Hawaii's water temperature averages 76–82°F depending on the season and island. You're warm enough to skip a wetsuit entirely, but exposed enough that a suit makes a real difference over a long day of diving.
Hawaii Water Temperature by Season
Summer (June–September): 80–82°F at the surface. Many experienced divers go without a wetsuit or wear a 1.5mm shortie. Winter (November–March): 74–77°F. A 3mm full suit becomes much more comfortable on multi-dive days. For year-round versatility, most Hawaii spearfishers own both a 1.5mm and a 3mm suit.
Camo Wetsuits vs. Solid Color: Does It Matter?
Camo wetsuits reduce your visual profile against reef backgrounds. For ambush hunting — hovering still near the bottom waiting for a fish — this matters. But movement matters more than color. A diver who moves slowly and breathes controlled will out-hunt a diver in camo who kicks aggressively.
Neoprene vs. Yamamoto
Higher-end freediving wetsuits use Yamamoto limestone neoprene (39 or 45 cell), which is warmer for the same thickness, more flexible, and more buoyancy-neutral — but significantly more expensive. For Hawaii conditions, standard neoprene in 1.5–3mm is more than adequate.
Frequently Asked Questions
What thickness wetsuit for spearfishing in Hawaii?
1.5mm–3mm is the standard range. In summer (80°F+ water), a 1.5mm suit is comfortable. In winter or for multi-hour sessions, a 3mm full suit provides better thermal protection. Most local Hawaii spearfishers own both.
Do I need a wetsuit to spearfish in Hawaii?
Not technically — Hawaii water is warm enough to dive without one in summer. But a wetsuit provides UV protection, abrasion protection, and thermal buffering on longer sessions.
Is a camo wetsuit worth it for Hawaii spearfishing?
For serious hunters, yes. Camo helps blend into reef environments during ambush-style hunting. That said, movement and breath control have more impact than camouflage.
What brands do Hawaii spearfishers use for wetsuits?
Popular brands include Riffe, Omer, Cressi, Picasso, and Rob Allen. The best advice: talk to locals at the ramp and ask what they run.
Can I wear a surfing wetsuit for spearfishing in Hawaii?
You can, but it's not ideal. Surf wetsuits are thicker and more restrictive through the chest — which makes breath holding harder. A purpose-built freediving wetsuit is more flexible and better suited to diving efficiently.
Follow @hanapaafishing on Instagram for wetsuit picks, diving tips, and Hawaii fishing updates.