Oahu Beaches
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Kawela Bay (O-44) has a 300 m wide entrance bordered by raised reefs, with the 800 m long semi-circular shaped beach curving round between the points. Reef extends 200-300 m seaward of the points, with a 100 m wide channel in between, with much of the bay floor is occupied by a mixture of deeper reefs and sand. As a consequence waves tend to break well seaward of the bay generating surf breaks off the points, while they are attenuated across the deeper reefs resulting in low waves to often calm conditions at the shore. Only high waves will generate a small shorebreak and a drift of water out through the channel. Turtle Bay is a more open 1.3 km wide bay bordered in the east by Kuilima Point and the Turtle Bay resort. The bay contains a mixture of fringing reef, raised reefs and beachrock along the shore, with three beaches occupying most of the bay shore. The western beach (O-45) extends for 600 m from the eastern tip of Kawela Bay to a section of raised reef and protrudes slightly in lee of a raised reef islet towards the eastern end. The beach is backed by a dense stand of casuarina, with beachrock outcropping along the centre. Shallow fringing reef extends 200 m off the western end of the beach narrowing to 100 m by the islet. The reefs cause heavy wave breaking resulting in unusually low waves at the shore, and inshore currents that flows east along the beach to exit past the islet. This is a difficult to access and little used beach. The central bay beach (O-46) extends east of the raised reef section for 400 m to the beginning of a beachrock section of shore. The beach faces north out off the bay with scattered fringing reef off the each. These produce some surf while permitting waves averaging 1 m to reach the steep sandy beach. Higher waves result in a heavy shorebreak on the sand and patches of beachrock. The beach is backed by part of the Turtle Bay golf course and recreational facilities and has low usage. The eastern bay beach (O-47) extends for 400 m along the eastern end of the bay to the base of the rocky raised reef of Kuilima Point. It is backed by resort cottages, with public access only at the eastern end. The beach is totally dominated by a near continuous beachrock ridge, with the small beach located behind the ridge and only receiving waves at high tide and during higher waves. Because of the beachrock the beach is unsuitable for swimming and only used for rock fishing. Body and board surfers ride a mix of small breaks off the beach and point. OAHU 48-49 KUILIMA COVE & KAIHALULU BEACH No. Beach Rating Type Length Shore Outer 48 Kuilima Cove 3 7 R+reef 150 m 49 Kaihalulu west 5 8 R+beachrock/reef 300 m 50 Kaihalulu Beach 6 8 R+beachrock/reef 600 m 51 Kaihalulu east 6 8 R+beachrock/reef 700 m Kuilima Cove (O-48) is one of the more attractive and popular Oahu beaches. The small 150 m long beach is located at the base of the quiet cove, which has raised reef extending 200 m seaward on either side, as well as reef outcropping much of the way across the bay mouth. The result is a very sheltered little cove and relatively safe swimming under calm conditions. However once waves start breaking over the reefs the water returns seaward via two rip currents located between the reef and either side of the cove, the eastern current flows across the reef itself. The cove is also contained within the Turtle Bay Resort, with the hotel located on the western Kuilima Point, and a full range of beach facilities backing the well groomed beach. This in turn is backed by the large hotel car park, which is open to the public. As a result the beach is popular with resort guests as well as locals. Kaihalulu Beach extends east of Kuilima Cove for 1.6 km to Kahuku Point, the eastern tip of the North Shore. The beach is backed by a strip of dense casuarina trees then the Turtle Bay resort golf course, with access only on foot along the beach or via the golf course. The beach can be divided into three sections (O 49-51) based on the orientation and dominance of beachrock. The eastern beach (O-49) begins immediate east of the cove and consists of an east trending 300 m long section of upper sandy beach fronted by continuous beachrock forming a rocky and in places jagged shoreline. The beachrock is fronted by a generally shallow 200-300 m wide fringing reef, with a channel though the reef toward the cove. The reef attaches to the eastern end of the beach forming a sandy foreland. Waves are usually low at the shore, however a permanent rip flows out the channel, and intensifies during higher waves conditions. Because of the beachrock the beach is unsuitable for shore based swimming. The central Kaihalulu Beach (O-50) commences at the foreland and curves to the east for 600 m as sandy high tide beach, which becomes increasingly dominated by beachrock to the east. Deeper fringing reefs extends seaward of the beach and causes waves to break in variable pattern 100-300 m offshore, with a poorly defined channel in the centre. Water tends to flows along the shores towards the centre of the beach and seaward through the channel. Because of the beachrock and rip current this is a hazardous beach unsuitable for swimming. The eastern end of the beach (O-51) is a 700 m long section of continuous beachrock, backed by a small high tide and storm beach, then the casuarina trees. Kahuku Point protrudes 400 m seaward and forms the eastern boundary of the beach and the North Shore and also the northern most tip of the island. Fringing reef extends to the shore in the west and centre with channels in between, causing wave to breaking up to 300-400 m offshore and usually seaward of the point. Waves average about 1 m at the shore where they break on the beachrock making the beach unsuitable for swimming. OAHU Windward shore The Windward side of Oahu contains its longest and most exposed shoreline. It commences at Kahuku Point and trends to the southeast for 45 km to Makapuu Point. In