Tide, Swell Information and the Recommended Ocean Activities
So, this is generalized ocean knowledge that locals know, but is not so obvious to the tourists and vacationers. I'm going to present this information in table and bullet point format for clarity and simplicity. These are just generalizations, so depending on the day, the week, the month, or the year, these facts may not be true. They are just generally true.
Summary Tables:
Snorkeling Table
Surfing/ Bodyboarding Table
How did I come up with these tables? Here's the answer:
General Water Activity Information:
Snorkeling - ideal when there are no waves – low waves because visibility is higher and water does not come down your breathing tube
Surfing/Bodyboarding - ideal when there are mid waves – high waves for obvious reasons
Low Tide tends to have higher waves, shallower waters, reef/rocks may be sticking out of the ocean which is dangerous
High Tide tends to have lower waves, deeper waters
Seasonal Wave Patterns In General:
Winter – high waves in the North Shore (Ekuhai, Waimea, etc.)
Spring – transition period of high waves moving from North Shore to South Shore
Summer – high waves in the South Shore (Waikiki, Ala Moana, etc.)
Fall – transition period of high waves moving from South Shore to North Shore
As with any water activity, please check out swellinfo.com before you go for up to date surf information, as the information presented here are just generalizations.
Go to the Honolulu, HI surf report.
Click for East (Hauula) Oahu, HI surf reports.
Click for North Shore Oahu, HI surf reports.