Poipu Beach Park

Also known as Brenneke’s beach is a gorgeous lifeguarded south shore beach that is popular with visitors to Kauai. The beach is basically protected by the`rock jetties so it’s great for swimming and snorkeling. There is surf outside the jetties, but we recommend you leave that to more advanced surfers who are familiar to the area, unless of course you are out there with a certified instructor.

If you choose to play in Poipu HLWSF wants you to be aware of the hazards. Strong currents are often found inside the barriers especially if the outside surf is big. It’s better not to walk on the jetties as the rocks are slippery and the waves breaking are probably hitting those rocks with more power than you realize. The reef is sharp so don’t walk on it. These are just some safety tips for current and recent safety information always ask your lifeguards on duty about the conditions. That’s the surest way to have a fun and safe time. J.R.

Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is a lifeguarded beach on the beautiful coast line of Kauai’s famous north shore. It’s a crescent shaped bay that has about two miles of sandy beach. In the winter months, September – May, it’s not uncommon to see big waves and epic surfing. Of course on these winter swell days it is suggested that only the more advanced surfers brave the strong currents all others should enjoy watching the expert surfers rip it up from the pier or the shore.

Because it is a sand bar area HLWSF does not recommend snorkeling, There is not enough reef to support the fish snorkelers like to see; however, if you visit when the bay is calm it’s a great place to swim, go sailing or paddling. There are also plenty of days with smaller surf suitable for the beginner, we recommend to never count on your leash or surf vehicle to save you in the ocean, only count on your own swimming ability. Know your limits, If you don’t know don’t go! J.R.

Ho’okipa

Drive along Maui’s north shore on any day surf’s up with a brisk trade wind and you’ll wonder why a plethora of photographers are aiming1000 mm lenses at the water. Pull into the cliff top or beach parking lot and you’ll likely see superstar windsurfers doing back flips on the breakers while TV crews in helicopters shoot footage for the Extreme Sports channel. Mix in the traditional local surfer crowd who’ve been catchin’ waves at Ho’okipa since they were keiki’s and it’s clear why they call this place the world’s water sports Mecca.

Alien Algae Cleanup Efforts

Algal blooms on coral reefs are becoming increasingly common worldwide and can decimate coral reef ecosystems by overgrowing corals and decreasing biodiversity. In Hawaii, blooms of benthic (bottom-dwelling) algae are increasingly common due to the introduction and spread of several non-indigenous algal species.

These alien species are often unpalatable to native grazers and capable of successfully out competing corals even in low nutrient environments. Without the development of effective removal and educational outreach programs, these algae will continue to spread throughout the State, directly threatening the survival of Hawaii’s coral reefs, which comprise 85% of the coral reefs of the U.S. In Hawaii, marine systems are an estimated 25% endemic and support almost all facets of life, including cultural heritage, social activities, and economic stability. Alien algae are a threat to this important part of the Hawaii ecosystem.

Waikiki Clean-up Events
The Aohe Limue or alien algae cleanup events are designed to educate the public about the problems of invasive species in the State. These are large-scale removal efforts of the invasive alga, Gracilaria salicornia, with volunteers from the local community, including individual community members, local school groups, extra-curricular activity groups, and other local community service groups. The events inform the public about the threat of introduced species by having them participate directly in removing mats of algae from the reefs in Waikiki. The volunteers see first-hand the destruction the algae is creating on the coral reef ecosystem here in Hawaii. The events include resources from many entities working together to ensure volunteers are getting the most out of the experience.

The process of the events is as follows:
There are three stations for volunteers to help with in the removal events, as in-water help, onshore help, and as sorters.

• Volunteers in the water include boogie boarders, snorkelers and longboarders. They help UH Scientific Certified SCUBA divers bring the algae from underwater to shore SCUBA divers remove algae from the ocean floor in 8-12 feet of water around sunken bins with floats as markers. The divers sit on the sandy bottom and fill burlap bags with algae. Snorkelers take the full bag from the divers and hands it to the boogie boarders. These volunteers then bring the bags to the surfboarders to be carried to shore. Empty bags are sent back via surfboard to the snorkelers who gives them to the diver.
• The second station is onshore where volunteers create a human chain to carry the burlap bags from the water’s edge to the recycling container. The bags are passed from person to person, which are then emptied by the algae sorters at the container. The empty bags are then sent back down the chain to the shoreline to be carried out to the divers. This process continues until the divers’ surface.
• The third station consists of volunteers who help sort through all the algae that is brought in from the water onto tables an algae found within the algal mass to be returned to sea. Once the algae have been sorted, volunteers unload the invasive algae into the recycling container and release the native algae and any critters back into the water.

Makena Beach

Makena also known as Big Beach is considered one of the most desired beaches in Hawaii. The name Makena is derived from the word makâke which means “many gathered”. This name still suites the beach as families are known to pack a cooler, grab some beach toys and spend the whole day basking in the sun. Being one of the largest beaches on Maui you’re never left out on a nice spot to lay down your towel, there is always plenty of fun for everyone.

 

There are three separate entrances to choose from, but don’t become too concerned on choosing the right one as they are all connected and equally as entertaining. There are several new facilities out at Makena including portable toilets, paved parking, and several Mobile food stands in a variety from shave ice to fish tacos. Makena Beach is a State Park. Even though the beach is closed in the late afternoon, as a way to reduce unwanted incidents, it does remain open just long enough to admire a marvelous seaside sunset.

The waves at Makena can be very unpredictable. It is advised to use caution and always keep an eye out for those unexpected swells to come rolling in. Although funding has been approved for Lifeguards to patrol Makena this has not been implemented yet. You may see the experienced locals braving the large waves, but it is not advised that you follow with confidence as these waves can be fierce and there have been many serious injuries. However, don’t let this scare you off from visiting for there are many days when the water is calm and suitable for swimming. On days when the waves are too large to enter, and remember on these days the rip currents are strong, you may enjoy just lying on the beach and watching the experts in the water.