between is 104 km of shoreline consisting of 55 beaches that occupy 50% of the shore, the remainder dominate by basalt outcrops. All the beaches are exposed to the northeast trades winds and waves, however extensive fringing and some barrier reefs dominate the shoreline, together with a series of bays, resulting in usually low waves at the shore. The result is a series of generally low energy narrow beaches along the shore many backed and replaced by seawalls, some dominated by beachrock, all fronted by the wide fringing reefs, with various surf break usually found on the outer reefs. Beaches access along the coast varies from excellent along the Kamehameha and Kalanianole highways, to difficult east of Kuilima Bay and along section occupied by beachfront houses, to restricted on the Kaneohe and Bellows military bases. OAHU 52-58 KAHUKU POINT-KALUAHOLE No. Beach Rating Type Length Shore Outer 52 Kahuku Point 4 6 R+beachrock/reef 250 m 53 Hanaka’ilio west 5 6 R+beachrock/reef 700 m 54 Hanaka’ilio east 6 7 R+beachrock/reef 800 m 55 Kalaeuila 5 7 R+beachrock/reef 300 m 56 Puanui 4 6 R+beachrock/reef 400 m 57 Ke’awa’awaloa 6 7 R+beachrock/reef 1300 m 58 Kaluahole 6 7 R+beachrock/reef 700 m To the east of Kahuku Point is a 5 km long section of sand and beachrock shoreline that is the most difficult to access on the island. The Kamehameha Highway cuts across the northeast corner of the island and lies 1.5 to 2 km inland, with no public vehicle access to any of the seven beaches in between. The backing land is partly undeveloped, some by the James Campbell Wildlife Refuge and bordered by the Turtle Bay, The Links and Kahuku golf courses. The seven beaches (O 52-58) represent a transition in the nature of the coast from the more exposed high energy North Shore beaches, with the western Hanaka’ilio beaches (O 52-54) facing due north, to the east facing Windward beaches, with beaches O 55-58 facing northeast directly into the trade winds. Most of the beaches are dominated by beachrock along the shore, with fringing reef extending a few hundred metres offshore. Kahuku Point beach (O-52) is a curving 250 m long north-facing sandy high tide beach, fringing by continuous low tide beachrock, and bordered by two arms of raised reef that extend 300 m seaward of either end of the beach. The tip of the reef converge to provide a 100 m wide opening for waves to reach the beach. As a result most waves break over the outer reefs with usually low waves at the shore. While the water is often calm off the beach, a weak rip flows out through the channel and the rip intensifies during higher wave conditions. The beach is backed by a 200 m wide zone of degraded vegetation, then the Turtle Bay golf course. Hanaka’ilio Beach extends due east of Kahuku Point and can be divided into two sections. The western section (O-53) is a slightly curving 700 m long sandy beach, with beachrock increasingly exposed to the east. It terminates at a protruding wider section of beachrock fronted by 100 m wide shallow and exposed reefs. Scattered fringing reefs extend 200-300 m offshore causes waves breaking and resulting in waves averaging about 1 m at the shore. The eastern section of the beach (O-54) continues east for 800 m to the rocky Kalaeulia Point. This beach is dominated by continuous beachrock with the sand restricted to the upper high tide beach. In addition variable reefs and rocks extend 100 m offshore, with deeper fringing reef beyond. While the rocks and reefs result in low waves at the shore, the dominance of the rocks make it unsuitable for swimming. The beach is backed by a degraded zone of vegetation, is undeveloped and difficult to access. Kalaeuila beach (O-55) is located on the eastern side of Kakaeuila Point, a 200 m long section of irregular and jagged raised reef. The 300 m long beach consists of two curving sandy sections separated by a slightly protruding 100 m long central outcrop of beachrock, with the high tide sand running behind. The beach is backed by a 100 m wide zone of semi-stable sand dunes, then aquaculture ponds. Fringing reefs extend 300 m offshore producing a wide surf zone and usually low waves at the shore, however a strong rip runs out through the eastern side of the reefs. Puanui beach (O-56) occupies the next small embayment to the south. It is a curving 400 m long sandy beach, with beachrock outcropping to either end and a few patches along the beach. Partly vegetated 100 m wide dunes, then aquaculture ponds back the beach, with a drainage ditch for the ponds located at the rocky southern end of the beach. Low tide beachrock dominates the shore, then a parallel band of reef 50 m offshore grades into more irregular reefs extending 300 m offshore. The reefs and rocks lower waves to less than 1 m at the shore, however a current flows north in lee of the inner reef, the turns and flows seaward off the northern end of the beach as a strong rip. Ke’awa’awaloa beach (O-57) commences on the southern side of the pond drain and trends to the southeast for 1.3 km to a slightly protruding section of beachrock backed by a drainage ditch. The beach consists of a strip of high tide sand fronted by a continuous outcrop of low tide beachrock, with scattered reefs extending 200-300 m offshore. Waves are variable along the shore exceeding 1 m in places and everywhere breaking on the exposed jagged beachrock. In addition the inner reef channelises the water into longshore currents that feed two permanent rips flowing out through the reefs and surf. The beach is backed by the old airfield that now houses the ponds. A second drainage ditch crosses the northern end of the beach. Kaluahole beach (O-58) commences at the mouth of the southern drain and curves to the southeast for 700 m to Lori Point. The drains and ponds are associated with the James Campbell Wildlife Refuge. The beach is backed by a zone of semi-stable dunes and consists of a continuous sandy beach, with beachrock outcropping along most of the intertidal. Waves break over