Hanakāpīʻai Beach is a popular tourist attraction; however, like many beaches on the Nā Pali Coast, strong rip currents, as well as high surf, dangerous shore breaks and other hazardous ocean conditions make Hanakāpīʻai Beach extremely dangerous. The Nā Pali Coast is especially treacherous because there are no major reefs to hinder potent ocean currents.
Kauai's geography makes Hanakāpīʻai conditions even more hazardous; in the event that one gets caught in a rip current (or otherwise swept out to sea) the nearest safe shore area is approximately six miles away. The currents in the region are so powerful that the bodies of at least 15 drowning victims have yet to be recovered.[1] According to the local newspaper, from 1970 to 2010 about 30 people are known to have drowned here.[2] Tourists often refer to a warning sign with 83 tally marks (as of August 2014) counting drowning victims. It has no official sponsor and this count is highly speculative.
Photo Credit: Kim Pearson, Oregon
WARNING: DO NOT SWIM AT THIS BEACH, THE CURRENT WAS GNARLY, AND THERE WAS A 20 FOOT DROP OFF ONLY 10 OR MORE FEET OUT. SKETCHY.
