Shipwreck Beach on Lanai

Information about the Shipwreck Beach on Lanai Island in Hawaii. Shipwreck Beach - also known as Kaiolohia Bay Beach - is a remote beach on the north central coast of Lanai island. It is named after the of the rusted hull of a 1940's Liberty Ship that was intentionally beached on a coral reef offshore.

Facts About Shipwreck Beach
COMMON NAME: Shipwreck Beach
ALSO KNOWN AS: Kaiolohia Bay Beach
LENGTH OF THE BEACH: About 8 miles
SUITABLE FOR SWIMMING: No (ocean is dangerously rough)
LIFEGUARDS: No
FACILITIES: None
SITUATED ON: Kaiolohia Bay facing the Kalohi Channel
LOCATION: Northeast Coast of Lanai Island

Shipwreck beach includes area of sand, lava rock and boulders. It is usually quite windy causing its sand to blow around. The ocean at Shipwreck Beach is very rough and not safe for swimming or water sports. Note that the beach has no lifeguards or facilities. Suitable activities include beachcombing, shore fishing, nature walks, romantic walks, hiking, and viewing Molokai Island and Maui Island across ocean channels.

Attractions and Sites at Shipwreck Beach

Kukui Point Petroglyphs
- About 200 yards up a trail past the Shipwreck bech sign
- Site features reddish brown boulders - Petroglyphs located near the lighthouse ruins

Lighthouse Ruins
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Federation Camp
An entire fishing village, Federation Camp, was built from the debris washed ashore here.

Offshore Shipwreck
Large shipwreck located approximately one mile down the beach to the left of the lighthouse ruins.
- Tom's Barefoot Tour "Exploring the Liberty Shipwreck" Video

Kaiolohia-Kahue Trail
The Kaiolohia-Kahue Coastal Trail is a remote hiking trail with a trailhead near Shipwreck Beach. The trail was developed in the late 1800's when fishing was a primary industry on lanai. The trail connected several fishing villages settlements on the north coast of Lanai. Over the years sand has covered the trail and kiawe shrubs have grown on the trail.

Directions from Lanai City
About a 30 minute drive north of Lanai City. Note that a four wheel drive vehicle is necessary to make the drive. The roads are not well-marked so you will need to get driving instructions from a local expert. From Lanai City, take Highway 44 northeast to the end of the road (approximately 7 miles). Turn left on the dirt road and continue for 1.6 miles to the parking area near the lighthouse ruins. Shipwreck Beach lies in front of the ruins and stretches for several miles to the north and east. Accessible only by 4-wheel drive vehicle. Be sure to check on road conditions before starting out.

Resources

Dollar Lanai Car Rental "KKaiolohia" Article
Article on the Dollar Lanai Rent-a-Car Web site with a description of the Shipwreck Beach site and the driving distance between Lanai City and the site.

Videos of Shipwreck Beach
- Lanai Visitors Bureau "Road to Shipwreck Beach

Articles About Shipwreck Beach
- Hawaii Tourism Authority "Kaiolohia" Article
- Hawaii Magazine "Fascinationg Shipwreck Beach" Article
- Aloha Condos "Shipwreck Beach" Article<

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Visitor Attractions on Lanai Island

Lanai Island Travel Guide

Visitor Destinations in Hawaii

Hawaii for Visitors

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