fringing reefs that extends 200 m off either end of the beach, with deeper reefs in the centre. The water flowing off the reefs feeds a central rip current. OAHU 59-64 KAHUKU-MALAEKAHANA BAY No. Beach Rating Type Length Shore Outer 59 Kahuku 5 6 R+beachrock/reef 1300 m 60 Makahoa Point 4 6 R+beachrock/reef 400 m 61 Malaekahana Bay 3 5 R/LTT+fringing reef 2000 m Lori Point marks the beginning a section of more accessible Windward coast beaches, between the point and Kauloa Point 19 km to the southeast. In between the highway runs close to the shore and provides good access to many of the 29 intervening beaches. Extensive fringing reefs parallel the coast the entire way resulting in reduced and variable wave height at the shoreline. The first 3.5 km between Lori Point and Goat Island contains three beaches (O 59-62). Kahuku Beach (O-59) is a 1.3 km long northeast-facing sand and beachrock beach, located between Lori and Makahoa Point beach. The raised reef of Lori Point borders the north end, with beachrock outcropping for several hundred meters along the protruding centre of the beach, and a smaller beachrock outcrop bordering the southern end. Fringing reef lies 100 m off the northern few hundred meters of beach, widening to 200-300 m in the south, with a deep channel flowing seaward of the southern sandy section of beach, and immediately seaward of the southern beachrock outcrop. During high waves deeper reefs cause waves breaking up to 500 m offshore and the rip intensified in the channel. The entire beach is backed by a partly vegetated foredune, then the Kahuku golf course resulting in restricted public access. The Seventh Hole surf break is located over the reefs either side of the southern channel. Makahoa Point beach (O-60) extends from the beachrock outcrop 400 m southeast to the base of Makahoa Point, a section of raised reef that extends another 400 m to the southeast. The narrow sandy high tide beach is fronted by continuous low tide beachrock, then a channel, with fringing reef lying 100-200 m offshore. A channel is located between the reef and shore and water flows northward into the main deeper Kahuku Channel and associated rip current. The right hand side of the Seventh Hole break runs along the edge of the reef on the southern side of the channel, directly off the beach. The beach is backed by a 100 m wide degraded foredune, then the golf course in the north and undeveloped land backing the point in the south. Malaekahana Bay is a curving 1.3 km wide east-facing embayment, bordered by Makahoa Point and the sandy foreland in lee of Mokuauia or Goat Island, with the channelised Malaekahana Stream crossing the northern end of the beach. Between the points the bay shore curves round as a continuous 2 km long sandy beach (O-62). The bay is partly sheltered by fringing reef and rocks at extend out to Kihewamoku islet located 1.5 km offshore, resulting in usually low waves at the shore. These maintain a narrow continuous bar along the base of the beach as far as the beginning of the Sate Park. From the State Park boundary to the foreland, beachrock and shallow inshore reefs lie just off the beach further reducing wave height at the shore. The ruins of an old jetty are located along this section. A permanent rip also flows south along the beach and seaward at the beginning of the southern reefs. The best surf is located over the reefs that extend into the bay south of Makahoa Point. Most of the beach is backed by a continuous 10 m high, vegetated foredune and beachfront houses, then the highway, with public access at a small northern Kahuku section of Malaekahana State Park, and the larger main park that occupies the entire southern foreland. This is a large shady park with extensive parking, picnic and camping areas. OAHU 62-64 LAIE BAY No. Beach Rating Type Length Shore Outer 62 Kalanai Point 3 5 R+fringing reef 400 m 63 Laie Bay 4 5 R+channel 1000 m 64 Laie Bay south 3 6 R+fringing reef 500 m
OAHU 65-67 LAIE No. Beach Rating Type Length Shore Outer 65 Laniloa Beach 3 6 R+fringing reef 800 m 66 Laniloa south 3 6 R+fringing reef 600 m 67 Pounders Beach 4 5 R+fringing reef 1000 m
OAHU 68-69 KOKOHOLO BEACH PARK No. Beach Rating Type Length Shore Outer 68 Kokoholio Beach Park 4 6 R+fringing reef 500 m 69 Kokoholio south 4 6 R+fringing reef 500 m Kokololio Beach Park (O-68) begins on the southern side of the dunerock outcrop and curves to the south for 500 m, to a subtle sandy foreland formed at the beginning of a reef fringed section of shore. The beach is fronted by a deeper channel, which extends across Laie Beach Park and trends east out towards deeper reef located 500 m offshore. Because of the channel waves averaging about 0.5 m reach the shore where they surge up the moderately steep narrow breach. The beach is eroding in places with some of the trees undermined. It is backed by a 5 m high foredune, then the 500 m long grassy beach park that has a large car park and a range of facilities, with the highway behind. Beach O-69 extends immediately south of the beach park for 500 m to the beginning of an eroding section of shore fronted by beachrock, then 100-200 m wide fringing reef. Waves are lowered by the reef resulting in a narrow beach, which diminishes to the south along the beachrock, and eventually gives way to a continuous seawall. The entire beach is backed by beachfront houses. OAHU 70-72 HAUULA No. Beach Rating Type Length Shore Outer 70 Kila Channel 4 6 R+channel/reef 600 m 71 Hauula Beach Park 3 5 R+fringing reef 500 m 72 Hauula 4 6 R+channel 600 m
