ʻEWA AREA DESCRIPTION

ʻEwa Beach and Iroquois Point (transects 0 - 254) are located on the south coast of Oʻahu. The shoreline is composed of carbonate sand, lime¬ stone, and boulder revetments with a fringing offshore reef. The area is ex¬posed to persistent tradewind waves year-round and seasonal swells in summer months.

Overall, the area is experiencing erosion at an average rate of -0.2 ft/yr. The highest rates of erosion are occurring at Keahi Point: up to -3.9 ft/yr (transect 68). Boulder revetments were installed along the shoreline at Keahi Point between 1976 and 1988. Construction of t-head groins and beach nourishment occurred in the early 2000’s (transects 27 - 89); further monitoring is required to see if the beach will remain stable.

Previous studies (Hwang, 1981; Sea Engineering, 1988) found similar trends in shoreline change for ʻEwa Beach and Iroquois Beach.

For more information see: http://www.soest.hawaii.edu/asp/coasts/oahu/index.asp

¹ Hwang, D. (1981) "Beach changes on Oʻahu as revealed by aerial photographs", State of Hawaii, Department of Planning and Economic Development.

² Sea Engineering, Inc. (1988) “Oʻahu shoreline study”, City and County of Honolulu, Department of Land Utilization.

Keywords:

Oʻahu; ʻEwa Beach, Iroquois Point; Keahi Point