We're headed to the north shore for the last week of Sept/first week of Oct and would love to do some snorkeling. I realize that fall is when things start to get rougher up north but we're still hoping to snorkel some north shore beaches if at all possible, and we'd also like to do a NaPali coast tour on a day that isn't too rough.

Is there any way to determine each morning whether the waters are swimmable at different beaches (short of driving to every beach and looking)? Also, are conditions generally forecast several days in advance? I'm thinking about how we might plan ahead for a day to do the NaPali tour.

thanks!

The local news morning and evening versions will give you a surf report on Oahu. If the surf is big, you'll know that the snorkeling won't be great.

I'm not sure how good this is , its a surf hotline for Kauai:

http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/ocean_report/

That looks like a great site--thank you--but does anyone know if there's a way to get this same info without an internet connection? We won't have access in our condo. Is there maybe a hotline you can call? thx

Julie304, we'll be on the north shore the last week of Sept too and thanks to you, we just got a cheaper rate with Alamo!!

Julie304:
Kaua`i has a community radio station -- and we broadcast the surf report for the whole island weekday mornings at 7:30 and 8:30.

Northshore, tune your radio to 90.9FM
Elsewhere, tune your radio to 91.9FM
...also broadcasting online at www.kkcr.org

Auntie Maria - That is your show during that time, isn't it ? Looking forward to listening on a real radio tomorrow !! Wooo Hoo !!

Alan

Thanks auntiemaria--that's just the kind of info we were looking for!

One last question--I hate to sound stupid but we grew up in the Midwest so we really aren't used to swimming in the ocean or having to worry about waves, currents, etc. I'm wondering what kind of conditions are generally considered swimmable (or snorkelable)? For example, I know it depends somewhat on the individual beach, but if the forecast is for waves of 1-3 feet, is that generally OK for swimming (assuming no rip currents, etc.)? What about 2-4 feet or 3-5? Is it possible to snorkel in waters that aren't completely calm? The only snorkeling I've done thus far was in the USVI, where there isn't much surf.

Thanks so much for everyone's help!

dcd--glad you were able to get a lower rate on your car too! I'm getting really excited now. Can't wait to get through these last 2 weeks of work!

If you are not familiar/comfortable with swimming in the ocean, I would not recommend that you attempt to swim if the waves are forecast for higher than 1-2 feet.

If a wave hits you from behind at 2-4 feet, it is possible for you to lose your balance and be churned up in the sand. If it is not a single wave but a set of them, consider that you may not be able to get up right away.

3-5 feet - absolutely not, unless you are familiar with those conditions.

Trying to snorkel in waters that aren't completely calm is ok if you've got experience and/or are comfortable. Out and away from the shoreline you bob up and down more - keep this in mind if you're prone to seasickness. The currents may be stronger, also.

alanwar:
Yep...I'm on-air Wednesday & Friday mornings, 7-9a.m. (and occasionally filling for other DJs too -- as I will be doing this Thursday 9-11a.m.). Nothing but great Hawaiian music, I promise! 8-)

Julie304:
Our waters demand respect -- and since you are not familiar with the currents and wave action here, swim only at lifeguarded beaches, 'kay? This website has good safety advice, along with info about the many beaches of Kaua`i:
http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/

Island water safety rule #1:
When in doubt, don't go out

Re: radio KKCR

Forgot to mention, the station also broadcasts live online:
http://www.kkcr.org

5 weeks + 2 days until I'm in Kauai! Great information on this thread - thanks! AuntieMaria, I'll look forward to listening to your show.

Thanks auntiemaria,

We fly out Saturday morning, and will look forward to listening to your show next week. This post was real timely as I was going to post a thread asking for the station setting, now I have it!

Here are some phone #'s given in BB for Kauai:

Monitor Ocean Conditions: 245-3564

Nat'l Weather Service: 245-6001

Hope this helps!