OAHU 73-77 MAKAO-KALUANUI-PUNALU’U No. Beach Rating Type Length Shore Outer 73 Makao Beach 3 5 R+fringing reef 900 m 74 Kaluanui Beach 3 6 R+channel/reef 1200 m 75 Punalu’u Beach Park 3 5 R+channel/ reef 1400 m 86 Punalu’u 3 5 R+fringing reef 700 m 77 Kula Ahulii 3 5 R+fringing reef 800 m Makao Beach marks the beginning of a 5 km long section of continuous sandy beaches down to Kahana Bay, all fronted by 500 m and more wide fringing reefs, with the highway hugging the shoreline along much of the coast. Waves break well seaward of the shore with generally low waves and wind waves lapping against the eroding shoreline, which in places has been replaced by seawalls. Makao Beach (O-73) commences at the edge of the Hauula Channel and trends to the southeast for 900 m to a prominent southerly inflection in the shore. The narrow beach is fronted by continuous 400 m wide fringing reef, with shallow seafloor between the shore and reef. As a result waves break out over the edge of the reef, with usually low waves at the shore. Water flowing shoreward over the reef does however drain in the north through a channel close to shore into the Hauula channel. The beach is backed by the highway and beachfront houses. Kaluanui Beach (O-74) commences at the sandy shoreline inflection and trends to the south-southeast for 1.2 km, past a sandy channel to a reef-induced protrusion in the shore. The fringing reef continues 500 m offshore to the channel where there is a break in the outer reef, which permits some low waves to reach the channel section of shore. The reef begins against on the southern side of the 300 m wide channel. Wave flowing shoreward over the reefs moves longshore towards the channel and seaward as a broad rips. The outer channel is partly blocked by patches of reef, causing it to narrow and the rip to intensify, particularly during periods of higher waves. Punalu’u Beach Park (O-75) extends south of the inflection for 1.4 km, initially protruding seaward, the curving to the south in lee of the 500 m wide Punalu’u Channel. The Punalu’u Stream crosses the beach in the centre of the channel forming a small sand and gravel delta. The fringing reef continues to parallel the beach 500-600 m offshore, with a 500 m wide gap off the channel. Waves break over the reefs to either side of the channel then flow shoreward and sideways into the channel, maintaining a permanent rip that exits the beach near the stream mouth and flows out of the channel. The beach park straddles the stream mouth and is wedged in between the eroding shoreline and the highway, with parking and toilet facilities on the southern side of the stream. Care should be taken when swimming here because of the permanent rip that flows more than 500 m out to sea. Punalu’u beach (O-76) commences where the fringing reef against attaches to the shore at the southern end of the beach park, and where houses again back the beach. The beach trends to the southeast for 700 m to the sandy Makali’i Point. The fringing reefs extend 600-700 m seaward of the beach and are continuous, apart from a narrow 50-100 m wide channel towards the eastern end of the beach, which extends to within 100 m of the shore. While waves are low at the shore, the beach narrows, and in lee of the channel is replaced by a seawall that protected the backing houses. Water flowing shoreward off the reefs moves both north into the Punalu’u channel, and towards the smaller central channel, both occupied by strong permanent rips. Kula Ahuili beach (O-77) commences at Malali’i Point and trends due south for 800 m into Kahana Bay. The fringing reef lies up to 800 m offshore and curves into the 1.5 km wide outer bay mouth, finally narrowing at the southern end of the beach. A narrow strip of beachfront houses and the highway back the beach. The fringing reef, easterly orientation and the bay all result in low waves at the shore. However water moves south along the beach towards the bay and has resulted in erosion of the beach, much of which is narrow or replaced by seawalls. OAHU 78-79 KAHANA BAY No. Beach Rating Type Length Shore Outer 78 Kahana Bay 3 3 LTT 900 m 79 Huila Pond 1 2 R+sand flats 200 m Kahana Bay is a 1 km wide bay located at the mouth of Kahana Valley, with the 400 m high steep ridges of Punaluu to the north and the Crouching Lion to the south. The deep valley continues seaward with fringing reef restricted to the valley sides, the seaward most reef separated by a 700 m wide deep channel across the mouth of the bay. Kahana Beach is located at the base of the bay, while Huila Pond lies on the eastern side of the bay. Kahana Beach (O-78) is a curving 900 m long fine sand beach that faces northeast down the bay and across the deep bay mouth channel. While its embayed located provides moderate sheltered for the beach, the deep channel prevents reef growth and permits waves averaging about 0.5 m to reach the shore where they maintain a lower gradient beach fronted by a continuous 30-50 m wide low tide terrace. Waves break across the terrace and run up the beach, reaching the low crest at high tide. The beach is backed by a continuous shady beach park, with two car parks and a camping area towards the western end. The Kahana Stream crosses the far eastern end of the beach. A small car park, seawall and boat ramp is located just past the western end of the beach, while the Kam Highway runs right around the rear. The Huila Pond is an old Hawaiian fishpond located just past the mouth of Kahana Stream. The pond rock walls enclosed a curving very low energy 200 m long north-facing beach (O-79). The beach is fronted by shallow sandy and rock flats between the shore and the wall, while it is backed by private property, then the highway. OAHU 80-83 MAKAUA-KANENELU No. Beach Rating Type Length Shore Outer 80 Makaua 3 6 R+fringing reef/rip 1100 m 81 Ka’a’awa 3 6 R+fringing reef 1300 m 82 Kalae O’io 3 6 R+fringing reef 800 m 83 Kanenelu 3 6 R+fringing reef 1100 m Mahie Point marks the southern entrance to Kahana Bay, with the shoreline turning out of the bay and trending away to the southeast for 7.5 km to Kualoa Point. In between are eight near continuous beaches, backed alternatively by the steep slopes of the Crouching Lion and K’a’ioa Point, with the deep Ka’a’awa Valley in between, and the low sandy spit of Kualoa Point in the south. All the while the Kam Highway hugs the shore, apart where beachfront houses are wedged in between the highway and