Question 1

Is there a brown water advisory in Waikiki right now?

Accepted Answer

Check the live status at the top of this page for current Waikiki brown water advisories. Advisories are most common after heavy rain, when the Ala Wai Canal overflows and storm drains discharge directly into the nearshore waters along Waikiki Beach. The west end of Waikiki near the Hilton Hawaiian Village is typically affected first due to its proximity to the Ala Wai Canal outlet.

Question 2

Why does Waikiki get brown water advisories?

Accepted Answer

Waikiki's brown water comes primarily from the Ala Wai Canal, which collects urban runoff from a 19-square-mile watershed including Manoa, Palolo, and Makiki valleys. During heavy rain, this canal overflows, sending sediment, bacteria from an estimated 88,000 cesspools statewide, and urban pollutants into nearshore waters. A 2026 study in Nature Scientific Reports found that 100% of Waikiki's storm drainage outfalls will fail by 2050 due to sea level rise.

Question 3

Which part of Waikiki is most affected by brown water?

Accepted Answer

The west end of Waikiki (near Hilton Hawaiian Village and Fort DeRussy) is most affected because it sits directly adjacent to the Ala Wai Canal outlet. Currents typically carry contaminated water eastward along the shore. The east end near Diamond Head is generally less affected, though during major storm events the entire Waikiki coastline can be impacted.

Question 4

How long does brown water last in Waikiki?

Accepted Answer

Brown water in Waikiki typically lasts 2 to 4 days after heavy rain stops. The Ala Wai Canal can continue discharging for 24-48 hours after rain ends. The 72-hour rule applies: wait at least 72 hours after rain stops and the water looks clear before swimming. The brown color clears before bacteria does, so clear water does not necessarily mean safe water.

Question 5

Is it safe to swim in Waikiki after rain?

Accepted Answer

The DOH recommends waiting at least 72 hours after rain stops before swimming at any beach. After rain, Waikiki receives runoff from the Ala Wai Canal, storm drains, and urban surfaces. Bacteria levels can spike 500% above safe limits within hours of a rain event. We cannot advise that any beach is safe. Always check the latest DOH advisories and use your own judgment.

Question 6

Where should I swim instead of Waikiki during a brown water advisory?

Accepted Answer

During a Waikiki brown water advisory, consider beaches farther from stream and canal outlets. Ko Olina Lagoons on Oahu's west side are man-made and less affected by runoff. Lanikai Beach on the windward side has minimal stream exposure. However, major rain events can affect the entire island. Always check live advisory status for any beach before swimming.

Question 7

What is the Ala Wai Canal and why does it affect Waikiki?

Accepted Answer

The Ala Wai Canal is a 1.5-mile drainage canal built in the 1920s to drain the wetlands where Waikiki now sits. It collects runoff from Manoa, Palolo, and Makiki valleys, a 19-square-mile watershed. During heavy rain, the canal overflows into the ocean at the west end of Waikiki. The canal has been identified as one of the most polluted waterways in Hawaii, carrying bacteria from cesspools, pet waste, urban runoff, and agricultural chemicals.

Waikiki Brown Water Advisory

The Ala Wai Canal — Waikiki’s Contamination Source

Waikiki Brown Water Zones

How Long Does Brown Water Last in Waikiki?

Where to Swim Instead of Waikiki During Brown Water

When Does Waikiki Get Brown Water?