The Launiupoko study area (transects 485 – 647) extends from Kūlanaokalaʻi Beach in the south to Waianukole in the north. The shoreline of the area is composed of both cobble and sandy beaches and hardened shoreline. Coastal armoring appears in 1960 aerial photographs where Honoapiʻilani Highway is threatened by shoreline change. Launiupoko State Wayside Park is located in the approximate center of the study area and provides a convenient feature to divide the area for description purposes.
As a whole, the Launiupoko area has experienced light to moderate erosion since 1912 with an average rate of –0.3 ft/yr. The southern portion (transects 485 – 575) of the area includes Launiupoko Point and Kūlanaokalaʻi Beach. This section of shoreline has remained relatively stable over time with an average rate of –0.1 ft/yr. The northern portion (transects 579 – 647) has experienced moderate erosion over time with an average rate of –0.6 ft/yr. North of Waianukole, the shoreline immediately adjacent to the highway (transects 640 – 647) is a focus of significant shoreline erosion. This section of the coast has an average rate of –1.4 ft/yr.
Last updated: July 2021
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