South Maui’s Kamaʻole II is under a Brown Water Advisory after a round of heavy showers, and health officials are telling people to skip the murky surf and nearby freshwater for now. Runoff and stormwater can carry pollutants and bacteria that can make both swimmers and pets sick, and the Hawaiʻi Department of Health is urging caution while the ocean has time to clear up.
Advisory Posted At Kamaʻole II
Maui Now reported the advisory on January 14, 2026, noting the alert specifically for Kamaʻole II in South Maui. According to Maui Now, beachgoers are being urged to stay out of water that looks brown or cloudy, especially after storms or heavy rain that can stir up contamination.
Why The Ocean Turns That Murky Brown
When big rains hit, runoff can drag sediment, pesticides, sewage and other contaminants straight into nearshore waters. That mix turns the ocean brown and increases the odds that harmful bacteria are present, as local reporting and previous health alerts have pointed out. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser has covered similar Department of Health warnings after storms and wastewater spills, explaining that brown water advisories are issued when conditions suggest runoff is likely polluted. Temporary warning signs and advisories usually stay in place until follow-up testing and a stretch of sunshine show that conditions have improved.
Health Risks And How To Play It Safe
The Hawaiʻi Department of Health Clean Water Branch recommends avoiding any ocean water that looks brown and steering clear of swimming, wading or drinking from freshwater streams and ponds for 48 to 72 hours after rain and after beaches have had full sunshine. The department also flags the risk of leptospirosis, an infection caused by Leptospira bacteria, and provides details on symptoms and prevention on its health pages. For official updates and advisory maps, visit the Hawaiʻi Department of Health Clean Water Branch and the Hawaiʻi Department of Health.
