Shipwreck Beach Beach

Kaiolohia, or Shipwreck Beach, is an eight-mile stretch of windswept sand along Lanai's northeast shore, named for the many vessels that have run aground on its shallow reef over the centuries. Its most famous relic is a rusting World War II-era ship, the ferro-cement fuel barge YOGN-42, deliberately grounded offshore and still visible as a ghostly hulk on the reef.

This is a place for beachcombing and views rather than swimming, with Molokai and Maui filling the horizon across the channel. A short trail inland leads to the Poaiwa petroglyphs, ancient carvings on reddish-brown boulders that add a layer of Hawaiian history to the raw, remote setting.

• The grounded WWII concrete tanker YOGN-42 rusting offshore
• Poaiwa petroglyphs carved on boulders about 200 yards inland
• Sweeping channel views toward Molokai and Maui
• Eight miles of wild, driftwood-strewn shoreline for beachcombing
• The remote, windswept character of Lanai's undeveloped north coast

Shipwreck Beach lies about half an hour north of Lanai City and requires a 4WD vehicle. From town, drive down toward the north shore, then follow the rough, unmarked dirt roads to the coast; it is wise to get precise directions before setting out, as signage is minimal. From the parking area, it is roughly a one-mile walk along the shoreline for the best view of the wreck.

Visit in the morning for calmer wind and better light on the wreck and channel views. Do not swim here: strong currents through the Pailolo Channel and a shallow reef make the water dangerous year-round, and winter surf makes it especially unsafe. Go on a dry day, since the access roads can become difficult after rain.