Hawaii Beach Safety

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Information and Beach Analysis

Pokai Bay Beach Park, portions of Lualualei No. 2, Nanakuli Beach Park (including Cove) and Tracks Beach Park will be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily beginning July 28. The shoreline will remain accessible to fishermen at all hours.

In the 1922 Hawaiian Annual, editor Thomas Thrum gave a brief description of Pokai: “Po-ka-i, a land section of Waianae, is said to be the name of an early voyaging chief from Kahiki, who brought and planted there the coconut from which has spring its grove, famed in song.” One of the songs that mentions the bay is Aloha ‘Ia ‘O Wai’anae. Written by Wai’anae residents Abigail Pililaau and Rachael Kaleiwahea and popularized by the Kahauanu Lake Trio in their 1964 album Hawaiian Style, the first verse describes the coconut grove.

Aloha ia o Waianae Love for Waianae

He malu i ka ulu niu Peaceful shade of the coconut grove

Ulu niu kaulana o Pokai Famous coconut grove of Pokai Bay

He nani ke ike aku. I see the beauty.

Poka’i Bay, the most protected bay on the Wai’anae shore, lies between the Wai’anae Small Boat Harbor and Kane’ilio Point. The bay takes its name from Ka Uluniu o Poka’i, the famous coconut grove that once grew in its backshore. The Wai’anae Army Recreation Center, a 20-acre recreational facility acquired by the federal government in 1918, is in the middle of the bay, and Poka’i Bay Beach Park, a 15-acre public park, is on Kane’ilio Point. A sand beach lines the entire bay.

Poka’i Bay Beach Park is the site of the former Wai’anae Small Boat Harbor. Dedicated in October 1953, the harbor was relocated to the west end of the bay in 1980. The breakwater that protected the original harbor was left in place where it protects the swimming beach during periods of high surf and provides a popular fishing site. A wide reef lies in the center of the bay. Waves breaking on the reef are normally small and gentle, providing a good surf site for novice surfers.

Kane’ilio Point is the site of Ku’ilioloa heiau, one of the temples in Hawai’i that was built on a point in the ocean. A popular fishing site, the shore of the point is lined with home-made memorials for people whose ashes have been scattered offshore.

This description is taken from John R. K. Clark's book - Beaches of Oahu (Revised Edition) which is published by University of Hawai'i Press and available from University of Hawai'i Press. We thank John R. K. Clark for providing his description of Hawaii's beaches to improve beach safety.

North Shore

West Shore

Windward Shore

South Shore