shore. Much of the shore is eroding resulting in the construction of seawalls and some groynes that have now modified the once sandy shore into a mixture of narrow sand beaches, rocks, seawalls and groynes. During high seas and strong trades winds the waves wash right across the highway in places and threaten the houses. Makaua beach (O-80) commences at the tip of the seawall surrounded Mahie Point and trends to the east-southeast for 1.1 km to Ka’a’awa Point, all the way backed by seawalls and the highway. The beach is usually narrow and steep and in many section replaced by the seawall. The fringing reef extends 400 m offshore, with a generally shallow sand and reef lagoon in between. However 200 m west of Ka’a’awa Point a deep sandy channel cuts through the outer reef and extends to within 50 m of the shore. Water flowing over the reefs to either side flows towards and out through the 100 m wide channel, as permanent rip. Because of the seawall, narrow and in places rocky beach and the rip it is generally unsuitable for swimming. Ka’a’awa beach (O-81) commences at the low rocky Ka’a’awa Point and bulges to the southeast in front of steep slopes that ultimately rise to 600 m. The beach extends for 1.3 km to a more southerly inflection, which marks the beginning of the curve into Ka’a’awa Valley. The beach is fronted by continuous fringing reefs, which narrows from 500 m in the north to 300 m in the south. Water flowing over the reefs moves longshore towards channels located on adjoining beaches. The beach itself is narrow, eroding and in many places replaced by seawalls, including along the Swanzy Beach Park. Elsewhere beachfront houses and their seawall back the narrow beach. While the park provides good access to the shore and facilities there is no beach for recreation or safe access to the water. Kalae O’io beach (O-82) extends from the inflection in the shore for 800 m as a curving sandy beach backed by the steep sided Ka’a’awa valley. It terminates at a southerly inflection in the shore in lee of a small inshore reef. The highway parallels the rear of the beach, with the Ka’a’awa and Kalae O’io beach parks located by the highway to the north of Ka’a’awa Stream which cross the middle of the beach. The beach parks and the northern half of the beach are predominately narrow and sandy apart from seawalls erected to protect the toilet facilities at both parks, and around the mouths of the Ka’a’awa Stream, just south of Kalae O’io Beach Park and a smaller stream on the northern side of Ka’a’awa Beach Park. South of Ka’a’awa Stream the highway hugs the shore, with a seawall built to protect the highway completely covering the former beach. The beach is fronted by a deeper sandy channel, part of the drowned Ka’a’awa Stream. It trends northeast and cuts through the outer reefs as a 200 m wide channel. Water flowing over the reefs to either side eventually flowing seaward through the channel as a permanent rip. Kanenelu Beach (O-83) begins at the inflection in the shore and trends more southerly for 1.1 km to Kaoio Point, all the way backed by the Ka’a’awa Valley. The highway parallels the rear of the beach, with a seawall running the length of the shore and a usually steep narrow beach between the wall and shore. Inner shallow reef fringes the beach with the more extensive outer reef extending 300-400 m offshore. The Kanenelu surf break is located on the outer reef off the beach. OAHU 84-86 KAOIA POINT-MOLI No. Beach Rating Type Length Shore Outer 84 Kaoia Point 3 5 R+fringing reef 900 m 85 Sugar Mill 3 5 R+fringing reef 500 m 86 Moli 3 5 R+fringing reef 500 m
OAHU 87-88 KUALOA POINT No. Beach Rating Type Length Shore Outer 87 Kualoa Point 3 5 R+fringing reef 1000 m 88 Kualoa spit 1 3 &+sand flats/reef 1500 m Kualoa Point is part of a large accumulation of marine sand that has been transported south from Ka’a’awa Point, as well as inshore from the 2 km wide reef that that extends south and beyond Chainman’s Hat. The sands have prograded the shoreline 1 km south into Kaneohe Bay, then turned and migrated west for 1.5 km into the bay as the narrow Kualoa sand spit, much of which is backed by Moli’i Pond. The whole barrier-spit is about 80 ha in area and one of the larger coastal deposits on the island. Today the entire system is part of Kualoa Regional Park, the largest park on the Windward coast and offering low energy beaches, extensive picnic, camping and day facilities, as well as year round lifeguard patrols. Kualoa Point beach (O-87) commences at the southern most of the Moli beach groynes and continues south as a relatively natural, low energy beach to the low sandy point. The shallow sand and reef flats extend up to 2 km east of the beach linking with Chinamans Hat resulting in low waves to calm conditions at the shore. The beach is however slowly moving and has resulted in detached breakwaters and seawall being built along parts of the beach, including around the point. As the point has eroded the seawall has been stranded seaward as a low breakwater. The beach is low and narrow, and prone to overwashing during periods of strong trades winds and higher waves. The extensive grassy park and facilities run the length of the beach, with the lifeguard tower at the tip of the point. The Kualoa spit (O-88) begins at the point as the shoreline curves round and trends west into the bay. The beach is very sheltered by the reefs and its southerly orientation, resulting in a low narrow crenulate beach. The beach park extends halfway along the beach, parts of which are used by canoe clubs. The western half of the beach is backed by the densely vegetated narrow spit, then the 500 m wide fishponds. OAHU 82-85 KANEOHE BAY BEACH PARKS No. Beach Rating Type Length Shore Outer 89 Waiahole 1 3 R+sand flats/barrier reef 800 m 90 Kahaluu 1 3 R+sand flats/barrier reef 100 m 91 Laenani 1 3 R+sand flats/barrier reef 100 m 92 Kaneohe 1 3 R+sand flats/barrier reef 200 m Kaneohe Bay is the largest bay on Oahu. It has a 9 km wide opening