Is water in Kona warm?
Average annual water temperature on the coast in Kailua Kona is 78°F, by the seasons: in winter 77°F, in spring 77°F, in summer 79°F, in autumn 80°F. Minimum water temperature (75°F) in Kailua Kona it happens in March, maximum (82°F) in September.
Lanikai Beach, Oahu, Hawaii
But few compare to Lanikai (which translates to “Heavenly Ocean”) Beach on the windward coast of Oahu. It's ranked as one of the most beautiful beaches in the United States and has some of the warmest water, ranging from 77 to 82 degrees.
As a general rule, Hawaiian waters average 77 degrees in the wintertime to 82 degrees in the summertime. Now, compared to the U.S. West Coast, Hawaiian waters are definitely much warmer (10-20 degrees warmer) than the waters off Southern California.
One remains: Pohoiki Hot Springs. This hot spring is located in Isaac Hale Park near the eastern coast of the Big Island and is open to visitors all year round.
Today's Old Kona Airport State Park sea temperature is 78 °F.
According to data from the National Oceanic Atmospheric Association (NOAA), the warmest water off Honolulu can be found from July to September—averaging 80 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit. However, Honolulu water temperatures drop to only 76 degrees in January, according to NOAA.
Loved by both locals and tourists, Lanikai is largely considered the best swimming beach in Hawaii thanks to its calm waters. This is attributed to the coral reef which also makes this a great spot for snorkelling in Hawaii. From silky soft sand, to picturesque turquoise waters, this beach has something for everyone.
Best Time for Snorkeling and Swimming: Great swimming and snorkeling are possible year-round in Hawaii, but during summer months (May through September) water is warmer, waves are smaller, and skies are sunnier, making conditions ideal for these water-based activities.
Luckily we are fortunate here in Hawaii to have great water temperature the entire year long. Yes as you may have surmised the water temperature does go down in the winter months, but not as much as you might expect.
As Oahu has the most swimmable beaches and most easily accessible beaches, it takes the prize for the best beaches in Hawaii. As the second oldest major Hawaiian Island, Oahu has 227 miles of shoreline. You won't find towering sea cliffs on Oahu as you find on Kauai or Molokai.
Can you swim in the ocean in Kona?
Kamakahonu (king kam) beach in downtown Kona on the Big island is a popular spot for snorkeling and swimming.
Kailua-Kona Region
Kona Coast or Kekaha Kai State Park is 1,600 acres of beautiful sand and pristine blue waters. Several beaches in the park are accessed via a 1.5-mile road located between the 91 and 90-mile markers on Highway 19 north of Kona.
Located on Kua Bay in Kona, Maniniʻōwali Beach is sometimes called “The Caribbean of Hawaiʻi,” thanks in part to its fine white-sand beaches that gently slope toward the crystal-clear water. The crescent-shaped beach is one of the best places for swimming when the water is calm, usually during the morning hours.
The graph below shows the range of monthly Kailua-Kona water temperature derived from many years of historical sea surface temperature data. The warmest water temperature is in September with an average around 80.2°F / 26.8°C. The coldest month is March with an average water temperature of 76.1°F / 24.5°C.
The west side (Kona side) is called the 'dry side' of the island, and the east side (Hilo side) the 'wet side'.
Light and variable winds with smooth seas. Very small long period waves. Winds: SW 4 knots. Seas: S 3 feet at 16 seconds.
Water temperatures are around 74 degrees so swimming is a year round activity here in Hawaii.
What makes Hawaii different is two things: First, where most islands are buffeted by winds that shift this way and that, depending on the season, the Hawaiian Islands sit in the midst of the Trade Winds, which blow steadily west all year round. Second, the water beneath those winds grows warmer the farther west you go.
I think you will probably find the waters in the Caribbean somewhat warmer than Hawaii. Since Hawaii is a volcanic atoll in the middle of the Pacific, there is primarily deep water all around these islands, whereas in the Caribbean there tends to be more shallows with the reefs & all.
Oahu's windward coast – specifically the 10-mile stretch from the Marine Corps Base Kaneohe to Makapu'u Beach Park – is home to the bluest water in Hawaii, sure to make your next beach day unforgettable.
Which side of Hawaii has better beaches?
In the resort areas on the west side of the island the evenings are typically in the mid 70s to low 80s. It is very rare for the temperature to ever drop below 70 on the coast. The most popular area to stay is the Kohala Coast. This area is home to the nicest resorts, the most beautiful weather and the best beaches.
