This is an older update. Read the latest Big Island update →Big Island update · 2026-04-30

Big Island: Calm West Shore, Ninole Brown Water Advisory

West shore beaches stay calm, but Ninole area has brown water. Hapuna and Kahaluʻu are best for swimming.

Big Island: Calm West Shore, Ninole Brown Water Advisory beach conditions image

The Big Island's west shore delivers calm ocean conditions today, but a brown water advisory remains active for the Ninole area-avoid swimming or snorkeling there. Hapuna and Kahaluʻu Beach Parks are the top picks for safe, lifeguarded swimming with small surf (1.4-2 ft) and light winds. Sunny skies at Kahaluʻu (0% rain chance) contrast with patchy rain nearby at Hapuna (86% chance). Visit midday for the best weather window. Check the Hawaii Department of Health's Clean Water Branch for updates before entering any beach.

Active Advisories(1 from Hawaii DOH Clean Water Branch)

Currently posted advisories from the Hawaii Department of Health affecting Big Island. Source: official DOH Clean Water Branch.

Recommended Beaches

Hapuna Beach Park

Big Island · Best window: midday

high confidence
  • Small surf (1.4 ft) and lifeguard-monitored areas-safest swimming on the island today
  • Patchy rain nearby (86% chance), but midday offers the best weather window
  • Grassy picnic areas, restrooms, and showers available for families
View beach page →
Neighborhood: Kahaluu-Keauhou

Kahaluʻu Beach Park

Big Island · Best window: morning

high confidence
  • Moderate surf (2 ft) with excellent snorkeling conditions-clear waters and abundant marine life
  • Sunny skies (0% rain chance) and light winds (3.1 mph) ideal for ocean activities
  • Lifeguard on duty and cultural significance for those interested in local history
View beach page →

Spencer Beach Park

Big Island · Best window: morning

medium confidence
  • Breakwall-protected cove with shallow, calm waters-ideal for families and beginners
  • Lifeguard on duty and picnic facilities available
  • Less prone to runoff contamination due to sheltered location
View beach page →
Neighborhood: Hilo

Richardson Ocean Park

Big Island · Best window: afternoon

medium confidence
  • Sheltered cove with calm waters-good for wading and light snorkeling if visibility is clear
  • Lifeguard on duty and picnic tables available
  • Lower risk of contamination compared to areas under advisories
View beach page →
Neighborhood: Hilo

Onekahakaha Beach Park

Big Island · Best window: midday

medium confidence
  • Artificial lagoon offers enclosed, calm swimming area-great for families with supervision
  • Grassy picnic areas provide dry refuge from patchy rain
  • Lifeguard-monitored, but check water clarity before entering
View beach page →

Who Is This Update For?

🏄 Beginners

Stick to west-facing beaches like Hapuna or Spencer-calm, lifeguarded waters are safest. Avoid the Ninole area due to the brown water advisory. Pack sun protection and check water quality updates before entering.

👨‍👩‍👧 Families

Hapuna and Spencer Beach Parks are your best bets-shallow, calm waters and lifeguards. Supervise kids closely, even in sheltered areas. Bring snacks and plan indoor backups (e.g., Imiloa Astronomy Center) if rain picks up.

🌊 Experienced

Kahaluʻu offers moderate surf (2 ft) for snorkeling and light swimming. Avoid the Ninole area due to the brown water advisory. Monitor water quality updates, especially after recent rain. Windward shores may have stronger currents-stick to west-facing beaches.

Full Briefing

Ocean Conditions

high

West-facing beaches (Hapuna, Kahaluʻu) offer the calmest conditions today, with small to moderate surf (1.4-2 ft) and relatively clear waters. A brown water advisory remains active for the Ninole area-avoid swimming or snorkeling there. Light winds (3.1-7.2 mph) prevail. No active surf advisories, but avoid murky or discolored water, especially near river mouths.

Weather Snapshot

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The Big Island's west shore is mostly sunny to partly cloudy today, with temperatures around 70°F. Hapuna Beach Park reports patchy rain nearby (86% chance) with light NE winds (7.2 mph). Kahaluʻu Beach Park is sunny (0% rain chance) with light SSW winds (3.1 mph). Windward areas may experience slightly higher winds. Monitor updates for any changes.

News To Know

medium

A brown water advisory remains active for the Ninole area-avoid swimming or snorkeling there. No other major beach closures or advisories beyond Ninole. For the latest on beach advisories, check the Hawaii Department of Health's Clean Water Branch. No new surf or weather warnings for the Big Island today.

What Changed Since Yesterday

Quick Hits

  • Hapuna Beach Park is the safest swim spot today-small surf (1.4 ft) and lifeguards.
  • Kahaluʻu Beach Park offers excellent snorkeling-moderate surf (2 ft) and sunny skies.
  • Avoid the Ninole area due to brown water advisory-no swimming or snorkeling allowed.
  • West shore beaches remain calm; check advisories before entering.
  • Visit midday for the best weather window.

Disclaimer: This update is generated using AI and automated data sources including weather APIs, surf forecasts, and news feeds. It is not professional safety advice. Ocean conditions change rapidly and may differ from what is described here. Always check with on-site lifeguards, observe posted warning signs, and consult official sources such as the National Weather Service before entering the water. HawaiiYeah assumes no liability for injury, loss, or damage arising from use of this information. See our full disclaimer.

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