between Kualoa Point and the Mokapu Peninsula, with a 30 km long low energy shoreline in between. While the bay faces east into the trades, the entire bay shore is sheltered by near continuous barrier reefs that lies 2-4 km off the bay shore and result in essentially no ocean waves inside the bay. The shore is therefore dominated low wind waves and tides, as a result of which there are only a few low energy pockets of sand and much low energy rocky shore. There are only four small beach parks in the bay (O 89-92). Waiahole Beach Park (O-89) is located besides the Kam Highway towards the northern end of the bay. The parks extends for 800 m along the shore, with only parts cleared of trees to provide access and parking in what is an otherwise undeveloped park. It has a narrow dark sand beach, backed by the low grassy park area. Waves are usually low to calm and water is shallow off the beach. Kahaluu Beach Park (O-90) is located at the mouth of Kahaluu Stream right next to the highway. It is the shoreline end of a larger regional park that extends west across the highway. The beach park occupies 100 m of the shoreline and together with the stream mouth has been entirely surrounded by rocks and seawalls. The park now consists of a large gravel car park and a canoe club, but no beach. Leanani Neighbourhood Park (O-91) is a small developed park on the eastern side of the 600 m long Kahaku’u peninsula. The park lies 100 m off the highway and is mainly used by locals who use the small boat ramp at the southern end of the park. The narrow beach is composed of sand and rocks and backed by a seawall, a row of coconut palms, then the park, basketball court and car park. Small boats are moored off the park with shallow water extending out into the bay. Kaneohe Beach Park (O-92) lies 1.5 km off the highway in the southern corner of the bay at the end of Waikalua Road. The sloping grassy park has a playground, toilets and a car park, which is also used for launching small boats across the narrow beach. Small boats are also moored over the shallows off the beach, with a private jetty at the northern end of the 200 m long park. OAHU 93-98 KANEOHE BAY MARINE CORPS BASE No. Beach Rating Type Length Shore Outer 93 ????????? 3 5 R+fringing reef 300 m 94 Pyramid Rock 6 6 TRB 700 m 95 Hilltop Beach 6 6 TBR+rocks 300 m 96 North Beach 6 6 TBR+beachrock 1200 m 97 The Cove 6 6 R+beachrock/reef 200 m 98 Fort Hase 4 5 R+fringing reef 900 m Kaneohe Bay Marine Corp Base occupies the entire Mokapu Peninsula, with 17 km of shoreline surrounding the base and peninsula. Much of the shoreline is either structural seawalls along the bay and western side, or rocky around the northern Mokapu Point, with only six areas of sandy beach (O 93-98) totalling 3.6 km. Because all the beaches are within the base they are only open to military personnel and some guests. All the beaches on the base are under the care of the base lifeguards, with permanent towers located at Pyramid Rock and North beaches. ????? Beach (O-93) is located on the west-facing side of the peninsula adjacent to the airfield. The 400 m long beach faces northwest across the 1 km wide barrier reef. It extends from a jetty at the western tip of the peninsula, initially trending north before turning heading northeast straight to the side of the airfield, which has been constructed over the eastern half of the beach and today forms a seawall boundary. The beach is fronted by shallow reefs that have been dredged along the western jetty section, and which widen to 1 km along the longer northern section. It is backed by casuarina trees and faculties associated with the airfield. Pyramid Rock is a 20 m high pyramid shaped headland that forms the western boundary of the North Beach section of the peninsula, with four beaches located along the 2.8 km long section of north-facing sandy shore, free of fringing reef and exposed to the full, forces of the trade winds and waves. The end of the runway and rock outcrops divide the beach into the four sections (O 94-97). Pyramid Rock beach (O-94) commences at the base of the rock and curves slightly to the east for 700 m to the northern end of the main base runway that extends 50 m across the beach and into the surf. The beach is exposed to all trade wind waves averaging about 1 m and breaking across a 50 m wide surf zone with permanent rips running out against the rock and runway, and at times a central beach rip. It is backed by a grassy foredune crossed by foot track, with a car park and lifeguard tower towards the western end of the beach. Care should be taken when swimming at this beach because of the surf and usually persistent rips. Hilltop Beach (O-95) is a 300 m long sandy beach located between the eastern side of the runway and a cluster of basalt rocks at the base of the 15 m high dunerock hill for which the beach in named. It is also locally known as Generals Beach, because of the officer houses located on the hill overlooking the beach. The beach is well exposed to the trades and receives waves averaging over 1 m, which maintain a 50 m wide surf zone, with usually 1to 2 rips flowing out against the runway and boulders. The Boulders surf break is located off the boulders at the southern end of the beach. North Beach (O-96) commences at the boulders and continues to the east for 1.2 km to the raised reefs that form The Cove. The beach faces due north and is fully exposed to the trade winds and waves, with the surf averaging over 1 m and breaking across a 50 m wide surf zone, with beachrock outcropping along the eastern end of the beach. The waves generate permanent rips against the western boulders and eastern beachrock, with usually 2-3 variable beach rips along the centre. It is backed by a 10 m high grassy foredune, then the base golf course. There is a car park and access at the eastern end of the beach, with the lifeguard tower located next to the access path. The Cove (O-97) is the 200 m long easternmost section of North Beach. It consists of a