ʻEwa to Keahi, Oʻahu

ʻEwa Beach and Iroquois Point (transects 0 – 254) are located on the south coast of Oʻahu. The  shoreline is composed of carbonate sand, lime¬ stone, and boulder revetments with a fringing  offshore reef. The area is ex¬posed to persistent tradewind waves year-round and seasonal swells  in summer months. 

Overall, the area is experiencing erosion at an average rate of -0.2 ft/yr. The highest rates of  erosion are occurring at Keahi Point: up to -3.9 ft/yr (transect 68). Boulder revetments were  installed along the shoreline at Keahi Point between 1976 and 1988. Construction of t-head  groins and beach nourishment occurred in the early 2000’s (transects 27 – 89); further monitoring is required to see if the beach will remain stable.  

Previous studies (Hwang, 1981*; Sea Engineering, 1988**) found similar trends in shoreline change  for ʻEwa Beach and Iroquois Beach. 

*Hwang, D. (1981) “Beach changes on Oʻahu as revealed by aerial photographs”, State of Hawaii, Department of  Planning and Economic Development. 

**Sea Engineering, Inc. (1988) “Oʻahu shoreline study”, City and County of Honolulu, Department of Land  Utilization.

Last updated: July 2021

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