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Maui snorkeling conditions


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Your Maui Snorkel Report email arrives around 7:30 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!


Friday, July 26 2024


THE SKINNY

Happy Aloha Friday on Maui! Ka’anapali and the South Shore are enjoying the most sunshine, while the Northwest has scattered showers and very strong winds already.

Northwest: 6.5

Morning rain should clear up, though winds will remain incredibly strong. Ocean conditions are relatively calm inside the bays but very rough outside. Kapalua Bay and Honolua offer the nicest snorkeling, but please exercise caution and avoid going out too far as currents become very strong farther out, near and beyond the points.

Ka’anapali: 8.0

Winds are breezy this morning but may calm down before picking back up this afternoon. The south face of Black Rock offers great wind protection and a nice area of calm water. Just be cautious not to go past the rock tip where currents become very strong. Kahekili Beach should calm down through mid-morning could get too rough again later.

South Shore: 7.5

South Kihei and Wailea have calmest and clearest water. Kamaole Beaches 1, 2, and 3, Ulua Beach, and Wailea Beach are looking really nice. Waves are picking up in the Makena area and may spread throughout the zone. Winds are expected to become quite strong this afternoon, likely making conditions very rough. Sunshine is expected.


Thursday, July 25 2024


 

THE SKINNY

Happy Aloha Friday on Maui! Ka’anapali and the South Shore are enjoying the most sunshine, while the Northwest has scattered showers and very strong winds already.

Northwest: 6.5

Morning rain should clear up, though winds will remain incredibly strong. Ocean conditions are relatively calm inside the bays but very rough outside. Kapalua Bay and Honolua offer the nicest snorkeling, but please exercise caution and avoid going out too far as currents become very strong farther out, near and beyond the points.

Ka’anapali: 8.0

Winds are breezy this morning but may calm down before picking back up this afternoon. The south face of Black Rock offers great wind protection and a nice area of calm water. Just be cautious not to go past the rock tip where currents become very strong. Kahekili Beach should calm down through mid-morning could get too rough again later.

South Shore: 7.5

South Kihei and Wailea have calmest and clearest water. Kamaole Beaches 1, 2, and 3, Ulua Beach, and Wailea Beach are looking really nice. Waves are picking up in the Makena area and may spread throughout the zone. Winds are expected to become quite strong this afternoon, likely making conditions very rough. Sunshine is expected.

 


Wednesday, July 24 2024


THE SKINNY

Good morning! Maui is offering excellent snorkeling in various areas today. Ka’anapali and the South Shore have the most sunshine and calmest waters this morning.

Northwest: 6.5

Scattered showers this morning though it is starting to clear up. Kapalua Bay is nice and calm, currents become very strong out near and beyond the points. Honolua Bay is calm inside, but the stream is flowing and may bring pollutants, farther out from shore currents are powerful. Very strong winds today.

Ka’anapali: 8.0

The south face of Black Rock and Kahekili Beach Park have excellent snorkeling conditions this morning. Currents are extremely strong past the rock tip and in deeper water. Kahekili may become rough by this afternoon as winds increase. Mostly sunny, with potential for clouds blowing down from the mountain.

South Shore: 7.5

We have fantastic calm and clear water this morning with light winds and small waves along all three Kamaole Beaches, Ulua Beach, and Makena Landing. Increasing winds will likely make conditions too rough and choppy this afternoon. Sunshine with occasional passing clouds expected.


Tuesday, July 23 2024


THE SKINNY

Maui will have a mix of sunshine and scattered showers, so keep an eye out for beautiful rainbows. Breezy winds are expected this afternoon. However, calm conditions and pleasant snorkeling can be found. See details below.

Northwest: 7.5

Scattered showers are expected to move through the area off and on all day, though there will be sunshine as well. Ocean conditions are calm inside Kapalua Bay and the innermost part of Honolua Bay. Winds are very strong, causing powerful and hazardous currents out near the points and outside the bays.

