Is there a brown water advisory on Maui right now?

Check the live status at the top of this page for current Maui brown water advisories. Advisories are most common after heavy rain in the West Maui Mountains, which funnels runoff through multiple streams toward Kaʻanapali, Lahaina, and Honokowai. South Maui beaches like Wailea and Makena are less frequently affected due to drier conditions.

Which Maui beaches are most affected by brown water?

West Maui beaches are most affected: Kaʻanapali Beach, Hanakaʻoʻo Beach (Canoe Beach), and the Lahaina coast receive heavy runoff from West Maui mountain streams. Honokowai Beach Park is also frequently impacted. South Maui beaches like Wailea, Makena, and Polo Beach are much less affected because the leeward slopes of Haleakalā receive far less rainfall and have fewer stream outlets.

What is the water quality on Maui today?

Current Maui water quality depends on recent rainfall and active advisories. Check the live advisory status at the top of this page. After any rain, follow the 72-hour rule before swimming. West Maui beaches near stream mouths are the first to be affected, while South Maui resorts like Wailea typically maintain better conditions year-round.

Is it safe to swim at Kaʻanapali Beach after rain?

After rain, Kaʻanapali Beach can receive significant runoff from multiple West Maui mountain streams. The DOH recommends waiting at least 72 hours after rain stops and the beach has received full sunshine before swimming. Water may appear clear before bacteria levels return to normal. We cannot advise that any beach is safe — always check the latest DOH advisories and use your own judgment.

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LIVE STATUS · MAUI

Maui Brown Water Advisory

Q: How long does brown water last on Maui?

Brown water on Maui typically lasts 1 to 3 days after heavy rain stops. West Maui beaches near stream outlets can remain affected for 72+ hours due to the steep West Maui Mountains funneling heavy rainfall through short watersheds. South Maui beaches generally recover faster due to less rainfall exposure and better ocean circulation. The brown color clears before bacteria does, so clear water does not mean safe water.

Live advisory status for every Maui beach — West Maui streams, ʻĪao Valley drainage, South Maui vs West Maui, and the 72-hour rule

Checking for active Maui brown water advisories…

Maui brown water advisory = stay out of the ocean. Rain in the West Maui Mountains flushes sediment, sewage, and agricultural chemicals through steep, short watersheds into the ocean, spiking bacteria up to 500% above safe limits.

⚠ The rule: Wait at least 72 hours after rain stops — even if the water looks clear and no advisory is posted. Clear water ≠ safe water.

Most affected on Maui: Kaʻanapali (West Maui stream runoff), Hanakaʻoʻo Beach (Wahikuli discharge), and the Lahaina coast. Wailea and Makena on the drier south side are less affected.

West Maui vs South Maui Drainage

Maui’s brown water risk is heavily concentrated on the west side. The West Maui Mountains (Mauna Kahalawai) rise to 5,788 feet and receive heavy rainfall on their windward slopes. This rain funnels through steep, short watersheds — including ʻĪao Stream, Kanahā Stream, and multiple smaller drainages — and reaches the coast within hours.

Kaʻanapali Beach, Hanakaʻoʻo Beach, and the former Lahaina coast sit directly below these discharge points. After moderate to heavy rain, these beaches can see brown water within a few hours as sediment, agricultural runoff, and cesspool overflow reach the nearshore waters.

South Maui is a different story. The leeward slopes of Haleakalā receive far less rainfall, and beaches like Wailea, Makena, and Polo Beach have fewer stream outlets. This makes South Maui a significantly better option during and after rain events. If you are staying on the west side during heavy rain, consider driving to the south shore.

Maui Brown Water Drainage Zones

West Maui — Mountain stream runoff

ʻĪao Stream, Kanahā Stream, and Wahikuli drainage carry heavy sediment and pollutants to Kaʻanapali, Hanakaʻoʻo, and the Lahaina coast. Steep slopes mean runoff reaches the ocean fast. This is where most Maui brown water advisories are issued.

Central Valley — Agricultural runoff

The central isthmus between West Maui and Haleakalā contains former sugarcane and pineapple lands. Runoff from this area can carry agricultural chemicals and sediment toward the north shore near Baldwin Beach and Hoʻokipa.

South Maui — Dry leeward coast

Wailea, Makena, Polo Beach, and Ulua Beach sit on the dry, leeward side of Haleakalā. Far fewer streams reach the coast here, making brown water events rare. This is Maui’s best option during rainy weather.

North Shore — Moderate exposure

Baldwin Beach, Hoʻokipa Beach, and the north coast receive runoff from both the West Maui Mountains and Haleakalā’s north slopes. Brown water risk is moderate — less than the west side but more than the south.

Maui Beach Brown Water Risk

West Maui

Kaʻanapali Beach · West Maui stream runoff

High

Hanakaʻoʻo Beach · Wahikuli discharge

High

Kapalua Bay · Sheltered bay, some stream exposure

Moderate

Fleming Beach · Northwest coast, stream proximity

Moderate

South Maui

Wailea Beach · Dry leeward coast

Low

Makena Beach (Big Beach) · Minimal stream exposure

Low

Polo Beach · Sheltered, low runoff

Low

Ulua Beach · South Maui resort area

Low

Kamaole Beach · Kīhei coast, occasional stream runoff

Moderate

North Shore

Baldwin Beach · Central valley agricultural runoff

Elevated

Hoʻokipa Beach · North coast, stream proximity

Moderate

How Long Does Brown Water Last on Maui?

Maui’s brown water duration depends heavily on which side of the island you are on:

Fastest

South Maui beaches

Wailea, Makena, Polo Beach, and Ulua Beach are rarely affected and recover quickly when they are. The dry climate and good ocean circulation help. Often unaffected even during major rain events.

Moderate

North Shore beaches

Baldwin Beach and Hoʻokipa typically recover within 48–72 hours. Agricultural runoff from the central valley can prolong contamination.

Slowest

West Maui beaches

Kaʻanapali, Hanakaʻoʻo, and the Lahaina coast can remain affected for 72+ hours after heavy rain. The steep West Maui Mountains deliver massive runoff volumes quickly, and nearshore waters can remain turbid for days.

Key takeaway

If it rains on Maui and you are on the west side, consider driving to South Maui. Wailea and Makena are typically the safest options during and after rain events. Always wait the full 72 hours on the west side.

Guide →

Swimming After Rain in Hawaii — 72-Hour Rule Explained

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Maui Beach Water Quality Guide

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⚠️ Important Disclaimer

Safe to Swim Hawaii is an independent passion project — it is not affiliated with the Hawaii Department of Health or any government agency. Water quality ratings on this site are estimates based on publicly available testing data and geographic analysis. They are not real-time measurements and may not reflect current conditions. “No DOH Alerts” means no advisory is currently posted — it does not mean the water was tested and found safe. DOH only monitors a fraction of Hawaii’s beaches, and some areas have no regular testing at all.

Always verify current water quality conditions with the Hawaii Department of Health Clean Water Branch before entering the water. This site is for informational purposes only and should not be the sole basis for any swimming decisions.

This site is a work in progress and we want to make it better. If you notice something that isn't working right, have a suggestion, or want to share local knowledge about a beach, please reach out.

When in doubt, don't go out.