The beach is only accessible via an old dirt road that winds past the sugar cane fields and the dense Hawaiian jungle.
It’s a beautiful mid-August morning on Shipwreck Beach. The Big Kahuna has already beaten everyone else to the waves before sun-up, and even though Kāne only rose about 20 minutes ago, Bodhi, as the Big Kahuna is often called, surfed three 5’ sets and is now roaming the beach, kicking over sandcastles. The temperature has just eclipsed 72 this morning, on its way to a mid 80’s high. The summer season is winding down here on Kaua’i, which means the peak surfing season is coming to a close at Shipwreck Beach. The best surfing at this south shore hideaway is from May to September, but the ocean isn’t safe for swimmers because of the considerable waves and strong rip tides. Gremmies surf at their own peril. Shipwreck’s waves are unforgiving this time of year.
There are no lifeguards on Shipwreck Beach, and it’s mostly a local crowd, as is typical. Tonight, after Mahina rises, a luau is on tap: delicious food, good friends, a small fire, drums, and dancing. Something to look forward to.
Just beyond the old nameless shipwreck, for which the beach draws its name, humpback whale-watchers can be seen in small open watercraft, but they’ll be no nevermind, as they seldom trouble the beach goers. A few Hawaiian monk seals sun themselves on the west side of the beach. The old surf shack where the locals store their boards stands to the east, drums and torches have been staged nearby for tonight’s activities.
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