Ka’anapali: 8.0

Ocean conditions are nice and calm this morning along the south face of Black Rock and Kahekili Beach Park. Currents remain very strong past the rock tip, and Kahekili Beach may become too rough as winds increase into the afternoon. Sunny at times, with a good chance of scattered showers throughout the day.

South Shore: 7.0

This morning, ocean conditions are nice and calm at most beaches, including the Kamaole Beaches, Ulua Beach, and Makena Landing, with good snorkeling. Increasing winds will probably make seas too rough by this afternoon. Scattered showers are possible but not much rain is expected.


Monday, July 22 2024


THE SKINNY

Maui welcomes us today with relatively small waves at most beaches, making for inviting snorkeling conditions. However, winds will shift throughout the day and may cause rougher seas in some areas.

Northwest: 7.0

Passing clouds may bring isolated showers this morning, which could continue intermittently throughout the day. Ocean conditions are calm, and visibility is clear inside the bays, with Kapalua Bay and Honolua being the calmest. However, very strong winds are creating powerful currents farther out and outside the bays.

Ka’anapali: 7.5

The south face of Black Rock offers wind protection and the calmest water, though currents are very strong near and past the rock tip. Kahekili Beach is a bit rough early but should calm by mid-morning, then may become too choppy again later. Mostly sunny with breezy wind and increasing afternoon clouds.

South Shore: 7.0

Light winds and sunshine this morning make the ocean surface nice and calm. Slightly elevated but manageable waves. The south ends of the Kamaole Beaches, Ulua Beach, and Makena Landing are looking nice for snorkeling. However, strong winds this afternoon will likely create very rough seas and currents.


Sunday, July 21 2024


THE SKINNY

Maui is beautiful today with calm snorkeling conditions in areas across all three Snorkel Zones. Check the details below, be mindful of others, and keep a respectful distance from sea life, including turtles. Have a wonderful day!

Northwest: 8.0

Ocean conditions are calm inside the bays, with Kapalua Bay and Honolua offering the best snorkeling. Please be cautious and avoid swimming too far out, as currents become very strong around the points and outside the bays. Expect strong winds and the possibility of passing showers.

Ka’anapali: 8.5

Kahekili Beach Park and Black Rock have great snorkeling this morning. Winds should stay favorable, though they may affect Kahekili this afternoon. The south face of Black Rock offers good wind protection all day. Be cautious of strong currents beyond the rock tip and offshore at Kahekili. There are some small waves as well. Mostly sunny with possible afternoon clouds.

South Shore: 7.5

Absolutely gorgeous beach weather this morning. Ocean conditions are really nice, with slightly elevated but generally small waves along the south ends of the Kamaole Beaches, Ulua Beach, and Makena Landing. Afternoon winds will likely become strong, making the seas quite rough.


Saturday, July 20 2024


THE SKINNY

Maui has small waves and lighter winds this morning, creating calm and inviting ocean conditions! There is a 50% chance of scattered showers, but overall, not much rain is expected. Extremely high tide this afternoon, causing usually dry areas of the shoreline to flood, possibly affecting visibility.

Northwest: 8.0

Ocean conditions are really nice and calm inside of the bays. Kapalua Bay and Honolua Bay are especially calm and clear. However, winds are breezy and currents remain strong farther out from the shoreline, around the points, as well as outside of the bays. Sun is expected though scattered showers are likely sometime.

Ka’anapali: 9.0

Beautiful snorkeling conditions can be found along the south face of Black Rock and Kahekili Beach Park. As usual, currents are strong farther offshore and past the rock tip. Winds should remain favorable for most of the day but may affect Kahekili later. Scattered showers may also come down from the mountains at some point.

South Shore: 7.5

Wonderful ocean conditions with small waves and light winds this morning. The calmest waters are at the south ends of the Kamaole Beaches, north end of Ulua Beach, and Makena Landing. Scattered showers may move through, and it could still get windy this afternoon, making the seas rough.


