KAHUKU AREA DESCRIPTION

his portion of the Kahuku shoreline is located on the northeast coast of Oʻahu between Kalaeuila and Kaʻohana Point. The shoreline is composed mostly of exposed limestone shelf with 'perched' calcareous sand beach above the high-water line. Several beaches (transects 0 - 23) are found in small bays between limestone headlands. The area is exposed to north and refracted northwesterly swells during winter months and easterly trade wind waves throughout the year.

The beaches have experienced low erosion rates (-0.3 ft/yr) since 1928, with limestone outcrops stabilizing the position of the shoreline. This low-lying coastal plain at the northern tip of Oʻahu is prone to inundation by tsunami as was experienced during the famous 1946 tsunami, which traveled more than 1,200 feet inland across Kahuku Airfield.

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; Kahuku; Kalaeuila; Kaohana Point