A magnitude-6.0 earthquake shook the Big Island Friday, but west shore beaches like Hapuna and Spencer remain calm and safe for swimming. Avoid Hilo Bay and Hamakua Coast due to an active brown water advisory. Check beach structures for damage before entering the water.
The Big Island is still assessing damage after Friday's **magnitude-6.0 earthquake** near Honaunau-Napoopoo, which caused minor structural damage and power outages in South Kona. **No tsunami was generated**, and ocean conditions remain calm along the **west shore**-Hapuna and Spencer Beach Parks are your safest bets today. A **brown water advisory** remains active for Hilo Bay and the Hamakua Coast-avoid swimming in these areas. Before entering the water, inspect beach structures (restrooms, showers, lifeguard towers) for earthquake damage and report hazards to park staff. Respect wildlife and keep a safe distance from sea turtles and monk seals.
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: afternoon
medium confidenceBig Island · Best window: morning
medium confidenceBig Island · Best window: morning
low 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. Check beach structures for damage before entering, and pack sun protection and water.
Hapuna and Spencer Beach Parks are your best bets-shallow, calm waters and lifeguards. Supervise kids closely, even in sheltered areas. Bring indoor backups (e.g., Imiloa Astronomy Center, Lyman Museum) if conditions change. Report any structural damage to park staff.
Carlsmith and Kahaluʻu offer decent snorkeling, but avoid Hilo Bay and Hamakua Coast due to the brown water advisory. Monitor surf reports for Kahaluʻu if conditions improve. Check for structural damage to restrooms and lifeguard towers before entering. Respect wildlife and report monk seal harassment immediately.
West-facing beaches (Hapuna, Spencer) remain the calmest today, with small to moderate surf (1.9-3 ft) and clear waters. A **brown water advisory** is still active for Hilo Bay and the Hamakua Coast-avoid swimming in these areas. Winds are light to moderate (2.9-9.2 mph), with Hapuna experiencing NE winds and Kahaluʻu light WNW winds. No active surf advisories, but inspect beach structures for earthquake damage before entering.
The Big Island is experiencing patchy rain nearby at most west shore beaches today: **Hapuna (73% rain chance)** and **Kahaluʻu (64% chance)**. Temperatures are mild (69.5-70.8°F), with light to moderate winds (2.9-9.2 mph). Expect scattered showers, especially in the afternoon-pack a light rain jacket if heading to the beach.
**Magnitude-6.0 earthquake** struck near Honaunau-Napoopoo on Friday, causing minor damage to homes, roadways, and beach structures in South Kona. **No tsunami was generated**, and ocean conditions remain calm. A **brown water advisory** is still active for Hilo Bay and the Hamakua Coast-avoid swimming in these areas. Kīlauea volcano is expected to erupt again between **May 24-27**-monitor updates from the [Hawaiian Volcano Observatory](https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo). USC quarterback Jayden Maiava hosted a free youth football camp in Palolo Valley, and Carissa Moore won her first WSL title since 2023 in New Zealand.
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.