Friday, July 19 2024


THE SKINNY

Happy Aloha Friday! We’re expecting lighter winds and smaller waves today. Each Snorkel Zone has areas with excellent conditions. An extremely high tide around 2:30 pm will cause water to rise high upon the normally dry shoreline, potentially flooding some beaches and possibly bringing water onto the highway near Olowalu.

Northwest: 8.5

Snorkeling conditions in Kapalua Bay and Honolua Bay are calm with clear visibility. Napili has slightly elevated but manageable waves. Morning clouds should clear up, likely returning this afternoon along with scattered showers and strong winds. However, be cautious of strong currents around the points and outside the bays.

Ka’anapali: 9.0

Kahekili Beach Park boasts excellent clarity this morning, although it might get windy later today. The south face of Black Rock should remain calm all day, providing great wind protection. Be aware of very strong currents beyond the rock tip and occasional waves in some areas. Expect mostly sunny skies with increasing clouds later.

South Shore: 8.0

This morning, ocean conditions are calm and inviting with excellent visibility at most beaches. The north and south ends of the Kamaole Beaches, Ulua Beach, and Makena Landing are great choices. Occasional waves may appear. Lighter winds are expected, though afternoon winds might still cause choppy seas. Sunny skies with increasing clouds, possible showers later.


Thursday, July 18 2024


THE SKINNY

It’s a beautiful day on Maui, with sunshine and lighter winds. There are fantastic snorkeling conditions at most spots. However, there are still occasional waves to be mindful of and avoid.

Northwest: 8.0

Crystal clear visibility and calm ocean conditions inside the bays. Kapalua Bay and Honolua Bay continue to offer amazing snorkeling. Winds are lighter but still fairly strong. Currents remain powerful around the points and outside of the bays. It’s mostly sunny and breezy.

Ka’anapali: 8.5

Kahekili Beach Park and the south face of Black Rock offer excellent snorkeling. Currents remain strong past the rock tip and in deeper water. There are still some waves in the area to be cautious of, though they’re much smaller. Afternoon winds may affect Kahekili later. Sunny skies and lighter winds are expected.

South Shore: 7.5

Beautiful day! The waves will keep getting smaller today, but occasional waves still need to be avoided. The south ends of the Kamaole Beaches and the north end of Ulua Beach are looking really nice and clear. Sunshine is expected all day, though winds may create rough conditions this afternoon.


Wednesday, July 17 2024


THE SKINNY

Snorkeling conditions across Maui are starting to improve as the waves and winds are expected to calm down over the next couple days. However, powerful surf persists in some areas, please always remain cautious.

Northwest: 8.0

Kapalua Bay and Honolua Bay should have calm, clear water today, making for great snorkeling conditions. Napili Bay, however, has waves and the strongest currents. Strong winds are creating powerful currents near the points and in deeper waters. Scattered morning showers should clear up nicely.

Ka’anapali: 6.5

Ka’anapali is set for a beautiful beach day with mostly sunny skies. Waves remain powerful at times, especially south of Black Rock where currents are very strong. Kahekili Beach has smaller waves, though there is some surging shore-break to be cautious of when getting in and out. Afternoon winds may cause choppy seas.

South Shore: 6.0

Beautiful sunny skies and light winds this morning. Although the surf is decreasing, waves are still present. The calmest waters are at the south ends of the Kamaole Beaches especially Kam 2, while the north end of Ulua Beach may be fair if we avoid any waves. Makena Beach remains very hazardous. Afternoon winds likely making seas very rough.


Tuesday, July 16 2024


THE SKINNY

It’s a beautiful day on Maui. Snorkeling conditions are affected by a south swell along much of the South Shore and parts of Ka’anapali. Meanwhile, the Northwest is experiencing extremely strong winds, although waters remain fairly clear in the more protected bays.

Northwest: 6.5

Honolua Bay and Kapalua Bay continue to have the calmest waters. However, currents remain very strong farther out, around and beyond the points. Napili Bay is experiencing breaking waves and strong currents as well. Winds are super strong, scattered showers early then likely mostly sunny.

