8.0

Snorkeling conditions are fantastic again this morning. Winds are forecasted to become strong this afternoon, but we’ll see. The Kamaole beaches, Ulua Beach, and Makena Landing are particularly nice. Keep an eye out and avoid any waves as they have increased a bit. Expect sunshine mixing with clouds.


Friday, March 8 2024


THE SKINNY

Happy Aloha Friday and International Women’s Day from Maui! Let’s honor the achievements, resilience, and strength of women globally, while continuing to advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Northwest: 4.5

While there’s a chance of clearing, currently, it’s raining and expected to persist throughout the day, accompanied by strong winds. Despite this, the innermost area of Kapalua Bay maintains relative calmness. Water visibility remains clear, although the stream at Honolua is flowing into the ocean. Rough seas and very strong currents are present outside the bays.

Ka’anapali: 7.5

—> Because of ongoing relief efforts, please be extremely mindful in this zone.

This morning, small waves and clear visibility are along Black Rock and Kahekili. Strong winds are generating powerful currents farther out from shore. The south face of Black Rock offers a beautiful area of calm water, despite currents out near the rock tip. Kahekili may become too rough at some point. Sunshine mixes with clouds as winds increase.

South Shore: 8.0

Fantastic snorkeling conditions this morning! All three Kamaole Beaches, Ulua Beach, Makena Landing, and spots in between are exceptionally inviting. While winds are currently calm, they may pick up this afternoon, potentially making the seas too rough. Expect mostly sunny skies throughout the day, though clouds may move in later.


Thursday, March 7 2024


THE SKINNY

Maui’s South Shore Zone has the most excellent snorkeling conditions this morning. Strong winds throughout Maui are causing rough seas in areas.

Northwest: 5.0

The more wind-protected innermost areas of Kapalua Bay and Honolua Bay are looking nice with clear visibility and a smooth surface. Currents are very dangerous outside of the bays, around the points, and farther out from shore. There’s a fine line where seas become hazardous. It may become too rough in these bays as well. A mix of sunshine, clouds, and scattered showers.

Ka’anapali: 6.0

—> Because of ongoing relief efforts, please be extremely mindful in this zone.

Winds are strong, generating powerful currents. The south face of Black Rock provides calm, clear water, but currents become dangerous near and beyond the rock tip. Kahekili Beach appears okay, but currents are very strong in deeper water and it may become too rough. Mostly sunny with clouds possibly blowing down from the mountains. Very windy.

South Shore: 8.0

Winds are calm, and the sun is shining in South Kihei down through Wailea and Makena this morning. All three Kamaole Beaches, Ulua Beach, and Makena Landing are all looking fantastic. It may become too windy this afternoon. Keep an eye out for and avoid any elevated waves. Expect sunny skies for most of the day.


Wednesday, March 6 2024


THE SKINNY

Maui’s South Shore and Ka’anapali zones are looking good for snorkeling. Expect mostly sunny skies throughout these zones. A wind advisory will be in effect for Maui today.

Northwest: 5.0

Snorkeling inside Honolua Bay and Kapalua Bay in the AM should be good when it is not raining. Be sure to stay within the bays as currents away from shore are strong. Expect showers, with a possibility of thunderstorms developing after midday. These storms may bring intense downpours. The sky will be mostly cloudy. Conditions will be windy and gusts could reach up to 40 mph. There is a wind advisory in effect until tonight.

Ka’anapali: 7.0

—> Because of ongoing relief efforts, please be extremely mindful in this zone.

Kahekili Beach Park and Black Rock are offering clear waters today. Remain cautious of wind waves and powerful currents away from shore. Expect intermittent showers and the potential for thunderstorms to develop afternoon, which may lead to significant rainfall. The day will be partly sunny, but It will be a windy day, with gusts possibly reaching up to 41 mph.

South Shore: 7.5

Conditions at Charley Young, Ulua Beach, and Kam 1-2 should be good for snorkeling today. Expect a few isolated showers starting in the afternoon. The day will be mostly sunny and will become windy as the day progresses. A wind advisory will be in effect until tonight with potential gusts up to 34 mph.


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