"Pink Phenomenon: Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge in Maui, Hawaii Blushes Amid Drought"

A pond at the Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge in Hawaii has turned bright pink, possibly due to drought conditions. Scientists believe that the high salinity of the water, caused by a lack of rain and reduced water flow from Waikapu Stream, may have allowed halobacteria, a type of archaea, to thrive and change the water's color. Lab tests have ruled out toxic algae as the cause. Visitors have been drawn to the pink pond, but officials are warning against entering the water or consuming fish caught there until the source of the color is identified.