Ka’anapali: 5.0

The surf and currents are stronger today. The biggest waves are south of Black Rock, pushing towards the rock where currents are also powerful. While there are elevated shore-breaking waves to be cautious of, the south end of Kahekili Beach Park has much smaller waves. Sunshine and strong afternoon winds.

South Shore: 3.0

Beautiful, sunny day. Extremely hazardous waves are present in certain areas. The Makena area is particularly dangerous, and Wailea also has powerful waves at times. The Kamaole Beaches, especially Kam 1, have smaller waves, though larger ones are possible. There may be long gaps between wave sets. Strong winds and choppy seas expected this afternoon.


Monday, July 15 2024


THE SKINNY

Maui is experiencing varied surf conditions today, with powerful waves in some areas and calmer waters in others. Strong winds are expected everywhere this afternoon. Stay safe and enjoy your day!

Northwest: 7.0

Strong winds and scattered showers this morning, though skies should clear up. Kapalua Bay is calm, with waves and currents expected to pick up beyond the points. Honolua Bay has crystal clear visibility; caution is advised to avoid hazardous currents and rough seas farther out. Napili is experiencing strong surf with undertow and currents.

Ka’anapali: 6.0

While the waves haven’t reached their expected size, they still could, so please exercise caution. Waves are crashing upon Black Rock, and the currents are very strong, especially past the rock tip. Kahekili Beach is expected to have smaller waves and should be pleasant but may become too windy later. Expect mostly sunny skies with strong afternoon winds.

South Shore: 5.0

South Kihei’s Kamaole Beaches have smaller surf, though waves may increase and kick up sand. Surf is up, and is especially hazardous in Makena. Wailea sees bigger waves at times, while Light winds this morning will become strong and create choppy conditions by the afternoon. Mostly sunny with passing clouds.


Sunday, July 14 2024


THE SKINNY

Maui has mostly sunny skies in Ka’anapali and the South Shore. Scattered showers in the Northwest should clear later. A High Surf Advisory has been issued, with waves expected to become extremely dangerous, potentially reaching up to 12 feet in some areas. See details below.

Northwest: 6.5

Honolua Bay has the calmest water and best visibility today, but avoid strong currents farther out. Kapalua Bay is calm this morning, but waves may pick up this afternoon. Napili Bay’s surf is likely to become hazardous later. It’s very windy with strong currents outside the bays and around points. Scattered showers this morning may continue this afternoon.

Ka’anapali: 4.5

The waves will steadily rise throughout the day, likely becoming extremely dangerous this afternoon. This morning, Kahekili Beach Park is still looking good, but Black Rock is already becoming hazardous. As the waves increase, undertow and currents will be powerful. Mostly sunny skies are expected, with strong afternoon winds.

South Shore: 3.0

Beautiful day with sunshine and light winds throughout the morning. While conditions are calm now, the ocean could become hazardous quickly, with waves potentially reaching up to 10 feet and becoming extremely powerful by this afternoon into the evening. This morning, the south ends of the Kamaole Beaches still have small waves.


Saturday, July 13 2024


THE SKINNY

It’s another beautiful day on Maui with a mix of sunshine and passing clouds. Despite persistent strong trade winds, good snorkeling can be found this morning in areas of all three zones. Stay cautious and avoid swimming out too far where currents become very strong.

Northwest: 7.0

Winds are extremely strong, with scattered showers likely this morning. The innermost areas of Kapalua Bay and Honolua Bay have calmer waters, but currents become dangerously strong farther from shore, around the points, and outside the bays. Waves are expected to pick up in Napili Bay later today.

Ka’anapali: 8.0

The south face of Black Rock offers excellent wind protection and calm, clear water, though currents are very strong past the rock tip. Kahekili Beach is rough early, calming closer to shore by mid-morning, and becoming too rough again this afternoon. Surf is expected to pick up sometime today. Strong winds are expected later, with mostly sunny skies.

