The North Wailea study area (transects 221 – 334) is located on the south coast of Maui. The shoreline is composed of calcareous sand beaches separated by basalt headlands. The coast is exposed to south swells in summer, refracted northwest swells in winter, and Kona storm waves. A deep fringing reef provides little protection and waves break on or near the shoreline. Private residences and hotel/condominium complexes have been constructed near the shoreline throughout the study area.
Wailea Beach Park (transects 221-243) has accreted at low to moderate rates since 1912 with an average rate of 0.1 ft/yr, with signs of beach growth in the last decade, near the north portion of the beach. Ulua Beach Park, Mōkapu Beach Park, and Keawakapu Beach Park (transects 244 – 334) are sections of a nearly continuous sandy shoreline interrupted by basalt outcrops. These sections have experienced moderate to high erosion with an average rate of -0.4 ft/yr. Yet, pockets of stable beach exist near transects 301, 315, and 333. Ulua and Mōkapu Beach Parks (transects 244 – 279), however, have experienced chronic erosion with an average rate of -0.8 ft/yr with the beach at transects 258 – 260 generally lost to erosion since 1988. In addition to chronic erosion, temporary erosion from high waves is a significant hazard to coastal properties in this area as can be seen in the 1963 shoreline position.
Last updated: July 2021
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