This is an older update. Read the latest Big Island update →Big Island update · 2026-05-24

Big Island Beach Conditions Today

Surf, weather, safety alerts, and the best beaches for 2026-05-24.

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 After Quake, Check Structures Before Swimming beach conditions image

The Big Island is recovering after a magnitude-6.0 earthquake struck near Honaunau-Napoopoo late Friday, causing strong shaking and minor damage to homes and roadways in South Kona. No tsunami was generated, and ocean conditions remain calm along the west shore — Hapuna and Spencer Beach Parks are your safest bets today. A brown water advisory remains in effect for Hilo Bay and the Hamakua Coast-avoid swimming in these areas. Check beach structures (showers, restrooms, lifeguard towers) for damage before entering the water, and report hazards to park staff. Respect wildlife and keep a safe distance from sea turtles and monk seals.

Recommended Beaches

Hapuna Beach Park

Big Island · Best window: midday

high confidence
  • Moderate surf (2.5 ft) but lifeguard-monitored-safest swimming on the island today
  • Patchy rain nearby (64% chance) but light ENE winds (10.5 mph)-ideal for families
  • Outside brown water advisory zones-lower contamination risk
  • Check restrooms and showers for earthquake damage before use
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
  • Inspect lifeguard tower and restrooms for damage before entering
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
  • Check for structural damage to picnic tables and restrooms
View beach page →
Neighborhood: Kahaluu-Keauhou

Kahaluʻu Beach Park

Big Island · Best window: morning

medium confidence
  • Moderate surf (3.3 ft) but excellent snorkeling when conditions allow
  • Lifeguard-monitored and popular for marine life encounters
  • Sunny conditions (0% rain chance) and light SE winds (4.3 mph)
  • Inspect restrooms and showers for earthquake damage before use
View beach page →
Neighborhood: Hilo

Onekahakaha Beach Park

Big Island · Best window: midday

low confidence
  • Protected lagoon with calm waters-good for families if conditions are safe
  • Lifeguard on duty, but closer to Hilo Bay advisory zone-monitor updates
  • Check for structural damage to picnic pavilions and restrooms
View beach page →

Full Briefing

Ocean Conditions

high

West-facing beaches (Hapuna, Spencer) remain the calmest today, with moderate surf (2.5-3.3 ft) and clear waters. A brown water advisory is still active for Hilo Bay and the Hamakua Coast-avoid swimming in these areas. Winds are light to moderate (4.3-10.5 mph), with Hapuna experiencing ENE winds and Kahaluʻu light SE winds. No active surf advisories, but inspect beach structures for earthquake damage before entering.

Weather Snapshot

high

The Big Island is experiencing mixed conditions today: sunny skies at Kahaluʻu (0% rain chance) but patchy rain nearby at Hapuna (64% chance). Temperatures are mild (65-70°F), with light to moderate winds (4.3-10.5 mph). Expect dry conditions at west shore beaches, but monitor forecasts for scattered showers later in the day.

News To Know

high

Magnitude-6.0 earthquake struck near Honaunau-Napoopoo late Friday, causing strong shaking and minor damage to homes and roadways in South Kona. No tsunami was generated, and ocean conditions remain calm. A brown water advisory is still active for Hilo Bay and the Hamakua Coast-avoid swimming in these areas. Check beach structures (restrooms, lifeguard towers) for damage before entering. Kīlauea volcano is expected to erupt again between May 24-27-monitor updates from the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

Quick Hits

  • Hapuna Beach Park is the safest swim spot today-moderate surf (2.5 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.
  • Check beach structures (restrooms, lifeguard towers) for earthquake damage before entering.
  • Kīlauea volcano expected to erupt again between May 24-27-monitor Hawaiian Volcano Observatory.

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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