Lumahai Beach
Hanalei, HI
Lumahai Beach earned its fame from the 1958 film South Pacific, and the mile of dark sand backed by lava rock and ironwoods still looks the part. Dangerous currents and a steep shorebreak keep this a beach for photos and walking rather than swimming, a fact posted signage makes clear at both ends.
The scenery lives up to the reputation, but the currents are genuinely dangerous, and that keeps most locals to walking the sand rather than getting in the water.
How we score beachesPark at the eastern lookout above the beach for the classic photo, then walk down the trail to the western access point for a longer stretch of sand with fewer people.
A roadside pullout at the eastern overlook and a small lot near the western end both serve the beach, and both fill on clear days.
A short but steep dirt trail leads down from the eastern lookout, while the western access crosses a stream that can run high after rain. Neither route is stroller or wheelchair friendly.
Winter's bigger surf makes the already dangerous shorebreak worse, while summer calms it somewhat, though lifeguards are never present and caution matters year round.
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