This is an older update. Read the latest Big Island update →Big Island update · 2026-05-14

Big Island Beach Conditions Today

Surf, weather, safety alerts, and the best beaches for 2026-05-14.

At a glance

Best beach
Hapuna Beach Park
Best time
midday
Confidence
high
Water advisories
2 active

Active water advisories

Big Island: Calm West Shore, Brown Water Advisory Remains beach conditions image

The Big Island's west shore remains the safest choice for families today, with small surf (1-2 ft) and lifeguards at Hapuna and Kahaluʻu Beach Parks. A brown water advisory is still in effect for Hilo Bay and the Hamakua Coast-avoid swimming in these areas. Pack sun protection, check advisories before heading out, and respect wildlife (especially monk seals).

Recommended Beaches

Hapuna Beach Park

Big Island · Best window: midday

high confidence
  • Small surf (1.4 ft) and lifeguard-monitored areas-safest swimming on the island today
  • Patchy rain nearby (100% chance) but light NNE winds (4.9 mph)-ideal for families
  • Outside brown water advisory zones-lower contamination risk
View beach page →
Neighborhood: Kahaluu-Keauhou

Kahaluʻu Beach Park

Big Island · Best window: morning

medium confidence
  • Moderate surf (2.2 ft) but excellent snorkeling when conditions allow
  • Lifeguard-monitored and popular for marine life encounters
  • Patchy rain nearby (76% chance)-check conditions before entering
View beach page →

Spencer Beach Park

Big Island · Best window: morning

high confidence
  • Protected cove with calm, shallow waters-perfect for families and beginners
  • Lifeguard on duty and picnic areas available
  • No active advisories-safe for swimming and snorkeling
View beach page →

Carlsmith Beach Park

Big Island · Best window: afternoon

medium confidence
  • Shallow, protected waters with resident sea turtles-great for snorkeling and wading
  • Lifeguard-monitored and less crowded than other west shore beaches
  • Outside advisory zones-lower contamination risk
View beach page →

Pohoiki Beach

Big Island · Best window: morning

low confidence
  • Fallback to keep links valid when generated recommendations are invalid.
View beach page →

Full Briefing

Ocean Conditions

high

West-facing beaches (Hapuna, Spencer) offer the calmest conditions today, with small surf (1-2 ft) and clear waters. A brown water advisory remains active for Hilo Bay and the Hamakua Coast-avoid swimming in these areas. Light winds (5-6 mph) prevail, with Hapuna experiencing slightly breezier conditions (NNE winds). No active surf advisories.

Weather Snapshot

high

The Big Island's west shore has patchy rain nearby today, with temperatures around 70-71°F. Hapuna Beach Park reports a 100% chance of patchy rain and light NNE winds (4.9 mph). Kahaluʻu Beach Park has a 76% chance of patchy rain and light NW winds (5.8 mph).

News To Know

medium

A brown water advisory remains in effect for Hilo Bay and the Hamakua Coast-avoid swimming in these areas. A Washington man was arrested for throwing a rock at an endangered monk seal on Maui-fines up to $70,000 and potential prison time. Wai Kai at Hoakalei Resort on Oʻahu is expanding summer programs for keiki (ages 0-13), including surfing, paddling, and cultural learning.

Quick Hits

  • Hapuna Beach Park is the safest swim spot today-small surf (1.4 ft) and lifeguards.
  • Spencer Beach Park offers protected, shallow waters-ideal for families.
  • Avoid Hilo Bay and Hamakua Coast due to brown water advisory-check DOH updates.
  • Respect wildlife-monk seal harassment cases are being prosecuted.
  • Wai Kai on Oʻahu expands summer programs for keiki (ages 0-13).

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.

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