Big Island update · 2026-06-09

Big Island West Shore: Calm but Cautious After Recent Waves

Big Island's west shore beaches remain calm, but recent high waves near Kona and a Brown Water Advisory for Hilo Bay require extra vigilance.

Big Island West Shore: Calm but Cautious After Recent Waves beach conditions image

The Big Island's west shore beaches are calm today, but **recent reports of 4-6 ft waves near Kailua-Kona (June 2)** and a **magnitude-4.6 earthquake off the Kona Coast (June 3)** serve as reminders to stay cautious. A **Brown Water Advisory** remains active for Hilo Bay and the Hamakua coast-avoid swimming or snorkeling in these areas. No surf advisories or closures are in effect, but **light winds (3-6 mph) and patchy rain (7-15% chance)** may affect comfort. Pack a light jacket and monitor conditions near breakwaters.

Active Advisories(1 from Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch)

Currently posted advisories from the Hawaii Department of Health affecting Big Island. Source: official DOH Clean Water Branch.

Recommended Beaches

Hapuna Beach Park

Big Island · Best window: midday

high confidence
  • Small surf (1.4 ft) and lifeguard-monitored-safest swimming on the island today
  • Light NE winds (6.5 mph) and 72°F temps-comfortable for beach time
  • Patchy rain nearby (15% chance)-midday visits avoid heavier showers
  • No active advisories-lower contamination risk
View beach page →
Neighborhood: Kahaluu-Keauhou

Kahaluʻu Beach Park

Big Island · Best window: morning

medium confidence
  • Moderate surf (3 ft)-good for experienced snorkelers (lifeguards on duty)
  • Excellent snorkeling with turtles and tropical fish
  • Sunny conditions (7% rain chance)-morning visits avoid afternoon clouds
  • No active advisories-safe for water activities outside Hilo Bay/Hamakua coast
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
  • No active advisories-lower contamination risk
  • Calm conditions ideal for families and beginners
View beach page →

Spencer Beach Park

Big Island · Best window: midday

medium confidence
  • Calm, shallow waters-perfect for families and beginner swimmers
  • Lifeguard-monitored and sheltered from wind
  • No active advisories-safe for water activities
  • Less crowded than Hapuna-more space for picnics and relaxation
View beach page →
Neighborhood: Hilo

Richardson Ocean Park

Big Island · Best window: afternoon

medium confidence
  • Protected bay with calm waters-ideal for families and beginner snorkelers
  • Lifeguard on duty and picnic areas available
  • No active advisories-safe for swimming
  • Less exposed to wind and swell-better for midday conditions
View beach page →

Who Is This Update For?

🏄 Beginners

**Hapuna or Spencer Beach Parks** are your safest bets-calm, lifeguarded waters. Avoid Kahaluʻu if you're not comfortable with moderate surf (3 ft). Pack a light jacket for patchy rain at Hapuna. **Avoid Hilo Bay and Hamakua coast** due to the Brown Water Advisory. Monitor local updates for any sudden changes in wave conditions near Kona.

👨‍👩‍👧 Families

**Hapuna, Carlsmith, and Spencer Beach Parks** are ideal-shallow, calm waters and lifeguards. Supervise kids closely, even in sheltered areas. Bring indoor backups (e.g., Imiloa Astronomy Center) if rain disrupts plans. **Avoid Hilo Bay and Hamakua coast** due to the Brown Water Advisory. Stay updated on wave conditions near Kona.

🌊 Experienced

**Kahaluʻu Beach Park** offers moderate surf (3 ft) and excellent snorkeling. Monitor conditions and respect wildlife. Check for structural damage to restrooms and lifeguard towers before entering. **Avoid Hilo Bay and Hamakua coast** due to the Brown Water Advisory. No surf advisories in effect, but recent high waves near Kona urge caution-stay vigilant near breakwaters.

Full Briefing

Ocean Conditions

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West-facing beaches (Hapuna, Kahaluʻu) remain calm today, with small surf at Hapuna (1.4 ft) and moderate surf at Kahaluʻu (3 ft). Winds are light (3-6 mph), with Hapuna experiencing NE winds and Kahaluʻu S winds. **No surf advisories or closures** are in effect, but recent reports of **4-6 ft waves near Kailua-Kona (June 2)** highlight the need for caution, especially near breakwaters. **Brown Water Advisory** remains active for Hilo Bay and the Hamakua coast-avoid swimming or snorkeling in these areas. Kahaluʻu's surf is manageable for experienced swimmers-lifeguards are on duty.

Weather Snapshot

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The Big Island's west shore is mild today, with **Hapuna (72°F, 15% rain chance)** experiencing patchy rain nearby and **Kahaluʻu (72.4°F, 7% rain chance)** enjoying sunny skies. Winds are light (3-6 mph), and conditions are comfortable for beach time. Monitor radar for potential showers at Hapuna, though rain is less likely at Kahaluʻu. Pack a light jacket for Hapuna.

News To Know

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**Brown Water Advisory** remains active for Hilo Bay and the Hamakua coast-avoid swimming or snorkeling in these areas ([Hawaii DOH](https://eha-cloud.doh.hawaii.gov/cwb/#!/event/2074)). A **fatal crash in Honolulu** highlights impaired driving risks during the summer travel season ([KHON2](https://www.khon2.com/traffic/deadly-crash-impaired-driving-concerns/)). **Huge waves (4-6 ft) crashed near a Kailua-Kona restaurant on June 2**, with some waves likely higher-stay cautious near breakwaters ([CNN](https://www.cnn.com/2026/06/05/weather/video/hawaii-waves-restaurant-kailua-kona-vrtc)). No other advisories or closures are in effect for the Big Island today.

What Changed Since Yesterday

Quick Hits

  • **Hapuna Beach Park** is the safest swim spot today-small surf (1.4 ft) and lifeguards.
  • **Kahaluʻu Beach Park** offers moderate surf (3 ft)-great for experienced snorkelers (morning recommended).
  • **No surf advisories or closures**-calm conditions for beach activities, but stay cautious near breakwaters.
  • **Brown Water Advisory** for Hilo Bay/Hamakua coast-avoid swimming/snorkeling.
  • **Pack a light jacket**-patchy rain possible, especially at Hapuna.

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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