Big Island west shore beaches like Hapuna and Spencer remain calm after Friday's magnitude-6.0 earthquake. Avoid Hilo Bay and Hamakua Coast due to an active brown water advisory. Check beach structures for damage before entering, and monitor Kīlauea volcano updates-eruption expected May 24-27.
The Big Island is still assessing damage after Friday's **magnitude-6.0 earthquake** near Honaunau-Napoopoo, which caused minor structural damage, power outages, and rockslides 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. Kīlauea volcano is expected to erupt between **May 24-27**-monitor updates from the [Hawaiian Volcano Observatory](https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo). 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
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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. Monitor [HVO updates](https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo) for Kīlauea eruption alerts.
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 and avoid areas with visible cracks or debris.
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. Stay updated on Kīlauea's eruption window (May 24-27).
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 (5.6-7.6 mph), with Hapuna experiencing NNE winds and Kahaluʻu light WNW winds. No active surf advisories, but inspect beach structures for earthquake damage before entering.
The Big Island's west shore is enjoying sunny skies today, with **Hapuna (73.7°F, 0% rain chance)** and **Kahaluʻu (72.2°F, 0% rain chance)** both dry and mild. Winds are light (5.6-7.6 mph), making for comfortable beach conditions. Expect warm temperatures and minimal rain-ideal for outdoor activities.
**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 between **May 24-27**-monitor updates from the [Hawaiian Volcano Observatory](https://www.usgs.gov/observatories/hvo). Scheduled lane closures resume on Oʻahu today-check [KHON2's traffic updates](https://www.khon2.com/traffic/scheduled-lane-closures-traffic/) before heading out.
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.