The Kona side of the island (roughly the western half) is the more tourist friendly side. It's sunny, dry, and where all of the best beaches are hence…all of the best resorts. At all budget levels, probably 90% of accommodations on the Big Island are on the Kona side.
Spring and Autumn are the “low” or “off” season in Hawaii. April through mid-June, and September through mid-December see the fewest tourists. This can result in a wider variety of options for you when it comes to hotels, transportation, and attractions.
Generally, the best time to visit Hawaii for the most ideal overall weather, lowest statewide rates, and the fewest visitors on-island is April and May during the spring and September and October during the fall.
November and March are the wettest months, whereas during the summer months the amount of rain can decrease up to half the peak rate. Average monthly rainfall for the Big Island.
Dangerous beaches for swimming in Hawaii:
Hanakapi'iai Beach – Kauai. Sandy Beach – Oahu. Kaihalulu Red Sand Beach – Maui. Makena Beach – Maui.
Different Islands in Hawaii
Temperatures in Lihue are warm, typically ranging between 80 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (27 and 29 degrees Celsius) throughout the year. The island's mountains are often cooler, sometimes dropping below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees Celsius).
How cold does it get in Hawaii? During the day, it rarely gets below 75 degrees. At night, it can get anywhere between 58 degrees and 70 degrees. The coldest day in Hawaii was 12 degrees on top of Mauna Kea, but in Honolulu was 56 degrees.
If you're just looking at the sheer number of incidents on each island, Kauai is the safest island to live on.
Waimea Beach, Kauai
With just one primary lodging option, Kauai's dry, sunny west side is by far the island's least crowded coast accessible by road. Waimea Beach has fine brown-black sand that is great for beachcombing and leisurely strolls, and it offers views of the island of Niihau across the channel.
What is the most picturesque island in Hawaii?
With its jagged cliffs, lush valleys, and paradisiacal beaches, Kauai is truly heaven on earth and is our top pick for the most beautiful island in Hawaii.
Honokohau / “Kona Dog” Beach
The waters are 89% clear, which means that they are perfect for snorkeling and swimming. If you have extra time, be sure to visit the historical Big Island park here and see the “salt and pepper” sand beach there.
Water Shoes
If this trip to Hawaii is more for leisure and you don't plan on doing any hiking or intense outdoor water activities, then you probably won't need to bring water hiking shoes. Pack those trusty, classic water shoes instead.
The Kohanaiki club isn't a place that you can just show up and hang out in: It's a 450-acre patch of land on the Kona Coast of Hawai'i, the Big Island where the richest of the rich—literally billionaires, as they claim—come to live in what essentially amounts to a luxury commune.
Kona coffee is a specialty coffee that differs from other varieties primarily because of its prime farming location and production processes. Kona coffee farms are only in one place in Hawaii called the Kona Coffee Belt, on Hualalai and Mauna Loa in the North and South districts.
Beaches: Maui
Maui's shores have some of the best beaches in the entire state, and the Big Island's young, rocky, volcanic shores offer very little in the way of soft white sand. If it's the beaches you crave, Maui is the clear choice. Paia Bay has a long white sand beach with an excellent near-shore surf break.
One of Kona's most memorable experiences is going on a manta ray boat tour to scuba or snorkel with these gentle, graceful sea creatures. Kona is also famous for its deep-sea fishing, hosting the International Billfish Tournament (August) every year.
Kona, located on the island's western coast, has a more touristy feel with plenty of sunshine and fantastic weather. Here you'll find the major resort area of Waikoloa, some white sand beaches, and a little-known national park.
If you're going to be on the island for just a couple of days and only have time to stay in one place, it probably makes sense for most travelers to stay in Kona, given its proximity to beaches, a broader range of activities, and better selection of hotels, restaurants, and flights.
If you're looking for beautiful, sandy beaches, and crystal clear waters, there is one area that truly stands out. The Kohala Coast on the northwest side of the Big Island has the best beaches. Kauna'oa and Hapuna Beach are two unbelievably beautiful beaches located on this side of the island.
What is the rainiest month in Kona Hawaii?
Kona is the only region in the islands where summer rainfall exceeds winter rainfall. Our wettest month is September but this is no reason to avoid Kailua this month as in general (but by no means as a rule) it rains in the late afternoon or in the early evening.