South Shore: 7.5

Beautiful with light winds and sunshine this morning. Snorkeling conditions are excellent near the south ends of the Kamaole Beaches, along Ulua Beach, and at Makena Landing. Strong afternoon winds likely making conditions rough. Waves are starting to increase in size, though probably wont be too big for another day or so.


Friday, July 12 2024


THE SKINNY

Happy Aloha Friday! Maui offers stunning snorkeling conditions this morning, with clear visibility and calm waters. As the day progresses, increasing winds and waves, may affect some areas.

Northwest: 7.5

Ocean conditions are calm, and visibility is clear inside the bays. Kapalua Bay and Honolua Bay are the standouts. Take care not to go too far out, as currents become very strong and hazardous near the points and outside the bays. Winds are very strong and may blow scattered showers through the zone.

Ka’anapali: 8.5

Snorkeling conditions are calm with clear visibility this morning along both Kahekili Beach and the south face of Black Rock, as winds are still fairly light. Currents remain strong past the rock tip. Increasingly strong winds may cause Kahekili to become too choppy and rough. It will likely be mostly sunny, though clouds could form. Surf may pick up later as well.

South Shore: 7.0

This morning, light winds and sunshine make for great snorkeling conditions along the south ends of the Kamaole Beaches, Ulua Beaches, and Makena Landing, though some areas have waves. Waves are expected to increase throughout the day, and strong winds will likely cause very rough and choppy waters this afternoon.


Thursday, July 11 2024


THE SKINNY

Lots of beautiful Maui rainbows today as scattered showers pass through at various times. The Northwest has rain this morning, which should clear, while Ka’anapali and the South Shore enjoy the most sunshine. Strong winds are expected everywhere this afternoon.

Northwest: 6.0

Stormy with scattered showers this morning and strong winds throughout the day. Clearing expected later which is why the score is not lower. Rough and hazardous seas are present farther from shore, around the points and outside the bays. However, closer to shore in the more wind-protected areas, like Honolua and Kapalua Bays, have areas of calm water. Be extra cautious today.

Ka’anapali: 7.5

Strong winds this morning, but the south face of Black Rock provides good wind protection and calm, clear water. Currents are very strong past the rock tip. Kahekili Beach has decent conditions, with currents picking up. It should be alright once the morning clouds clear, though it may become too windy again later. Sun is expected, with the possibility of scattered showers.

South Shore: 7.0

Nice and sunny this morning with light winds. Snorkeling conditions are good on the south ends of the Kamaole beaches, Ulua Beach, and Makena Landing. As the winds increase, so will the wind waves, likely making it too rough this afternoon. Small waves are present and may pick up later.


Wednesday, July 10 2024


THE SKINNY

It is a lovely day on Maui with calm and clear snorkeling opportunities in certain areas where the winds are calm. Please read the detailed snapshots below for the expected conditions.

Northwest: 6.0

Scattered showers this morning and extremely strong winds. Despite this, ocean conditions are relatively calm inside the bays, with Kapalua Bay having the calmest waters. Currents are strong and very hazardous around the points and outside the bays. Honolua is also calm, but if it rains heavily, the stream may start to flow.

Ka’anapali: 7.0

The south face of Black Rock offers a wonderful area of calm, clear water as it blocks the wind. However, currents become extremely strong past the rock tip, so avoid swimming too far out. Kahekili Beach is experiencing increasing currents due to strengthening northeasterly winds. While clouds may blow through, it should remain mostly sunny.

South Shore: 6.5

Sunny skies and light winds are expected through the morning, but winds will become quite strong this afternoon, likely making it too rough and choppy. Although not big, there are some waves along the shoreline. The south ends of the Kamaole Beaches, Ulua Beach, and Makena Landing are looking good this morning.


Tuesday, July 9 2024


THE SKINNY

Maui is offering a mix of weather and ocean conditions today, with increasing trade winds expected. Read the Snapshots below for details.

