West shore beaches stay calm, but Hilo Bay and Hamakua Coast have brown water. Best for swimming: Hapuna and Kahaluʻu.
The Big Island's west shore delivers calm ocean conditions today, but a brown water advisory remains active for Hilo Bay and the Hamakua Coast-avoid swimming or snorkeling there. Hapuna and Kahaluʻu Beach Parks are the top picks for safe, lifeguarded swimming with small surf (1.6-2.2 ft) and light winds. Patchy rain is nearby at Hapuna (100% chance), while Kahaluʻu has a lower rain chance (71%). Visit midday for the best weather window. Check the Hawaii Department of Health's Clean Water Branch for updates before entering any beach.
Currently posted advisories from the Hawaii Department of Health affecting Big Island. Source: official DOH Clean Water Branch.
Posted Apr 30, 2026 · Hilo bay and along the Hamakua Coast
Full advisory at health.hawaii.gov →Posted Apr 2, 2026 · Ninole area
Full advisory at health.hawaii.gov →Big Island · Best window: midday
high confidenceBig Island · Best window: morning
high confidenceBig Island · Best window: morning
medium confidenceBig Island · Best window: afternoon
medium confidenceBig Island · Best window: midday
medium confidenceStick to west-facing beaches like Hapuna or Spencer-calm, lifeguarded waters are safest. Avoid Hilo Bay and Hamakua Coast due to the brown water advisory. Pack sun protection and check water quality updates before entering.
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.
Kahaluʻu offers moderate surf (2.2 ft) for snorkeling and light swimming. Avoid Hilo Bay and Hamakua Coast 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.
West-facing beaches (Hapuna, Kahaluʻu) offer the calmest conditions today, with small to moderate surf (1.6-2.2 ft) and relatively clear waters. A brown water advisory remains active for Hilo Bay and the Hamakua Coast-avoid swimming or snorkeling there. Light winds (4-6.5 mph) prevail. No active surf advisories, but avoid murky or discolored water, especially near river mouths.
The Big Island's west shore is mostly cloudy today, with temperatures around 68-69°F. Hapuna Beach Park reports patchy rain nearby (100% chance) with light NE winds (6.5 mph). Kahaluʻu Beach Park has a lower rain chance (71%) with light SSE winds (4 mph). Windward areas may experience slightly higher winds. Monitor updates for any changes.
A brown water advisory remains active for Hilo Bay and the Hamakua Coast-avoid swimming or snorkeling there. No other major beach closures or advisories beyond this area. For the latest on beach advisories, check the Hawaii Department of Health's Clean Water Branch. Tamashiro Market, a beloved local fish market, has closed after 80+ years.
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.