West shore beaches remain calm with small surf. Avoid areas downwind of Kīlauea due to ash advisory.
The Big Island's west shore continues to deliver calm ocean conditions today, but an ash-fall advisory remains in effect for areas north and northwest of Halemaʻumaʻu due to Kīlauea's ongoing eruption. Hapuna Beach Park and Kahaluʻu Beach Park are the top picks for safe, lifeguarded swimming with small to moderate surf (1.9-3.1 ft) and light winds. Avoid beaches directly downwind of the volcano until the advisory lifts. Check the National Weather Service for real-time updates before heading out.
Currently posted advisories from the Hawaii Department of Health affecting Big Island. Source: official DOH Clean Water Branch.
Posted Apr 30, 2026 · Hilo bay and along the Hamakua Coast
Full advisory at health.hawaii.gov →Posted Apr 2, 2026 · Ninole area
Full advisory at health.hawaii.gov →Big Island · Best window: midday
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medium confidenceBig Island · Best window: morning
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medium confidenceBig Island · Best window: midday
medium confidenceStick to west-facing beaches like Hapuna or Spencer-calm, lifeguarded waters are safest. Avoid areas north/northwest of Halemaʻumaʻu due to ash advisory. Pack sun protection and check NWS updates before entering.
Hapuna and Spencer Beach Parks are your best bets-shallow, calm waters and lifeguards. Supervise kids closely, even in sheltered areas. Bring snacks and plan indoor backups (e.g., Imiloa Astronomy Center) if ash conditions worsen.
Kahaluʻu offers moderate surf (3.1 ft) for snorkeling, but avoid areas downwind of Kīlauea due to ash advisory. Monitor water quality updates, especially after recent volcanic activity. Windward shores may have stronger currents-stick to west-facing beaches.
West-facing beaches (Hapuna, Kahaluʻu) offer the calmest conditions today, with small to moderate surf (1.9-3.1 ft) and clear waters. An ash-fall advisory is active for areas north and northwest of Halemaʻumaʻu-avoid beaches directly downwind of Kīlauea. Light winds (3.8-4.3 mph) prevail. No active surf advisories, but avoid murky or discolored water, especially near river mouths or after rain.
The Big Island's west shore is sunny today, with temperatures around 71-72°F. Hapuna Beach Park reports sunny skies with light WSW winds (3.8 mph). Kahaluʻu Beach Park has sunny skies with light NNW winds (4.3 mph). Breezy easterly winds (11-16 mph, gusts up to 22 mph) may carry ash to nearby shorelines-check NWS updates for changes.
Kīlauea Volcano's 46th eruption of 2026 continues, with an ash-fall advisory in effect for areas north/northwest of Halemaʻumaʻu. The National Weather Service warns of breezy easterly winds carrying ash and tephra to nearby shorelines-avoid beaches directly downwind. The Hawaii Foodbank is offering free meals for children this summer through programs like SUN Meals and Kaukau 4 Keiki. A fatal crash in North Hilo closed Saddle Road near mile marker 26 for several hours.
Disclaimer: This update is generated using AI and automated data sources including weather APIs, surf forecasts, and news feeds. It is not professional safety advice. Ocean conditions change rapidly and may differ from what is described here. Always check with on-site lifeguards, observe posted warning signs, and consult official sources such as the National Weather Service before entering the water. HawaiiYeah assumes no liability for injury, loss, or damage arising from use of this information. See our full disclaimer.