Hanakapiai Beach
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Hanakāpīʻai Beach is a beach in the Hawaiian islands located on Kauai's Nāpali Coast. The beach is approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) from the start of the Kalalau Trail, a very popular hiking trail which is located at Keʻe Beach. During summer months, Hanakāpīʻai 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. The word Hanakāpīʻai literally means "bay sprinkling food" in Hawaiian.
Hanakāpīʻai Beach is a popular tourist attraction; however, like many beaches on the Nā Pali Coast, strong rip currents, as well as high surf, dangerous shore breaks and other hazardous ocean conditions make Hanakāpīʻai Beach extremely dangerous. The Nā Pali Coast is especially treacherous because there are no major reefs to hinder potent ocean currents.
Kauai's geography makes Hanakāpīʻai 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. The currents in the region are so powerful that the bodies of at least 15 drowning victims have yet to be recovered.[1] According to a sign posted on the beach, as of December 2008 at least 83 people have drowned at Hanakāpīʻai.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ "Dangers Lurk Beneath Surface of those Picture-Postcard Coves". Thefreelibrary.com. http://www.thefreelibrary.com/DANGERS+LURK+BENEATH+SURFACE+OF+THOSE+PICTURE-POSTCARD+COVES.-a083501096. Retrieved 2012-01-19.
[edit] External links
- U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Hanakapiai Beach
- Extensive journal with photos
- Overview of beach with map
Coordinates: 22°12′42″N 159°36′04″W / 22.21167°N 159.60111°W
