Residents along a 3-mile stretch of Oʻahu’s North Shore are facing increasing beach erosion that threatens homes while environmental rules limit their ability to build protective barriers.
The coastline from Kapoʻo to Sunset Point, including spots like Pūpūkea and Banzai Pipeline, is among the world’s most well-known surf destinations. Large winter swells that draw thousands each year also contribute to ongoing shoreline erosion, which can accelerate during major storms. In some cases, homes have been damaged or lost.
Erosion along the North Shore occurs gradually over time and during extreme weather events. The seasonal nature of the beaches means they shift in size throughout the year. For instance, Pūpūkea beaches are smallest in summer, while Sunset Beach narrows in winter.
A beach management plan is under development to better understand these seasonal sand changes and address the long-term threat. However, property owners currently must navigate erosion risks largely on their own. Some have faced the choice of installing unpermitted shoreline protections or leaving properties exposed to damage.