Northwest: 6.5

Snorkeling conditions are calmest within the bays. However, winds are extremely strong today, and the seas will be very rough outside of the bays. Additionally, currents become very hazardous out near the points and beyond the bays. Expect a mix of scattered showers and sunshine.

Ka’anapali: 7.5

The south face of Black Rock should have calm waters and good wind protection all day, though currents are very strong past the rock tip. Kahekili Beach Park has great snorkeling this morning, but increasing winds may roughen conditions later. Currents are already strong in deeper waters. Mostly sunny skies with clouds likely this afternoon.

South Shore: 7.0

With light winds this morning, most snorkeling spots have great conditions. However, winds will become very strong later, creating rough water and choppy waves. The south ends of the Kamaole Beaches, Ulua Beach, and Makena Landing are all pleasant. Expect sunny skies, though clouds may form later.


Monday, July 8 2024


THE SKINNY

Maui has a mix of sunshine, clouds, and breezy winds today. Snorkeling conditions remain quite good across all three zones. Check the Snap Shots below for details.

Northwest: 7.0

After morning scattered showers pass, conditions will be really nice within the bays, with Kapalua Bay and Honolua Bay offering exceptional snorkeling. Strong winds shouldn’t affect the bays significantly. However, currents remain extremely strong farther out around the points and outside the bays.

Ka’anapali: 7.5

Overall, conditions are pleasant and stable. Kahekili Beach Park and the south face of Black Rock are great for snorkeling. Watch for strong currents past the rock tip and further offshore. Expect passing clouds and breezy winds, which may increase enough to affect Kahekili.

South Shore: 6.5

Snorkeling conditions are very calm. Ulua Beach and Makena Landing are especially nice, as are the south ends of all three Kamaole Beaches. Mostly sunny skies with light winds through the morning, but increasing winds this afternoon will likely make seas too rough and choppy.


Sunday, July 7 2024


THE SKINNY

It’s a lovely Sunday on Maui, ideal for snorkeling at many top spots. Winds might shift some clouds, but the sun is expected to shine through.

Northwest: 7.5

Scattered showers this morning should clear up, becoming mostly sunny. Ocean conditions are calm in the bays, with Kapalua Bay and Honolua Bay offering the best snorkeling throughout the day. However, be cautious of strong currents along and beyond the points, and expect strong winds.

Ka’anapali: 8.5

Kahekili Beach Park is stunning this morning, though it may become too windy later. The south face of Black Rock should have calm, clear waters all day, ideal for snorkeling. Expect plenty of sunshine, with occasional clouds from the mountain. As usual, currents are strong past the rock tip and in deeper water.

South Shore: 8.0

This morning, conditions are calm and beautiful. The north and south ends of the Kamaole Beach Parks, Ulua Beach, Makena Landing, and most other spots are calm and clear. However, increasing afternoon winds may create choppy seas later. Waves have picked up slightly.


Saturday, July 6 2024


THE SKINNY

It’s a beautiful day on Maui with a mix of passing clouds, sunshine, and increasing afternoon winds. With only small waves today, flooding shouldn’t be a major issue, however, extremely high tides this afternoon may cause minor flooding in usually dry areas of beaches and the coast.

Northwest: 7.0

Scattered showers this morning should clear, leading to mostly sunny skies this afternoon. Conditions inside the bays are calm and are expected to remain so, despite strong winds developing. However, currents are very strong, and rough seas are expected outside the bays and around the points.

Ka’anapali: 8.5

Beautiful calm, clean, and clear water along the south face of Black Rock and Kahekili Beach Park. It looks like we’ll have favorable winds for most of the day, though Kahekili may experience rough conditions later. Currents are strong in deeper water. Mostly sunny skies with passing clouds and increasing winds in the afternoon.

South Shore: 7.5

Gorgeous ocean conditions this morning with light winds and minimal waves. Snorkeling is excellent along the north and south ends of the Kamaole Beaches, Ulua Beach, Makena Landing, and most areas in between. Winds will likely become strong enough to create rough, choppy conditions this afternoon.


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