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In March 2026, heavy rains and storm systems led to multiple “brown water advisories” across Hawaii. These advisories have been issued on several islands, including Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, and the Big Island.
In some areas, conditions have been serious enough to close beaches entirely. For example, parts of the Big Island, including South Kohala and North Kona, have seen full beach park closures due to contamination concerns.
@hawaiirightnow♬ original sound - Hawaii Right Now
Why These Beaches Are Being Affected
The main culprit is heavy rain. When storms hit Hawaii, water rushes down mountains and through urban areas, collecting pollutants along the way. This runoff eventually drains into the ocean, especially near stream mouths and coastal outlets.
The result? Even beaches that typically look pristine can temporarily become unsafe.
While advisories can change daily, several types of beaches are currently higher risk:
West Hawaii (Big Island): South Kohala and North Kona shorelines have seen closures and advisoriesKauaʻi: North and east shore areas like Hanalei, Kapaʻa, and Wailua have been impacted by runoffOʻahu: Areas near Waikiki and the Ala Wai Canal, plus parts of the North Shore after stormsMaui: Shorelines from Lahaina to Hookipa and other rain-affected areas@jazhasclass
The brown water advisory for Oahu created a lot of questions so let’s talk about it. People tend to think that if the water is blue that it should be safe, but it technically doesn’t need to be “brown,” it could be low visibility (aka murky) and less clear. You might not even notice this if you aren’t used to the water here, and it looks different than what you are used to. So you can check brown water advisory on the DOH website or ask the lifeguards. The general rule is to stay out of the ocean for 48-72 hours after heavy rain, after the sun has been out. If the rain has been particularly bad, some locals will opt to wait a week. If you end up going out into the water, no judgement but know the risks. You are risking coming in contact with the contaminants that come from run off, sewage water, human and animal waste. You are also at higher risk for shark activity because they like to hunt in these conditions and may mistake you in lower visibility conditions. It’s all a risk when you get into the ocean, but calculated risks are best. Anything else you’d add? #brownwater #surf
♬ Could You Be Loved - Bob Marley & The WailersWhat Makes “Brown Water” Dangerous
Health officials warn that swimming in contaminated water can lead to infections, stomach illness, skin irritation, and more serious conditions, especially for children or those with weakened immune systems. Because these contaminants aren’t always visible, clear-looking water isn’t always safe immediately after storms.
What This Means for Travelers
If you’re visiting Hawaii right now, that doesn’t mean you should cancel your trip; it just means you should adjust your plans.
First, check local advisories daily. Conditions can change quickly, and some beaches may be perfectly safe while others nearby are not.Second, be flexible. If your planned beach is under an advisory, consider heading to drier regions, such as leeward (west-facing) coasts, which tend to have cleaner water due to lower rainfall. Third, don’t ignore warning signs. Lifeguards and posted advisories are there for a reason, and entering contaminated water isn’t worth the risk.If you’re traveling this spring, stay informed, avoid murky water, and give the ocean time to recover after storms. Because in paradise, even the clearest waters can change quickly.
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