narrow high tide beach located between the raised reef to the west and a small headland to the east, and backed by a 10 m high sloping seawall. The beach is entirely dominated by the beachrock and calcarenite reef that outcrop along the beach and extend up to 50 m offshore, inducing a permanent rip in the eastern corner. The reefs do however lower waves at the shore and under low wave conditions it is a popular beach for swimming in the tidal pools formed by the reef. However once waves break over the reefs they induce strong currents and rips flowing out though the channels, particularly against the point. The small car park and access path is located on the bluff overlooking the beach and the beach is in full view of the North Beach lifeguard tower. Fort Hase beach (O-98) is located 1 km south of North Beach on the eastern side of the peninsula. The 900 m long beach faces due east and is moderately sheltered by Mokapu Point and fringing reefs that parallel the beach 200-300 m offshore. In addition inner reefs, including raised reef lie in the inner surf zone and increasing outcrops south along the beach. The beach is backed by a car park and shelter but no other facilities. Under low wave to calm conditions it is a popular sunbathing and swimming beach. However when waves are breaking over the reefs they feed a permanent rip that runs out against the northern rocks. OAHU 99-100 KAPOHO POINT No. Beach Rating Type Length Shore Outer 99 Kapoho Point 5 6 R+beachrock/reef 500 m 100 Kailuana Place 4 4 R+seawalls 300 m Kapoho Point is the southern boundary of a 2.5 km long sand and Pleistocene beachrock barrier spits that commences at Fort Hase beach and extends from the Mokapu Peninsula across the shallow lagoon that separates the peninsula to the mainland. The point also forms the northern boundary of Kailua Bay and the Kawainui Channel, which drains the large Kawainui marsh. Kapoho Point beach (O-99) is located along the southern 500 m of the spit and consists of a low narrow crenulate high tide sand beach, fronted by a continuous strip of intertidal beachrock, with fringing reef extending 200 m beyond. Waves break over rocks off the beachrock and wash over the rocks at high tide making it unsuitable for swimming. The entire beach is backed by beachfront houses, with public access at the northern end off Milokai Place. Kailuana Place beach (O-100) is located ion the southern side of the channel. It curves to the south of 300 m and is backed by seawalls and beachfront houses it entire length with no public access. The beach is partly sheltered by the point and channel shoals with usually low waves at the shore. They break across a combination of narrow beach and seawalls and rocks. OAHU 101-102 KAILUA BAY No. Beach Rating Type Length Shore Outer 101 Kailua Beach 4 5 R/LTT 3.9 km 102 Kailua south 4 5 R+fringing reef 500 m Kailua Bay is a 4 km wide northeast-facing sandy bay bordered by the low beachrock Kapoho Point to the north and the steep basalt of Alaia Point to the south, which rises to 80 m behind. Between the southern end of beach O-100 and Alaia Point is a continuous strip of white sand beach, divided into two by the usually blocked southern drainage channel. Most of the beach is backed by beachfront houses, with several access point, while the Kailua Beach park backs the southern end of Kailua Beach and the entire southern beach. Kailua Beach (O-101) commences at the end of the seawall that front Kailuana Place and curves to the south, then southeast for 3.9 m to the southern drainage channel. It is a continuous white sand beach exposed to moderate trade wind waves year round. These average about 1 m at the shore where they usually maintain a 30-50 m wide low tide terrace. Wave break, or plunge at low tide, over the outer end of the bar and flow towards the moderately steep beach. Wave 1 m and higher usually generate small beach rips spaced approximately every 100-150 m. The rips are often transitory and may migrate alongshore. The beach is backed by beachfront houses for most of its length apart for the small central Kalana Beach Park, and the southern 400 m, which lie within the larger Kailua Beach Park. In addition there are several public access point along the beach. The Kailua beach lifeguard tower is located at the southern end of the beach just north of the drain. The southern section of Kailua Beach (O-102) extends from the usually blocked drainage canal for 500 m to the base of Alaia Point. It faces northeast and is partly sheltered by Flat Island and fringing reef located up to 1 km offshore. This beach receives slightly lower waves and is usually steep and reflective, with a narrow bar forming during periods of higher waves. The large beach park backs the entire beach with a concrete boat ramp crosses towards the southern end. The popular park is used by a wide range of users including sunbathers, swimmers, body, boogie and board surfers, wind and kite surfers, kyakers and canoe clubs. OAHU 103 LANIKAI BEACH No. Beach Rating Type Length Shore Outer 103 Lanikai Beach 3 3 R+fringing reef 2.1 km
OAHU FLAT & MOKULUA ISLANDS No. Beach Rating Type Length Shore Outer Flat Island 3 7 R+reefs/rocks 100 m Mokulua islands 3 4 R+fringing reef 50 m Flat and Mokulua islands are located off the southern end of Kailua and Lanikai beaches and readily accessible from the shore. Flat Island is a small 1 ha area of raised reef and little more than 1 m above sea level. It is located 500 m off the southern end of Kailua Beach and bordered by fringing reefs to either side and seaward. The reef lower waves to usually less than 1 m around the island. The entire island is surrounded by overhanging bluffs cut into the raised reef, apart from a small 50 m long patch of sand located on the southeast side of the island. Many people paddle canoes and other craft out to the beach to wander around the island. The Flat Island surf break is located off the eastern side of the island. The Mokulua Islands are two adjoining 70 m high