Go to Shipwreck Beach

Shipwreck Beach Information

Shipwreck Beach is aptly named for the many ships that have run aground on the coral reef in the Kalohi channel that separates the islands of Lanai and Molokai. The 8-mile long beach of sand, lava rock, and boulders sits on Lanai's northeastern shore with Molokai in the distance and the huge concrete World War II ship, Liberty, still stuck on the reef relatively close to the sand. The rusty vessel has withstood over 50 years of strong currents and waves that continue to carry bits of it ashore.

The beach's wide reef somewhat protects the coast but consistently strong tradewinds and currents make the churning waters unsafe for swimming and there are no lifeguards around.

Beachcombers love what they can find along the beach, and whale watchers enjoy occasional sightings in the winter when Pacific humpbacks come by from Alaska.

The Kaiolohia-Kahue hiking trail starts (or ends, depending on how you look at it) at this beach but there are no facilities nearby.

This beach is only accessible by a 4-wheel drive vehicle so be sure to check on road conditions before starting out. Go northeast on Hwy. 44 until it ends (about 7 miles from Lanai City), turn left on the dirt road to a parking area about a mile and a half down, near the lighthouse ruins.