Snorkel with turtles every day.
Maui has more swimmable beaches than any other Hawaiian Island. But you gotta know where to go.
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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!
Tuesday, May 7 2024
THE SKINNY
Beautiful Maui beach day with light winds expected today! Waves may pick up in some areas but most of the snorkel spots are looking nice-and-calm!
Northwest: 8.0
Lighter winds and mostly sunny skies for most of the day! There are some elevated waves near the outer points of the bays, but conditions are calm and visibility clear inside of the bays. Kapalua Bay and Honolua Bay are looking particularly nice today! As usual, currents are stronger outside of the bays.
Ka’anapali: 9.0
—> Because of ongoing relief efforts, please be extremely mindful in this zone.
Kahekili Beach Park and the south face of Black Rock have beautiful clear water for snorkeling! The waves have picked up slightly in sections of the beach, but overall they are pretty small. As usual, currents are strong out near the rock tip and in deeper water. Winds should stay light all day, and sunshine is also expected.
South Shore: 8.5
Gorgeous conditions are expected today with light winds and sunny skies. There’s still some potential for the waves to get bigger, but so far they’re still small at most beaches. Kamaole Beach Parks 1, 2, and 3, Ulua Beach, as well as Makena Landing are all looking really nice and calm for snorkeling.
Monday, May 6 2024
THE SKINNY
Snorkeling in Maui waters is fantastic in areas of each of the three zones. There are indications that the waves could rise, but they should stay pretty small for most of the day.
Northwest: 7.5
The inside of Kapalua Bay and Honolua Bay are looking calm with clear visibility. Winds are strong, causing strong currents and rough seas further out from shore, near and beyond the points but are not really affecting the inside of the bays. Be aware that waves could pick up later in the day. Passing clouds and scattered showers this morning should clear up.
Ka’anapali: 8.5
—> Because of ongoing relief efforts, please be extremely mindful in this zone.
Kahekili Beach Park and the south face of Black Rock are looking great. As usual, currents are strong farther out from shore. It appears the winds will pick up slightly then calm down a bit throughout the day. Additionally, the waves may get a little bigger later in the day. Breezy with passing clouds and sunshine expected.
South Shore: 8.0
Sunshine and light winds are expected for most of the day. This morning the waves are pretty small at most spots; however, they will probably get a bit bigger later this afternoon. All three Kamaole beaches, Ulua Beach, and Makena Landing are all good to go this morning. Currents remain strong far out from the shoreline.
Sunday, May 05 2024
THE SKINNY
Calm waters around Maui can be found in Ka’anapali, most of the South Shore, and the more wind-protected bays of the Northwest.
Northwest: 6.5
Winds remain very strong and are causing strong currents farther out from the shore and rough seas outside of the bays. However, the waves are smaller today and the inside of Kapalua Bay and most of Honolua Bay have a smooth ocean surface and clear visibility. Scattered showers are expected from time to time.
Ka’anapali: 8.0
—> Because of ongoing relief efforts, please be extremely mindful in this zone.
Conditions are quite nice this morning along Kahekili Beach Park and the south face of Black Rock. It appears the waves are starting to pick up; so far, we are seeing only small waves, but they will increase later. Winds will also strengthen, causing strong currents in deeper water. Mostly sunny with a chance of isolated showers.
South Shore: 7.5
Sunshine and light winds prevail this morning. The south ends of the Kamaole Beaches, the north end of Ulua Beach, and Makena Landing are looking great this morning. The waves are increasing today but are still relatively small at most beaches this morning. Makena will likely see bigger waves first. Strong winds and rough seas are expected this afternoon.
Saturday, May 04 2024
THE SKINNY
Maui boasts wonderful morning snorkeling conditions at top spots like the south face of Black Rock, the Kamaole Beaches, Ulua Beach, and Makena Landing. See details below.
Northwest: 6.0
Rain fell heavily overnight and continues into the morning. Showers may ease by afternoon. Strong winds persist, but Kapalua Bay offers calm waters for snorkeling once the rain clears. Watch out for strong currents near the points. Waves are increasing in the more open ocean exposed beaches.
Ka’anapali: 7.5
—> Because of ongoing relief efforts, please be extremely mindful in this zone.
The south face of Black Rock offers calm, clear water sheltered from the wind. Watch for strong currents near and beyond the rock tip. Kahekili is nice but may become too windy with strong currents in deeper water. Expect isolated showers mixed with sunshine.
South Shore: 7.0
Fantastic snorkeling conditions prevail with sunshine and light winds during the morning hours. However, anticipate increasing winds this afternoon, likely leading to rough, choppy seas. Currently, the Kamaole Beaches, Ulua Beach, and Makena Landing are all prime spots. Keep in mind that waves may start to pick up later in the day.
Friday, May 03 2024
THE SKINNY
Happy Aloha Friday on Maui! The calmest water is along the South Shore this morning. Ka’anapali looks to be calming down soon, and the bays of the Northwest are pretty calm; however, showers are present early this morning.
Northwest: 6.5
Heavy rain showers this morning. Skies should clear up this afternoon. It is best to stay out of the water in heavy rain. Winds are very strong but are not really affecting the inside of the bays. Honolua Bay and Kapalua Bay are still pretty calm and should be nice after the rain stops. Currents are strong around the points & outside of the bays.
Ka’anapali: 7.5
—> Because of ongoing relief efforts, please be extremely mindful in this zone.