volcanic islands located on the outer edge of the fringing reefs off Lanikai Beach and exposed to the full forces of the trade wind waves. The easterly wave break heavily on the rocky eastern side of the islands and surge though the 300 m wide gap between the islands, then refract round both island to collide at the rear. The converging waves have deposited the only beach on the islands, a small 100 m long spit of sand attached to the southern side of the northern island. While the beach is usually calm the exposed rocky shore of the island are very hazardous and people have been washed off and drowned. The beach attracts many people who kayak out from Kailua and Lanikai. However the island above the shoreline is a seabird sanctuary and entry is prohibited. OAHU 104-105 BELLOWS-WAIMANALO BEACH No. Beach Rating Type Length Shore Outer 104 Bellows Field Beach 4 4 R/LTT 3.9 km 105 Waimanalo Beach 3 4 R 3.8 km Bellows-Waimanalo beach is a 7.7 km long curving east-facing beach located between Wailea Point and the basalt rocks at the base of the eastern end of the Koolua Range. The beach is divided into two, the military occupying the northern Bellows Field Beach, and the public the southern Waimanalo Beach. Bellows Field Beach (O-104) commences right at the tip of Wailea Point and extends to the south of 3.9 km to the boundary with Waimanalo. The first few hundred meters however have been eroding resulting in the construction of seawall to protect the end of the airfield. The seawall has divided this section of the beach with a 100 m long pocket of sand adjacent to the point, then a few hundred metres of seawall, before the beach begins again, just south of the lifeguard headquarters. The beach then runs continuously to Waimanalo. It is relatively free of reefs and well exposed to the trade wind waves, which average about 1 m during the winter months. These maintain a continuous attached bar up to 50 m wide, usually cut by rips every 100-200 m, with up to 30 beach rips spread along the beach. Sometimes the rips maintain a shallow channel across the bar. The beach has a low gradient and is backed by eroding trees in places, then the extensive faculties associated with the Bellows Field Beach Park, which includes a range of accommodation and recreational facilities for military personnel. The Bellow beach is patrolled by base lifeguards, with three towers located on the beach, two north of the Waimanalo Stream canal, and one between the canal and southern boundary rocks. Waimanalo Beach (O-105) begins at the cluster of dumped rocks that marks the boundary with Bellows. It continues to curves to the south then southeast for 3.8 m finally terminating as the beach narrows against the basalt shore and seawalls in the south. The northern 600 m of breach is backed by Waimanalo Beach Park, with houses and the Kalona Beach Park to the south. Lifeguard towers are located in both beach parks. The highway parallels the rear of the southern 2 km of beach. Wave height decreases slightly down the beach as a result of the outer fringing reef trending in closer to shore. The decreasing waves result in a shift from a low tide terrace to a narrower reflective beach with no bar in the south. This section of the beach is also experiencing erosion and particularly in the south with makeshift seawalls backing the narrowing beach. The Waimanalo Canoe Club is located at the southern end of the beach, before it is totally replaced by seawalls fronting beachfront homes. OAHU 106-107 KAUPO & MAKAPUU BEACHES No. Beach Rating Type Length Shore Outer 106 Kaupo Beach 3 4 R+fringing reef 1.3 km 107 Makapuu Beach 4 7 R+rocks/rips 300 m The southeastern tip of Oahu and the Windward coast terminates at 180 m high Makapuu Point. The last two beaches on the Windward coast are located at the base of the steep Koolau Range that also terminates at the point. Kaupo Beach (O-106) commences past the basalt rocks and seawall that separate it from Waimanalo Beach and trends to the southeast for 1.3 km as a narrow crenulate beach, with numerous rocks outcropping along the beach. It is crossed in the centre by the Ocean Institute pier, which leads to a breakwater. South of the pier the beach curves for another 500 m terminating against the protruding 1 km long section of low basalt shore that separates it from Makapuu Beach. The highway parallels the rear of the beach, with the car park and faculties for the beach park located immediately south of the beach on the basalt section of shore. Shallow reefs and sandy seafloor extend 500 m offshore, with Rabbit and Black islands located 1.5-2 km offshore also sheltering the beach. As a result waves are usually low at the shore and maintain a steep reflective beach. There is a small right hand beach off the southern point, while the larger Rabbit Island break lies 1.5 km offshore on the western side of the island. Makapuu Beach (O-107) is located at the southern end of the basalt shore and consists of as curving 300 m long, steep sandy beach, bordered to the south by the steep basalt slopes of Makapuu Point. The beach lies south of the two offshore island permitting the trade wind waves to reach the shore relatively unabated. As a result waves average over 1 m and commonly reach a few metres in height. Makapuu is a very visible and popular beach right on the highway with a beach park and amenities. It is also patrolled by lifeguards with the tower located on the dune-draped slopes at the centre of the beach. The beach is a very popular body and boogie board surfing area, with waves breaking over basalt reefs up to 100 m offshore, as well as breaking as a heavy shorebreak during periods of higher waves. There is an outcrop of basalt in the centre of the each which combined with the shorebreak can produce hazardous swimming conditions. A permanent rip also runs out against the northern rocks increasing in velocity during higher waves. OAHU Yüklə 297,98 Kb. Dostları ilə paylaş:
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