Explore Maui's Water Quality
Download our Coastal Water Quality Report 2016 | 2023
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Available as a 41-page document and an hour-long presentation, this report summarizes coastal water quality findings at sites from Honolua Bay to Pāpalaua and from Mā'alaea to 'Āhihi-Kīna'u Natural Area Reserve, revealing high levels of turbidity and nitrates in many areas along the coast and includes recommendations for reducing these pollutant levels to help communities focus their efforts in areas that need it most.
Since 2016, Hui O Ka Wai Ola has collected and analyzed over 4,300 water quality samples from 52 sites and has found that these coastal waters are often degraded by land-based pollutants, including sediments, fertilizers, and wastewater. The report also highlights findings at new sites added in West Maui following the Lāhainā fire, and also on Lāna'i following a year-long project. Keālia Pond continues to be an area where pollutant levels are low, likely due to the wetlands’ ability to filter and absorb pollutants before they reach the ocean. |
Great advice from the Hawai'i Department of Health (DOH)
IF THE WATER IS BROWN STAY OUT! Storm water runoff starts far up in the watershed. This water can pick up all kinds of contaminants as it travels towards the ocean. Please heed the advice from the DOH and don't head to the beach to swim, snorkel, or surf when storm water has been running into the ocean. Even if the DOH hasn't issued a brown water advisory, IF THE WATER IS BROWN STAY OUT!
Visit the Department of Health's Clean Water Branch site for DOH Water Quality Advisories and DOH Water Quality Data.
IF THE WATER IS BROWN STAY OUT! Storm water runoff starts far up in the watershed. This water can pick up all kinds of contaminants as it travels towards the ocean. Please heed the advice from the DOH and don't head to the beach to swim, snorkel, or surf when storm water has been running into the ocean. Even if the DOH hasn't issued a brown water advisory, IF THE WATER IS BROWN STAY OUT!
Visit the Department of Health's Clean Water Branch site for DOH Water Quality Advisories and DOH Water Quality Data.
Photos: Header - Kelly James