Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ends, you'll encounter the concrete base of what was once an old lighthouse, and if you're
uncertain of whether or not you're at the right place, check the concrete base where names
were inscribed in 1929. From the base of the lighthouse turn directly inland and rock-hop
for 300 yards before you'll see a large rock with the words “do not deface” written on it. A
white arrow points to a trail behind the rock which leads to petroglyphs of dogs, humans,
and a drawing known as “The Birdman.”
LANA'I'S OTHER SHIPWRECK BEACH
There's a good chance you're already familiar with Lana'i's famous Shipwreck
Beach, but did you know there is a second shipwreck off Lana'i which is hardly ever
visited? To reach the rarely frequented YO-21 Navy ship, take your four-wheel-
drive vehicle out Polihua Road seven miles to the Garden of the Gods and make a
right onto Awalua Road. This steep, eroded trail offers sweeping views across the
Kalohi Channel to neighboring Moloka'i before depositing you three miles later at
a coastal outpost known as Awalua. The Dollar Jeep rental company doesn't recom-
mend going down this road, so should you choose to drive to Awalua, stay out of
any deep sand and know that you're doing so at your own risk. There are multiple
pullouts on the side of the road should you want to drive only part of the way and
walk the rest down to the beach. The rewards for your efforts, however, are a nar-
row stretch of coastline where you're guaranteed to be the only person there and the
chance to view a rusting ship which was stationed at Pearl Harbor on the morning
of the Japanese bombing. As at the more well-known shipwreck beach, however,
photographing the ship and beachcombing are much safer options here than trying
to swim.
Aside from the wrecks at Awalua and Kaiolohia, hundreds of ships have met
their final demise on this remote stretch of reef. In 1826 the U.S. ship
The London
sank here with a large amount of gold and silver, only an unknown portion of which
was ever recovered. No lobster divers have ever come back holding gold bullion,
however, so whatever treasure may remain has seemingly been lost to the mystery
of the sea.
When you reach the bottom of Keomuku Highway (where the pavement ends), taking a
right at the fork in the road will lead you on a rugged coastal track that ranks as one of the
