Dangerous water warnings hit trendy vacation spot after powerful storm pounds area

Hawaii health officials have issued multiple brown water advisories across the islands as the state deals with the aftermath of a Kona Low storm.

The storm movedthrough the islandsearlier last week, bringing heavy rainfall and runoff that has kept coastal waters contaminated in several areas, the Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch said. 

Officials say the advisories are layered on top of lingering impacts from an already wet March.

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This was the third Kona Low storm in a month,reported.

Advisories remain in place across several islands, including an island-widewarning on Kaua‘iand multiple affected areas on O‘ahu, Maui and the Big Island, the department says.

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The state of Hawaii issued brown water advisories after storm runoff contaminated coastal waters.(Eugene Tanner/AFP)

The warnings come as visitors continue to arrive in Hawaii during the spring travel season, whenbeaches are a major drawfor tourists.

Health officials warn that brown water conditions can pose serious risks to swimmers and surfers.

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“If the water is brown, turn around,” the department said.

Runoff from heavy rain can carry sewage, pesticides and animal wasteinto the ocean, increasing the risk of exposure to bacteria such as E.coli and salmonella.

“If the water is brown, turn around.”

Storm conditions can also wash debris into coastal waters, while murky conditions may attract marine life, including sharks.

Heavy rain runoff can wash sewage, chemicals and animal waste into the ocean — raising the risk of bacteria like E.coli and Salmonella.(Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle)

Authorities advise avoiding the water if it appears brown or murky, even if advisories are lifted.

Officials say travelers should monitor local updates, as advisories are lifted on a beach-by-beach basis once water quality improves.

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Some travelersexpressed frustration on social media over the advisories, particularly those visiting affected areas during their trips.

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Volunteers load debris and damaged household items onto a truck during cleanup efforts following flooding on March 24, 2026, in Waialua, Hawaii. (Mengshin Lin/AP)

“We are staying in Kīhei, a little bummed,” one user wrote on Reddit.“I hope the storm passes quickly.”

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Others turned to locals for guidance, asking whether it was safe to enter the water under current conditions.

Many residents strongly advised against it, warning the risks can be serious even if conditions appear calm.

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“Local, and I am absolutely not going in the water,” one user wrote.

“Never swim in storm water,” another added.