Big Island update · 2026-06-24

Big Island Beaches: Calm Waters, Caution Near Breakwaters

Big Island's west shore beaches remain calm with small surf-ideal for swimming and snorkeling, but stay cautious near breakwaters after recent high waves.

Big Island Beaches: Calm Waters, Caution Near Breakwaters beach conditions image

Big Island beaches are calm today, with **small surf at Hapuna Beach Park (1.4 ft) and moderate surf at Kahaluʻu Beach Park (2.9 ft)**. Light winds (2.2-6 mph) and mild temperatures (73-74°F) make for comfortable beach conditions. **No active surf advisories or Brown Water Advisories** for the Big Island, but recent reports of 10-15 ft waves crashing over oceanfront condos in Keauhou serve as a reminder to stay cautious near breakwaters and respect ocean conditions.

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 mph) and 74°F temps-comfortable for extended beach time
  • Low rain chance (16%)-ideal for midday visits
  • No active advisories-lower contamination risk
View beach page →

Spencer Beach Park

Big Island · Best window: morning

high 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 →

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 →
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 →
Neighborhood: Kahaluu-Keauhou

Kahaluʻu Beach Park

Big Island · Best window: morning

medium confidence
  • Moderate surf (2.9 ft)-good for experienced snorkelers (lifeguards on duty)
  • Excellent snorkeling with turtles and tropical fish
  • Low rain chance (23%)-morning visits avoid potential afternoon wind chop
  • No active advisories-safe for water activities with caution
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 (2.9 ft). Monitor local updates for any sudden changes in wave conditions, especially near breakwaters.

👨‍👩‍👧 Families

**Hapuna, Spencer, and Carlsmith 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 plans change due to weather.

🌊 Experienced

**Kahaluʻu Beach Park** offers moderate surf (2.9 ft) and excellent snorkeling. Respect wildlife and avoid touching coral or turtles. Recent high waves in Keauhou urge caution-stay vigilant near breakwaters and avoid exposed areas during high tide.

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 (2.9 ft). Winds are light (2.2-6 mph), with Hapuna experiencing NE winds and Kahaluʻu SW winds. **No active surf advisories or closures** for the Big Island, but recent reports of 10-15 ft waves crashing over oceanfront condos in Keauhou highlight the need for caution near breakwaters and during high tide. 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 (74°F, 16% rain chance)** and **Kahaluʻu (73°F, 23% rain chance)** both experiencing patchy rain nearby. Winds are light (2.2-6 mph), making for comfortable beach days. No significant rain expected, but pack a light jacket for cooler afternoons.

News To Know

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Recent high surf events in Keauhou (June 14) serve as a reminder to **stay cautious near breakwaters and respect ocean conditions**. While no active advisories are in effect for the Big Island, always check local updates before heading to the shore. **Hawaii enforces registration for hemp retailers starting July 1**-visitors should ensure compliance when purchasing hemp products. The Hawaii Supreme Court also overturned a guilty verdict in a local crime case, but this does not impact beach conditions.

What Changed Since Yesterday

Quick Hits

  • **Hapuna Beach Park** is the safest swim spot today-small surf (1.4 ft) and lifeguards.
  • **Spencer Beach Park** offers calm, shallow waters-ideal for families and beginners.
  • **No surf advisories or closures**-calm conditions for beach activities, but stay cautious near breakwaters.
  • **No Brown Water Advisory** for the Big Island-safe for swimming/snorkeling.
  • **Recent high waves in Keauhou** urge caution-avoid exposed areas during high tide.

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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