The Kepuhi study area (transects 157 – 288) is located on the north shore of Kauaʻi. The area is bounded by Kolokolo Point to the east and Hā‘ena Point to the west. Wainiha Bay is in the eastern portion of the area and separated from the rest of the study area by a basalt headland. The shoreline is composed of carbonate sand and beach rock. The area is exposed to large seasonal swell during the winter months.
Overall, the Kepuhi study area is experiencing erosion with an average shoreline change rate of – 0.6 ft/yr. The Kepuhi shoreline (transects 157 – 267) is experiencing erosion with an average shoreline change rate of -0.4 ft/yr. Wainiha Beach (transects 268 – 288) is analyzed separately from the rest of the shoreline. The beach is backed by Wainiha River which periodically breaches the beach. The shoreline at Wainiha is experiencing erosion with an average shoreline change rate of -1.2 ft/yr. Previous studies* did not analyze the Kepuhi study area shoreline.
*Makai Ocean Engineering and Sea Engineering, 1991 Aerial Photograph Analysis of Coastal Erosion on the Islands of Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, Maui, and Hawaii. State of Hawaii Office of Coastal Zone Management Program.
Last updated: July 2021
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