Vegetated dune, Kanaha, Maui. Naupaka shrub and 'aki'aki and pohuehue (with purple flowers) ground cover at center, 'aki'aki (sparse ground cover) in background.

Close up of 'aki'aki. Photo from JOHNSTONE, 1997.

Close up of 'akulikuli. Photo from JOHNSTONE, 1997.

Close up of pohuehue, Honokahua, Maui Common name: beach morning glory

1. An abundant supply of loose sand in a region devoid of vegetation

2. A wind energy source sufficient to move sand grains

3. A topography whereby sand particles lose their momentum and settle out

Composition of Beach sand in Composition of Beach sand in Hawaii:Hawaii:• Coral

• Shells

• Sponge spicules

• Calcareous algae

• Volcanic particles

Black Sand BeachBig Island

Green Sand BeachBig Island

Red Sand BeachMaui

0.01 mybp

1.6 mybp

Sea-Level Rise Wave/Current Action

Coastal Erosion

Sediment Deficiencies• Sand mining• Dune grading• Sand impounding (behind shoreline structures)• Water quality degradation• Harbor/navigational channel construction

Lanikai

Lanikai

Reasons to Protect Hawaii's Beaches• Multi-billion dollar visitor economy • They are critical in flood and erosion

prevention • They are a part of Hawaii's culture and

heritage. • Beaches and dunes are important elements

of our shoreline environment and are critical to the health of the coastal marine ecosystem.