Storms Turn Makaha Surf Brown, Locals Told To Stay Out

Recent storms have turned the water at Mākaha Beach Park into something state health officials say you should admire from the sand, not from the lineup. A brown water advisory was posted Thursday by the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health as a precaution, warning people to avoid entering murky or discolored ocean water while sampling teams test conditions and ocean-safety crews keep an eye on the shore. Beachgoers can expect warning signs and spot testing along the beachfront in the coming days.

The department used its X account to urge people to “stay out of waters when the water appears brown or murky,” according to the Hawaiʻi State Department of Health. The advisory specifically calls out Makaha Shores condominium, the stretch of Farrington Highway through Makaha, Mākaha Beach Park and nearby Mākaha Valley as areas of concern. Officials describe the notice as precautionary while the Clean Water Branch gathers samples and posts lab results.

What a Brown Water Advisory Means

Brown water advisories flag the risk that heavy rain or runoff has washed sediment, sewage and other pollutants into nearshore waters, which can raise the odds of gastrointestinal, skin and ear infections for anyone who swims or wades, according to the Clean Water Branch. The agency urges people to avoid contact with obviously brown or murky water and notes that beaches often need time, along with test results, before conditions improve. Guidance commonly suggests waiting around 48 hours, and sometimes a few days, after heavy rain before heading back into the ocean. Those at higher risk of infection, including young children, older adults, pregnant people and anyone with weakened immune systems, are advised to be especially cautious.

Where the Advisory Applies and How to Stay Safe

The current notice covers multiple points along the Mākaha shoreline, including Makaha Shores and stretches beside Farrington Highway, and residents and visitors are being asked to avoid swimming, wading or letting pets enter the water in those spots, according to the department’s post on X. Similar advisories have been issued on other islands after recent storm systems, underscoring how quickly runoff can affect coastal water quality. Anyone who does end up in murky water is urged to rinse off with fresh water as soon as possible and contact a medical provider if they develop symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever or persistent skin or eye irritation.

For the latest official updates, sample results and email notification options, check the Clean Water Branch advisory information or call the CWB on Oʻahu at (808) 586-4309 during business hours. The department’s X feed is also being used for quick alerts to residents and visitors.