Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the shipwreck at Kaiolohia Beach
Traditionally this area was known as Kaiolohia. The current moniker only stuck due
to the World War II Liberty ship which was intentionally grounded on the fringing reef.
Though numerous vessels have met their demise on this shallow stretch of coral, this con-
crete oil tanker has rotted slower than most. Stoic in its haunted appearance, the ship re-
mains firmly lodged in the reef as a warning to passing vessels of the dangers.
Due to the persistent northeasterly trade winds Kaiolohia rarely offers anything in the
way of snorkeling or swimming. Your time here is better spent combing the beach for the
flotsam and jetsam which finds its way to shore, and Japanese glass balls used as fishing
floats are the ultimate beachcomber's reward. To reach the Liberty ship it's about a mile
walk along the sandy coastline, although numerous rocks interrupt the thin strip of sand
to give the appearance of multiple beaches. From here it's technically possible to walk all
the way to Polihua Beach, although unless you have a ride arranged at the other side it's a
16-mile round-trip venture in an area with no services or shade.
Walking as far as the ship gives you ample time to explore, although make a side trip to
visit the
petroglyphs
on your way back to the car. About a quarter of a mile after the road
