North East Lanai

One of the most interesting hikes on Lanai is the trek down Shipwreck Beach. The beach stretches over miles of northeast coast of Lanai fronting the Kalohi Channel that separates Lanai from Molokai. This channel is known for its strong currents and numerous reefs. Many a ship has run aground along this channel - thus the name, Shipwreck Beach.

One such "wreck" is the World War II Liberty Ship whose hulk clings to reef close to shore. This particular vessel was not the result of an accident. After the war several surplus crafts were provided residence on the Lanai reef as an economical means of disposal. This particular vessel withstands the ocean currents and waves and has stood for over 50 years on the reef.

The reason it has not eroded away over all these years is that the boat is made from concrete. According to Honolulu's Maritime Center this ship was one of 22 ferrous-concrete oilers built between 1942 and 1944. None of these ships were ever given a name, just a number/letter designation which has been lost over the years.

Shipwreck Beach's first recorded shipwreck was in 1824 when the British vessel Alderman Wood foundered on a reef. Two years later an American ship, London, carring a cargo of gold and silver bollion sunk along this coast. It is uncertain how much of the gold and silver was ever recovered.

The beach is a series of sand, lava rock, and boulders. It is a great place for beach combing, especially the eight mile section that fronts Molokai. Due to the trade winds, this area is continuously windswept and hammered by currents of the Kalohi and Auau Channels.

Even though the beach is guarded by a wide reef, swimming in this area is extremely unsafe. Blasting trades come through the Pailolo Channel that separates Maui and Molokai creating a venturi-like funnel, churning up the sea and creating incredibly strong currents in the area.

These churning waters propel considerable flotsam onto the beach. A entire fishing village, Federation Camp, was built from the debris washed ashore here.