The Mahaʻulepu study area (transects 21 – 87) is located on the southeast coast of Kauaʻi. The shoreline is composed of carbonate sand beach interrupted by basalt sea cliffs and limestone.
Overall, the area is experiencing erosion at an average rate of -0.5 ft/yr. The area lends itself to division into five portions. The most southern portion (transects 21 – 24) has experienced erosion over time with an average shoreline change rate of -1.0 ft/yr. North of Mahaʻulepu Stream (transects 25 – 58) has experienced erosion with an average shoreline change rate of -0.4 ft/yr. Kawailoa Bay (transects 59 – 75) is undergoing erosion with an average shoreline change rate of -0.5 ft/yr. North of Paʻoʻo Point (transects 77-82) is a small pocket beach that is experiencing chronic erosion with an average shoreline change rate of -1.4 ft/yr. Haʻula Beach (transects 83-87) has experienced no change in average shoreline change rate. Previous studies* found similar trends in shoreline change for the Mahaʻulepu study area.
*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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