This is an older update. Read the latest Maui update →Maui update · 2026-04-15

Maui Update: Brown-Water Advisory—Ocean Unsafe, Indoor Plans Best

Maui's ocean remains unsafe due to storm runoff and bacteria. Indoor activities or dry beach walks recommended.

Maui Update: Brown-Water Advisory—Ocean Unsafe, Indoor Plans Best beach conditions image

Maui’s coastal waters are still under a brown-water advisory after last week’s Kona Low storm, making ocean activities unsafe. State health officials warn of elevated bacteria levels from runoff, strong surf, and possible debris. The National Weather Service advises against entering the water until conditions improve. If you’re on the island, prioritize indoor activities or dry beach walks—just avoid the water. Lifeguards are on duty at key beaches for real-time updates, but caution is essential.

Recommended Beaches

Neighborhood: Makena

Makena State Park

Maui · Best window: morning

medium confidence
  • Lifeguards on duty for safety updates
  • Expansive shoreline for dry beach walks (if weather allows)
  • Scenic views of Molokini and Kahoʻolawe
  • Sheltered from strong winds in the morning
View beach page →
Neighborhood: Paia

Baldwin Beach Park

Maui · Best window: morning

medium confidence
  • Less exposed to strong winds
  • Picnic areas for dry outdoor time (if weather allows)
  • Family-friendly with lifeguard presence
View beach page →
Neighborhood: Kihei

Kamaole

Maui · Best window: morning

medium confidence
  • Lifeguards available for safety checks
  • Amenities like restrooms and showers
  • Sandy shoreline for relaxing (if dry)
View beach page →

Hanakaoʻo Park

Maui · Best window: midday

low confidence
  • Less crowded alternative
  • Scenic views for photos (if weather clears briefly)
  • Calmer waters for wading (if safe)
View beach page →

Who Is This Update For?

🏄 Beginners

Avoid ocean activities entirely due to the brown-water advisory and hazardous conditions. Stick to indoor attractions or dry beach walks until advisories lift.

👨‍👩‍👧 Families

If visiting the beach, stay on the sand and avoid water contact. Baldwin Beach Park offers sheltered picnic areas for dry outdoor time. Monitor children closely near shorelines.

🌊 Experienced

Ocean conditions are unsafe due to elevated bacteria levels, strong surf, and possible debris. Postpone water activities until advisories lift and conditions stabilize.

Full Briefing

Ocean Conditions

high

Maui’s ocean remains hazardous due to an islandwide brown-water advisory. Hoʻokipa Beach Park and Makena State Park both report 3-foot waves, but the water is unsafe for swimming, surfing, or snorkeling due to storm runoff and elevated bacteria levels. Ocean Safety advises against entering the water unless a beach is explicitly marked open. Lifeguards are on duty at Makena and Kamaole for real-time updates, but caution is essential.

News To Know

medium

Maui County shelters remain on standby, though no new closures have been announced. The brown-water advisory persists, with health officials warning of elevated bacteria levels from storm runoff. Visitors are advised to avoid ocean activities until conditions improve. No major road closures or flooding are reported, but caution is urged near shorelines.

What Changed Since Yesterday

Quick Hits

  • Brown-water advisory in effect: Do not enter the ocean.
  • Partly cloudy skies with light trade winds—dry beach walks possible.
  • Lifeguards on duty at Makena and Kamaole for safety updates.
  • Storm runoff and bacteria make ocean activities unsafe.
  • Maui County shelters on standby for storm preparedness.

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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