Hawaii Under Water Advisories Following Severe Kona Storm
Heavy rainfall from a strong Kona storm has prompted widespread water advisories across the Hawaiian Islands, posing health risks to residents and visitors. The Hawaii State Department of Health (DOH) issued advisories beginning on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 and continuing through Monday, March 16, 2026, for several areas.
Current Water Advisories (as of March 17, 2026)
The following areas are currently under brown water advisories:
- Entire Maui Island
- Haleiwa to Sunset Beach, Oahu
- Kahe Point Beach Park, Oahu
- Kiilae Bay (South to Kalae Point/South Point), Hawaii Island
- Pauoa Bay (South to Honokohau Harbor), Hawaii Island
- Pololu Valley (South to Holoholokai Beach Park), Hawaii Island
- Pokai Bay, Oahu
- Maili Beach Park, Oahu
- Entire Kauai Island
- Waialae Beach Park, Oahu
Advisories were initially issued for specific areas on Wednesday, March 11, Thursday, March 12, and Monday, March 16, 2026.
High Bacteria Counts and Wastewater Discharge
The DOH has also reported elevated bacteria levels and wastewater discharge due to the heavy rainfall:
- High Bacteria Count: Kahala Hilton Beach recorded 243 per 100 mL as of Thursday, March 12, 2026.
- Wastewater Discharge: Heavy rain caused wastewater discharge in the following areas:
- Hawaii Kai at 580 Lunalilo Home Rd., affecting Kuapa Pond.
- Wahiawa at 111 California Ave., affecting Lake Wilson.
A current list of all state waters impacted by stormwater can be found on the DOH website.
Understanding Brown Water Advisories
Brown water advisories are issued when storm water runoff enters coastal waters, causing the water to appear brown or murky. This runoff can contain a variety of pollutants, including:
- Overflowing cesspools
- Sewer
- Manholes
- Pesticides
- Animal fecal matter
- Dead animals
- Pathogens
- Chemicals
- Flood debris
The DOH advises the public to stay out of floodwaters and storm water runoff due to these potential hazards. Even if the water doesn’t appear brown, runoff can still affect coastal areas.
Health Risks: Leptospirosis
Swimming, wading, or drinking water from freshwater streams and ponds should be avoided to prevent leptospirosis, a bacterial infection caused by the Leptospira bacteria. More information on leptospirosis can be found here.
Storm Impacts Beyond Water Quality
The Kona low storm has also caused school closures, government office shutdowns, and widespread power outages. As of Friday, March 13, 2026, approximately 115,300 Hawaiian Electric customers on Oahu were without power. An evacuation order was issued for Otake Camp in Waialua due to extremely dangerous flooding, following a similar order during a storm on February 21, 2026. Spectrum News is providing ongoing updates on the storm’s impact.
Governor Josh Green issued an emergency proclamation on March 9, 2026, to prepare for the storm and coordinate state and county resources. More information is available from the Governor’s office.