Brown Water Advisory Lifted for Most of Kauaʻi, Remains in Effect for Lydgate and Wailua Beaches

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The Hawaiʻi Department of Health has lifted the brown water advisory for most of Kauaʻi, but has issued a new, more limited advisory for the coastal waters between Lydgate Beach and Wailua Beach. The advisory warns that storm runoff may have elevated levels of pollutants in this specific area, and the public is advised to avoid entering the ocean when the water appears brown or murky, particularly after heavy rain.

Why it matters

Kauaʻi has faced several brown water advisories in recent years due to heavy rainfall and storm runoff, which can introduce dangerous bacteria and contaminants into the ocean. This latest advisory highlights the ongoing environmental challenges the island faces and the need for continued monitoring and public awareness to protect beachgoers' health and safety.

The details

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health is advising the public to stay out of the water for 48 to 72 hours after rainfall ends and conditions return to normal in the affected area between Lydgate Beach and Wailua Beach. Officials also cautioned against swimming, wading, or drinking from freshwater streams and ponds, where contamination risk may be higher following storms.

• The brown water advisory for all of Kauaʻi has been lifted as of April 1, 2026.
• The new, more limited advisory for the coastal waters between Lydgate Beach and Wailua Beach was issued on April 1, 2026.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The Hawaiʻi Department of Health will continue to monitor water quality in the affected area and provide updates on the status of the advisory as conditions change.