OAHU Beach Hazard Ratings

Oahu | Maui | Beach Hazard Ratings

Oahu, East Shore

The Windward side of O'ahu is home to the island's longest and most exposed section of shoreline. It begins at Kahuku Point and trends to the southeast for 28 mi to Makapu'u Point. There are 65 mi of shoreline consisting of 55 beaches that occupy 50% of the shore, the remainder being dominated by basalt outcrops. All the beaches are exposed to the northeast trade winds and waves, however protection resulting from the dominance of extensive fringing and barrier reefs and bays allow usually only small waves at the shore. The result is a series of generally low-energy narrow beaches along the shore that are often backed and replaced by seawalls and in some cases are dominated by beachrock.  Most beaches are fronted by wide fringing reefs, with various surf breaks commonly found over the outer reefs. Beach access along the coast is varying, from excellent along the Kamehameha and Kalanianole highways, to difficult east of Kuilima Bay and along sections occupied by beachfront houses, to restricted on the Kane'ohe and Bellows military bases.

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