Hawaii's Keālia Pond Turns Bright Pink, Likely Due to Drought

Scientists suspect increased salt levels and halobacteria are causing the color change; officials warn against entering the water or consuming fish from it.

Keālia Pond in Maui, Hawaii, has turned bright pink, attracting tourists and sparking scientific curiosity. The color change was first noticed on October 30, 2023.
Scientists believe the color change is due to increased salt levels in the water, likely caused by drought, and the proliferation of halobacteria, organisms that thrive in high-salinity environments.
The salinity in the pond is currently twice that of seawater. While the pond has experienced periods of high salinity in the past due to drought, this is the first time it has turned pink.
Despite the unusual color, the water does not appear to be harming the local wildlife. The pond is home to two endangered species of birds, the ae'o (Hawaiian stilt) and 'alae ke'oke'o (Hawaiian coot), and provides crucial habitat for them.
Officials are warning the public not to enter the water, consume fish from it, or allow pets to drink from it until further tests can confirm the cause of the color change. DNA analysis is needed to definitively identify the halobacteria as the cause.
The pink hue of the pond has drawn significant attention on social media, leading to an increase in tourist visits. However, officials hope visitors will also take interest in the refuge's mission of conserving native and endangered waterbirds and wetland restorations.