Losing Hawaiian Beaches

The Aloha State

Logan O - GSP220 student

Hawai'i is famous for its beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and scenic views. So much so that it has become entirely dependent on its tourism. Roughly 10 million people visit Hawai'i every year, making up for roughly $2 Billion in revenue and nearly a quarter million jobs (HTA 2020).

Oahu Erosion

Hawai'i's necessity for tourism make the threat against its beaches ever more serious. If the beaches of Hawai'i disappear so will the tourists.

The map above highlights how much land will be reclaimed by the sea around 2050. Many major cities including Kailua, Waikiki, and the beaches around Diamond Head will be a few of the hardest hit.

Contours

Although tough to see, the map above displays the contour lines at every 5 ft increase in elevation. The water rising at all poses serious risks for Hawaiian beaches. Luckily the water is only proposed to rise ~10 inches.

Kammie-Dominique Tavares wrote a report about the threat of losing Hawaiian beaches for the University of Hawaii.

She wrote, "Beaches are critical ecosystems to native plants and animals, offer protection from storms, are an essential cultural setting, and attract tourists, who are important for Hawai'i's current economy." Furthermore, "This research shows that conversations on the future of our beaches and how we will care for them must happen now rather than later, if we are to protect our sandy beaches."

Hawai'i contains many land features that are mere feet above sea level. Any increase could prove to be catastrophic.

Personally, the thought of Hawai'i losing its beaches is very worrying. I've only been to Hawai'i once before but it was absolutely stunning. Furthermore, I know several people who live in Hawai'i and I know how much the island and beaches mean to them. If Hawai'i lost the majority of its tourism, it would go downhill fast. Everyone who lives on Hawai'i has culturally adapted to the environment and losing something so pivotal would be devastating.

Sources