Hanakapiai Beach

Hanakapiai Beach (in Hawaiian, Hanakapiokinaai) is a beach in the Hawaiian islands located on Kauai's Na Pali Coast. The beach is approximately two miles from the start of the Kalalau Trail, a beautiful and very popular hiking trail which is located at Keokinae Beach. During summer months, Hanakapiai Beach's sandy shore line is clearly visible; during winter months, dangerously powerful waves and high tides wash away the sandy shore line. The beach is remotely located with no road access.

Hanakapiai is a popular tourist attraction; however, like many beaches on the Na Pali Coast, strong rip currents, high surf, dangerous shore breaks and other hazardous ocean conditions make Hanakapiai Beach extremely dangerous. The Na Pali Coast is especially treacherous because there are no major reefs to hinder potent ocean currents.

Kauai's geography makes Hanakapiokinaai conditions even more hazardous; in the event that one gets caught in a rip current (or otherwise swept out to sea) the nearest safe shore area is approximately six miles away. There have been confirmed cases of hikers being swept away by large waves while simply wading in the water to relax themselves after the arduous two-mile hike Fact|date=July 2007. The currents in the region are so powerful that the bodies of at least 15 drowning victims have yet to be recovered. As of December 2006, at least 83 people have drowned at Hanakapiokinaai according to a sign posted on the beach. Visitors who enter the water at any time of the year are in mortal danger.

ee also

*List of beaches in Kauai

References

*Noland, Eric. "Dangers Lurk Beneath Surface of those Picture-Postcard Coves". Daily News. Los Angeles: 8 April 2001
* [http://davidlurk.wordpress.com/tag/kalalau-trail-memoirs Extensive journal With Photos]
* [http://www.kauaiexplored.com/beaches/Hanakapiai-Beach.aspx Overview of beach with Map]
*gnis|359030

External links

* [http://www.outdoorhighadventure.com/thekalalautrail.htm Kalalau Trail | Outdoor High Adventure]