Most of us never leave home without our smartphones, even when heading to the beach.
And why would we? Not with a host of handy apps ready to provide information on everything from real-time surf and tide conditions to reef fish identification.
Here are five with Hawaii data:
SURFLINE
Surfline/Wavetrack Inc., free
Since 1985 Surfline has been helping surfers find great waves by offering real-time surf reports, long-range swell analysis and weather forecasts for favorite surf spots from more than 300 high-definition beach cameras.
The app allows users to select specific surf spots in Hawaii, including Queen’s, Chun’s, Ala Moana Bowls and Popoia Island, Kailua. The information includes predicted winds and surf heights by the hour.
Live video streams from hundreds of popular surf spots, including Pipeline and Waimea Bay, are also available, but you’ll have to watch ads first unless you have a premium membership, which offers daily surf reports and long-range swell forecasts along with surf entertainment ($12.99 monthly or $69.99 yearly depending on plan).
GOHAWAII
Hawaii Tourism Authority, free
This app provides general travel tips as well as sections on water safety, disaster preparedness and marine protection, including the meaning of “kapu” (“keep out”).
Take advantage of links to Hawaii weather reports and, for fun, a selection of local emojis including a rainbow, aloha shirt and shaka sign.
SNORKEL FISH HAWAII
John P. Hoover, $4.99, iPhone only
Released in March, this handy guide covers shallow-water reef fish commonly seen by snorkelers as well as some rare ones. Photos and common, Hawaiian and scientific names for fish are provided.
The information is searchable by colors and shapes. Hoover is author of “Hawai‘i’s Fishes: A Guide for Snorkelers and Divers” and numerous other guides. For $7.99 you can bundle this app with Hawaii Naturalist, a guide to Hawaii’s birds (normally $4.99 each).
UVLENS/UV INDEX
Spark 64 Ltd., free
Planning to spend the day outdoors? Find the UV index for your location and personalize the data by entering specifics like your gender and eye, skin and hair color.
Run a finger around the circular clock to get the UV index by the hour or minute. Includes changing conditions at your location in real time and offers the forecast for tomorrow.
CLEAN SWELL
Ocean Conservancy, free
The Clean Swell App by the Ocean Conservancy, a nonprofit environmental advocacy group based in Washington, D.C., allows users to easily log each item of trash collected from beach cleanups, including most-found items such as cigarette butts, balloons, toys, fishing gear, plastic bags and food wrappers.
The data collected is instantly uploaded to Ocean Conservancy’s global ocean trash database, providing a snapshot of the problem to researchers, policymakers and others. You can also share your cleanup results with friends on social media and see the total weight of the trash you collect.
