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.