On the infamous winding road to Hana and the refreshing pools of Ohea Gulch, most people will drive right by Haneo'o Road. Take a left here (makai), a little past the mile 51 marker and you will soon have an excellent view of Koki Bay along with Alau Island, crested with swaying palm trees a quarter mile offshore.

Koki Beach Park is a county beach park just south of Hana Town. Koki Beach is known for its unique red sand, and of course picturesque Alau Island. This ironwood-shaded beach lies just South of an eroded red cinder hill, which lends its color to the beach. A small lawn is ideal for having a picnic, and indeed it is a favorite of locals on the weekends. There are no facilities other than a couple of picnic tables.

Koki Beach conditions can change extremely from day to day and throughout the year. During the summer months, a wide red beach grows, with generally mild surf and mellow currents. In the high winter surf, the sand is scoured down to a cinders on a rocky coastline. The surf and currents make it too dangerous to even enter the water during the winter months.

This beach is not recommended for casual swimming, however, it is a favorite of local surfers. Also the shore break often attracts body boarders. The ocean bottom here has a gradual slope, which belies how treacherous it is. The beach is unprotected by reef so surf and currents can be very strong. Many people have drowned here. Be aware of current, local conditions before entering the water.

Alau Island is visible towards the the south end of Koki Beach, topped with coconut palms. No doubt it has been the inspiration for numerous cartoonists drawing a deserted island. In fact, it is a seabird sanctuary, a favorite place for the prehistoric-like iwa to flock. This island was once used by Hawaiians as a place for sacred studies.

Ka Iwi o Pele is the name of the large red cinder cone bordering the beach on the North, literally meaning "The bones of Pele" in Hawaiian. A myths tells that this is where her bones were left after a fatal battle with her sister. Hiking along this coastline is not recommended because the loose volcanic cinders make footing hazardous, at best.

Look toward the ocean past Ka Iwi o Pele, and you'll see the natural Leho'ula sea arch, part of an old lava tube, eroded by the sea. Just south of Koki Beach are two ancient Hawaiian fishponds. The larger fishpond is named Haneo'o and the smaller is Kuamaka, both of which are currently privately owned and maintained the Hana community.

Neal Raj Mathur
Kauai Digital Inc.
www.resource4hawaii.com
808.651.7513