Kona. Apart from the strange taste you are sure to detect, tap water in Kona is generally safe to drink. According to the Department of Health, regular tests are done to ensure the quality of tap water.
The Hawaiian Islands are close to the equator, meaning the sun's rays are much stronger than the average place.
Kona, not Hilo, is the place to stay on the island of Hawaii during your vacation. Kona offers better weather, the best beaches and snorkeling, newer resorts, more vacation rentals, and more nightlife compared to Hilo Town. Hilo is worth a visit but may not be worth staying for more than a night.
While for most of Hawaii, the winter months are generally the rainiest, Kona's drier season is generally from November through March, while the rainy season runs from April through October.
Kailua-Kona is located in Lava Zone 4, which includes all of Hualalai. Although Hualalai is not extinct, the frequency of eruptions is lower, much lower, than that for Kilauea or Mauna Loa.
The last tsunami to impact West Hawaii was March 11, 2011, causing extensive damage from South Kona to South Kohala but no injuries or deaths. The hard-hit Kona Village Resort has yet to rebuild and reopen from the devastation caused by the waves triggered by the magnitude-9.1 earthquake off Japan.
These Kona beaches are sandy and classic Hawaiian with volcanic tide pools and surrounding lava fields. The kind of Kona, Big Island beaches you would expect on this island paradise. Enjoy your stay on the Kona Coast with our favorite Kona beaches.
Hawaii is in the tropics, where the length of day and temperature are relatively uniform throughout the year.
For example, in Kauai, which is the northernmost of the major Hawaiian Islands, ocean temperatures range from 77°F to 83°F. On the beach resort side of Hawaii (Big) Island, ocean temperatures range between 77°F and 81°F.
Where is the warmest beach in Hawaii?
- Waimea Bay, Oahu. ...
- Yokohama Bay, Oahu. ...
- Kalapaki Beach, Kauai. ...
- Kehana Beach, Big Island. ...
- Ho'okipa Beach Park, Maui. ...
- Lanikai Beach, Oahu. ...
- Punaluu Beach, Big Island.
The island of Kauai offers some of Hawaii's cleanest and clearest waters. Ke'e Beach Park features a reef lagoon that is home to green sea turtles and vibrant reef fish. Poipu Beach Park is one of Kauai's best family beaches and one of the safest for toddlers.
As Oahu has the most swimmable beaches and most easily accessible beaches, it takes the prize for the best beaches in Hawaii. As the second oldest major Hawaiian Island, Oahu has 227 miles of shoreline. You won't find towering sea cliffs on Oahu as you find on Kauai or Molokai.
Summer is the best time to take a dip in the warm Hawaiian waters. The ocean temperature hovers around 82°, and the wind and surf are reliably low. Visitors of any experience level can enjoy snorkeling in the clear, calm summer sea.
Hawaii has a more consistent climate and stays warm year-round compared to the varying temperatures and weather patterns along Florida.
The Surrounding Ocean.
The seasonal range of sea surface temperatures near Hawaii is only about 6 degrees, from a low of 73 or 74 degrees between late February and March to a high near 80 degrees in late September or early October. The variation from night to day is one or two degrees.
THE BIG ISLAND'S MOST POPULAR
The driest and sunniest area of the Island is found on the Kohala Coast. Home to the Kohala Resort Area, the sunny Kohala Coast gets an average of just 10 inches of rainfall per year, making it the most popular part of the Island for vacationers!
Located on Kua Bay in Kona, Maniniʻōwali Beach is sometimes called “The Caribbean of Hawaiʻi,” thanks in part to its fine white-sand beaches that gently slope toward the crystal-clear water. The crescent-shaped beach is one of the best places for swimming when the water is calm, usually during the morning hours.
Kauai is the Best Island for Secret Beaches + Fewer Crowds. Kauai is the best place to go in Hawaii if you're a nature lover… those who aren't looking for top tier resorts, restaurants, or night life. Still, there are plenty of excellent activities on Kauai.
Kona Coast or Kekaha Kai State Park is 1,600 acres of beautiful sand and pristine blue waters. Several beaches in the park are accessed via a 1.5-mile road located between the 91 and 90-mile markers on Highway 19 north of Kona.
What's the prettiest island in Hawaii?
Kauai is the winner
In our opinion, Kauai takes the throne as the prettiest Hawaiian island. It has a variety of views and terrain to see. Rocky coastlines, beautiful beaches, lush jungles, and mountains and valleys. There is so much to see and do.