Some of Lahaina’s most popular shoreline spots are under a Brown Water Advisory after a round of heavy rain muddied the coast from Baby Beach to Wahikuli. The Hawaiʻi Department of Health is urging beachgoers and ocean users to steer clear of any water that looks brown or murky, since runoff can carry higher levels of pollutants and bacteria. The advisory covers key West Maui swim and snorkel areas and will stay in place until conditions clear up.
In a post on X, the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health confirmed the advisory for Lahaina (Baby Beach to Wahikuli) and reminded the public to “stay out of waters when the water appears brown or murky, especially following storms or heavy rain.” As outlined by the department’s Clean Water Branch, officials post advisories and maintain an interactive map that tracks events at affected beaches.
A #BrownWaterAdvisory has been issued at Lahaina (Baby Beach to Wahikuli) on Maui. The DOH advises beach users to stay out of waters when the water appears brown or murky, especially following storms or heavy rain.
— Hawaiʻi State Department of Health (@HawaiiDOH) February 24, 2026
For more information: https://t.co/IwLEyECNuq pic.twitter.com/hcI25uDvgT
Storm runoff likely to blame
A trough of unsettled weather brought heavy rain and flash-flood warnings across the islands this week, setting up prime conditions for storm runoff to wash into nearshore waters, according to Hawaii News Now. When streams or storm drains gush after intense rainfall, the ocean close to shore can turn brown and cloudy within hours as sediment and pollutants pour in. That kind of rapid change is often enough for the Clean Water Branch to post a Brown Water Advisory on the spot rather than wait for lab tests to come back.
What swimmers should know
The Department of Health recommends waiting at least 48 to 72 hours after heavy rain, and until a beach has had full sunshine, before jumping back into ocean activities. It also advises people to avoid swimming in, wading through, or drinking from freshwater streams or ponds to cut the risk of infection, according to the Clean Water Branch. Brown, murky water can hide harmful bacteria and other pathogens that can make people sick, especially children and anyone with a weakened immune system. If you went in despite the conditions and later develop symptoms such as fever, headache, vomiting, or jaundice, health officials say you should get medical care promptly.
Where to check for updates
For the most current advisory status and maps of affected beaches, the department’s advisory viewer is the go-to tool. Local outlets such as Maui Now also link to the DOH viewer and share local updates as conditions change. County ocean-safety teams and lifeguards may post signs at shoreline access points where brown water is present.
The bottom line is simple: if the water looks brown, stay out. If you or a family member feel sick after contact with murky ocean or freshwater, contact a healthcare provider. The CDC notes that leptospirosis and other infections can follow flood- or storm-related water exposure.
