HanakÄpīʻai Beach is a beach in the Hawaiian islands located on Kauai's NÄ Pali Coast. The beach is approximately 2 miles (3.2Ā km) from the start of the Kalalau Trail, a very popular hiking trail which is located at KeŹ»e Beach. It is also about 2 miles (3.2Ā km) from Hanakapiai Falls. During summer months, HanakÄpīʻai Beach's sandy shore line is clearly visible; during winter months, dangerously powerful waves and high tides wash away the sandy shore line. The beach is remotely located with no road access. The word HanakÄpīʻai literally means "bay sprinkling food" in Hawaiian.
HanakÄpīʻai Beach is a popular tourist attraction; however, like many beaches on the NÄ Pali Coast, strong rip currents, as well as high surf, dangerous shore breaks and other hazardous ocean conditions make HanakÄpīʻai Beach extremely dangerous. The NÄ Pali Coast is especially treacherous because there are no major reefs to hinder potent ocean currents.
