Kona, Hawaiʻi – The Hawaiʻi Department of Health (DOH) has issued a Brown Water Advisory for Honokohau Harbor on Hawaiʻi Island, effective today, June 27, 2025. The advisory comes as a result of recent heavy rain affecting the area.
The DOH strongly advises all beach users to stay out of waters that appear brown or murky, especially following storms or periods of heavy rainfall. Such conditions often indicate higher-than-normal levels of pollutants in the water. The Department recommends waiting 48 to 72 hours after the rain has ceased and the beach has received full sunshine before re-entering the water.
Furthermore, the DOH reminds the public to avoid swimming, wading in, or drinking water from any freshwater streams or ponds to prevent exposure to leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria. More information on leptospirosis can be found at: https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/leptospirosis/
The general public health message remains: If the water is brown, turn around.
For more detailed information regarding this specific advisory, please visit: https://eha-cloud.doh.hawaii.gov/cwb/#!/event/1925/details/view