Kaua‘i News

Kaua‘i County ocean safety officials advise against swimming due to multiple brown water advisories on the island

Published September 30, 2026 • 9:55 AM HST
Text size:
Listen to this Article
1 minute1 min
Loading Audio... Article will play after ad...
Playing in :00
Comments

Kaua‘i County’s Ocean Safety Bureau officials are advising against swimming or other recreational ocean activities due to multiple brown water advisories.

The Hawai‘i State Department of Health Clean Water Branch has issued seven brown water advisories throughout the island.

Map of brown water advisories on Kaua‘i. (Map courtesy: Hawai‘i Deparment of Health)

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health advises beach users to avoid waters that appear brown, cloudy, or murky, particularly after storms or heavy rainfall. This recommendation applies even when a brown water advisory has not been issued.

Stormwater runoff can carry sewage, bacteria, chemicals, and other pollutants into coastal waters. As a precaution, DOH recommends staying out of affected waters for at least 48 to 72 hours after heavy rain has stopped and allowing conditions to improve.

Ocean Safety Bureau officials remind the public to swim only at lifeguarded beaches and to stay out of the water anywhere it appears brown or murky.

For up-to-date information about Kauaʻi ocean conditions and ocean safety, speak to a county lifeguard at any lifeguard station, visit safebeachday.com/county/kauai/, or call the Ocean Safety Bureau at 808-241-4984.

ADVERTISEMENT

Sponsored Content

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Stay in-the-know with daily
headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Cancel
×

Comments

This comments section is a public community forum for the purpose of free expression. Although Kauai Now encourages respectful communication only, some content may be considered offensive. Please view at your own discretion. View Comments