Brown water advisories on Kauaʻi
After heavy rain, the Hawaiʻi Department of Health can warn that runoff is reaching beach water. Here is what is in effect now, what the warning means and where to check.
In effect now
- Oct 27Brown Water Advisory at Lawa'i Beach Park, Kaua‘i
- Oct 27Brown Water Advisory at Prince Kuhio Park, Kaua‘i
- Oct 14Brown Water Advisory at Koloa Landing, Kaua‘i
- Oct 9Brown Water Advisory at Po'ipu Beach Pavilion, Kaua‘i
What a brown water advisory is
The Department of Health's Clean Water Branch issues a brown water advisory when its field staff judge by eye that land-based pollutants are likely entering beach water, usually after heavy rain or flash floods. It doesn't wait for lab tests. Source: Beach Monitoring Program
Storm water can carry pathogens, sewage from overflowing cesspools or septic tanks, animal feces and chemicals. The Department says the public should stay out of beaches and streams contaminated by it. Source: General Health Advisory
The Department doesn't close beaches under any advisory. It tells people so they can decide for themselves.
How long it lasts
How long an advisory runs. The Department sets no fixed end time. It says brown water advisories are generally canceled within 24 to 72 hours after the rain event has subsided. It may cancel when the water is no longer brown or cloudy, or, at the beaches the Department regularly samples, when testing shows bacteria below its action value. Source: Beach Monitoring Program
How long to stay out after rain. Separately, the Department's public guidance, as relayed by the County of Kauaʻi, is to stay out of the affected waters for at least 48 to 72 hours after heavy rain has stopped. Source: County of Kauaʻi, Aug 17, 2026
These are two different spans. One is when the Department usually lifts its notice. The other is its advice for people in the water.
Where to check
- The Department of Health's advisory viewer lists areas under an advisory. It encourages people to sign up there for email notices.
- Ask a lifeguard, or call the Kauaʻi Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.
- Don't count on signs. The Department says temporary signs are not posted on the beach for brown water advisories. Source
Recent brown water advisories on Kauaʻi
- Oct 27Brown Water Advisory at Lawa'i Beach Park, Kaua‘i
- Oct 27Brown Water Advisory at Prince Kuhio Park, Kaua‘i
- Oct 14Brown Water Advisory at Koloa Landing, Kaua‘i
- Oct 9Brown Water Advisory at Po'ipu Beach Pavilion, Kaua‘i
- Oct 3Island-wide brown water advisory for Kauaʻi; the Ocean Safety Bureau advised no swimming or other ocean activities
- Sep 30Advisories throughout the island, no specific beaches named
- Aug 17Statewide advisory from the Department of Health after heavy rain and storm activity
- Jul 22Advisory at Hanamāʻulu Beach (a news summary of the Department's notice)
Questions
Can I swim after it rains on Kauaʻi?
The Department of Health recommends staying out of the affected waters for at least 48 to 72 hours after heavy rain stops, and avoiding water that looks brown, cloudy or murky, even when no advisory is posted.
How do I know if a brown water advisory is in effect?
Check the Department of Health Clean Water Branch advisory viewer, ask a lifeguard, or call the Kauaʻi Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984. The Department says it does not post signs at beaches for brown water advisories.
Why is brown water a health concern?
Storm water can carry pathogens, sewage from overflowing cesspools or septic tanks, animal feces and chemicals. The Department of Health says to stay out of beaches and streams contaminated by it.
When does a brown water advisory end?
The Department of Health may cancel it when the water is no longer brown or cloudy, or, at beaches it regularly samples, when testing shows bacteria below its action value. It says advisories are generally canceled within 24 to 72 hours after the rain has subsided.
Does the Department of Health close beaches during a brown water advisory?
No. The Department says it does not close beaches for any advisory. It tells people about the advisory so they can decide for themselves.