Department of Land and Natural Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

DAVID Y. IGE GOVERNOR

SUZANNE D. CASE CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release July 18, 2016 

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
FOR KAIWI STATE SCENIC SHORELINE –MAKAPU‘U

HONOLULU —   Due to the anticipated continued high surf on east facing shores of O‘ahu being generated from Tropical Storm Celia and Hurricane Darby, all park users who visit Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline —  commonly referred to as Makapu‘u — should stay out of the water at the tide pools below the Makapu‘u  lighthouse.

Periodically, very large waves break and sweep over the rocks flooding the tides pools, followed by a strong returning surge that pulls the water back over the sharp rocks and out to sea. Members of the public in the tide pools during these conditions have been swept out to sea and have drowned.  

The public should not go into the tide pools during these conditions, and should stay far back from the water and view the area from safe distance on dry land. Only during calm seas and when the rocks around the tide pools are dry, and after careful observation of wave patterns should one consider entering the pools. 

Any social media that recommends access to the water during high surf conditions is irresponsible and should be ignored. This area is remote and isolated, and in event of emergency, responders will either have to hike in, fly in or approach by water craft. 

All park users must heed the park’s posted warning signs referring to “Waves break on ledge” as a reminder that these conditions may randomly occur without adequate time to exit the tide pools.

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Media contact:

Deborah Ward
DLNR Communications Specialist
Phone: (808) 587-0320