“OAHU, Hawaii – Beachgoers in Hawaii are advised to stay out of the water as the entire islands of Oahu and Maui remain under a brown water advisory. According to the State of Hawaii Department of Health’s (DOH) Clean Water Branch, as of April 2, “high” bacteria counts were monitored in the ocean following March’s storms.

“On March 30, the water at Oahu’s Ala Wai Boat Harbor, home to the popular surf spot Ala Moana Bowls on the edge of Waikiki, was an opaque brown with leftover debris floating around. Typically, the water is clear enough to see the reef and fish below. Some surfers paddled out that day, but the surf lineup had substantially fewer people than usual.

“On March 30, the water at Oahu’s Ala Wai Boat Harbor, home to the popular surf spot Ala Moana Bowls on the edge of Waikiki, was an opaque brown with leftover debris floating around. Typically, the water is clear enough to see the reef and fish below. Some surfers paddled out that day, but the surf lineup had substantially fewer people than usual.
Days earlier, at Makapuu Beach on the eastern shoreline of Oahu, the water glimmered with an unusual greenish tint, prompting people to head to beaches down the road where the water seemed clearer.

“Two back-to-back “kona low” storms – or seasonal subtropical cyclones – in mid-March brought catastrophic rainfall, over 100 mph winds, and some of the worst flooding in 20 years across parts of the state. Thousands of people lost power and residents of Oahu’s North Shore were told to evacuate as their homes and roads were inundated with mud and water.

“Several Oahu, Kauai and Maui wastewater plants overflowed from the kona lows, spilling their contents into the ocean.
Now, two weeks since the first storm hit, the ocean water is still murky due to runoff that carries harmful pathogens and chemicals from sewage systems, animal feces and industrial facilities.”

DOH confirmed the advisories are still in effect to USA TODAY on April 1, advising “beach users to stay out of waters when the water appears brown or murky, especially following storms or heavy rain.” The public should also avoid any fresh water streams or ponds.

Here’s what Hawaii travelers should know.

Here’s what Hawaii travelers should know.
A brown water advisory is issued after heavy rain in order to warn the public that a beach’s water is likely polluted. Sometimes, the water can be polluted and not look brown, but more cloudy or even colorless. Swimming in contaminated water can lead to gastroenteritis that appears up to 12 days later, or other types of infections or illnesses.

What’s a brown water advisory?

A brown water advisory is issued after heavy rain in order to warn the public that a beach’s water is likely polluted. Sometimes, the water can be polluted and not look brown, but more cloudy or even colorless. Swimming in contaminated water can lead to gastroenteritis that appears up to 12 days later, or other types of infections or illnesses.
As part of the Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act, the DOH routinely tests the water at beaches on Oahu, Kauai, Maui and Hawaii Island for levels of enterococci, a fecal indicator, and issues an advisory if they surpass a threshold value set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

However, DOH notes that enterococci aren’t the only bacteria in runoff that can cause harmful infections.

Typically, people are advised to stay out of the water for 48 to 72 hours after the last rainfall so the water can be flushed by the tides. Beachgoers should check the conditions beforehand and can also ask the lifeguards before entering the water.
Islandwide brown water advisories mean all beaches are at risk of contamination. Oahu has been under one since March 20 and Maui since March 16. Kauai’s was canceled on March 31 and there is no brown water advisory for Hawaii Island. There are also several specific beaches with high levels of bacteria, as of April 2.

Which Hawaii beaches have a brown water advisory?

Islandwide brown water advisories mean all beaches are at risk of contamination. Oahu has been under one since March 20 and Maui since March 16. Kauai’s was canceled on March 31 and there is no brown water advisory for Hawaii Island. There are also several specific beaches with high levels of bacteria, as of April 2.
“There are currently no beach closures, and ocean conditions may appear calm,” the City and County of Honolulu said in an alert on March 25 ahead of a state holiday. “However, the City and County of Honolulu’s Ocean Safety Department HOSD strongly encourages the public to make informed decisions and prioritize safety while the advisory remains in effect.”

“There are currently no beach closures, and ocean conditions may appear calm,” the City and County of Honolulu said in an alert on March 25 ahead of a state holiday. “However, the City and County of Honolulu’s Ocean Safety Department HOSD strongly encourages the public to make informed decisions and prioritize safety while the advisory remains in effect.”
There are also brown water advisories for specific beaches on April 2:

• Oahu - Puaena Point, Haleiwa Beach Park and Mokuleia on the North Shore, plus wastewater discharge at Waimanalo Bay Beach Park.
• Kauai - Nawiliwili to Kalapaki Beach on the south shore, along with Lydgate Beach to Wailua Beach on the eastern side of the island.