The waves are small; however, the winds are strong. The south face of Black Rock is offering a very nice area of calm and clear water. Be cautious not to go out too far as currents become very strong out near and beyond the rock tip. Closer to shore along Kahekili is looking good but may become too rough. Isolated showers may blow down off of the mountain.
South Shore: 8.5
Blue skies and light winds, along with small waves, are making for really great snorkeling conditions this morning. Kamaole Beaches 1, 2, and 3, Ulua Beach, as well as Makena Landing are all looking nice and calm. Winds will probably become strong enough later this afternoon to create wind waves and rough seas.
Thursday, May 02 2024
THE SKINNY
Great snorkeling on Maui can be found in Kaanapali, the south shore, and the more wind-protected bays of the northwest.
Northwest: 7.5
Conditions are calm, and visibility is clear inside Kapalua Bay and Honolua Bay. Napili Bay has some little waves, though they are not very big. Winds are picking up and will cause strong currents and rough seas out near the points and outside of the bays. Clouds forming this morning may bring scattered showers.
Ka’anapali: 8.5
—> Because of ongoing relief efforts, please be extremely mindful in this zone.
Excellent snorkeling. Kahekili Beach Park is super calm this morning, but the winds may affect it later. The south face of Black Rock should stay nice all day. As usual, currents are strong past the rock tip and in deeper water. Elevated waves down the beach from Black Rock. Mostly sunny, although clouds may come down off of the mountain closer to shore.
South Shore: 8.0
Fantastic snorkeling this morning with calm water and blue skies. Winds may pick up later, creating choppy waves. Kamaole Beaches 1-3, Ulua Beach, and Wailea Beach are calmest. Makena Landing is also good but has more elevated waves. Clouds could move in this afternoon with increasing winds.
Wednesday, May 01 2024
THE SKINNY
Wonderful snorkeling at Kapalua Bay, Kahekili, and Charley Young! Sunshine, light winds, and clear waters are expected for most of the day.
Northwest: 8.5
Honolua Bay and Kapalua Bay are set for mostly sunny skies today with medium winds, making for favorable snorkeling conditions. There is a slight chance of morning showers, which might briefly refresh the area. Overall, the weather is promising for a great day at the beach in the Northwest Zone.
Ka’anapali: 9.5
—> Because of ongoing relief efforts, please be extremely mindful in this zone.
Kahekili and Black Rock are shaping up to be excellent spots for snorkeling today, with sunny skies and light winds. Strong currents in deeper water may pose challenges for swimmers and snorkelers, so caution is advised when venturing beyond the shallow waters. Despite this, the overall weather promises a gorgeous day for enjoying the Ka’anapali Zone.
South Shore: 9.0
A wonderful day for snorkeling is expected at Charley Young, Kamaole 1-3, and Ulua Beach. Mostly sunny skies with light and variable winds will shift to the north-northeast, picking up in the afternoon, with occasional gusts reaching 18 mph. Conditions should remain mostly favorable, with only a light east breeze in the afternoon. Snorkelers can expect excellent visibility and pleasant water temperatures at these beautiful locations.
Tuesday, April 30 2024
THE SKINNY
Maui Wowie snorkeling conditions! All three zones have areas with phenomenally calm water. Check out the Snapshot for each zone below!
Northwest: 9.0
Super calm and crystal-clear water! Honolua Bay is as calm as it gets this morning. So is Kapalua Bay. Napili Bay has some small waves. As usual, currents are strong outside of the bays and around the points. Passing clouds should clear up nicely, and relatively light winds are expected.
Ka’anapali: 9.5
—> Because of ongoing relief efforts, please be extremely mindful in this zone.
Beautiful snorkeling conditions with calm and crystal-clear water along Kahekili Beach Park and the south face of Black Rock! Usual currents in deeper water. There are little waves down the beach from Black Rock towards Ka’anapali Point, but that’s about it. Sunshine and calm winds likely for most of the day, with only a slight chance of an onshore breeze later.
South Shore: 8.5
Most snorkeling spots have incredibly nice conditions! The south ends of the Kamaole Beaches, the north end of Ulua Beach, Wailea Beach, and Makena Landing are looking great. There are still occasionally elevated waves in some areas of the beaches. Overcast skies should clear up, and winds will likely stay light enough for most of the day.
Monday, April 29 2024
THE SKINNY
Maui is offering calm waters and an excellent chance of snorkeling with turtles in areas across all three zones today!
Northwest: 7.0
Conditions are calm and clear inside the bays, particularly inside of Kapalua Bay and Honolua Bay. Currents remain strong near and beyond the bay points. The main factors slightly lowering the score is the presence of clouds, the chance of scattered showers and breezy winds making seas rough outside of the bays.
Ka’anapali: 8.5
—> Because of ongoing relief efforts, please be extremely mindful in this zone.
Kahekili Beach Park is exceptionally calm with only very small waves. The south face of Black Rock is also incredibly nice this morning. As usual, currents are strong in deeper water. While the waves are pretty small, they may pick up slightly, especially along the beach south of Black Rock, but probably won’t get too big. Morning clouds should clear up. Light winds are expected all day.
South Shore: 8.0
Ocean conditions are looking great at most beaches. The waves will probably rise a little bit more throughout the day, but nothing very big is expected. The Kamaole Beaches, Ulua Beach, and Makena Landing are all looking calm and clear. There’s cloud cover this morning, which should clear up sometime. Light onshore breeze is expected later.
