Makapu'u Beach Erosion
by Kristen Tanabe, Grade 7, Kaneohe, Hawaii

Picturesque Mapkapu'u Beach is the result of hundreds of years of wave erosion and salt weathering. The continuous pounding of waves full of sand and pieces of rock cause the weathering of the surface and cracking of the land mass. Cracks are widened further when water and smaller rocks are pushed into the crack, and the rock eventually breaks off. Over time, waves and salt weathering result in a wave-cut cliff and wave-cut platform like those seen at Makapu'u. Continuous erosion over time will result in destruction of the cliff and forming of wave-cut terraces, which is what the Makapu'u cliff may look like in the future.

The beach of Makapu'u is the result of sand being deposited onto the shoreline. Broken and eroded pieces of shell and marine organisms like coral make up the white sand of Makapu'u. Wind and waves have changed, and will continue to change the shape of the 1,000-foot-long Makapu'u Beach. Beach erosion occurring over time will cause the rising of sea-level because of global warming and degrading of sand dunes. Continued erosion over time will result in the narrowing of the beach and possible beach loss.

Erosion of beaches is significant for many reasons. Our beaches are one of the reasons why tourists choose Hawai'i as their vacation destination. Tourism is a multibillion-dollar industry that drives our state economy and provides many residents with jobs. The beach also serves as a natural barrier for coastal homes during storms, and beach loss will have a tremendous impact on property loss and damage as well as potential loss of life. Beaches are also a source of recreation for residents, and important to the ecosystem of ocean life.