Good article but incorrect use of the term “rogue wave” and shame on him and TGI for using that term In the headline while making it sound like this event at Hanakapia is rare. After hiking for about an hour, we hit the half-mile viewpoint; Alex, who by now had two black eyes, said it felt faster hiking back. Not sure what’s the right solution. Jacqueline Yau, left, and Michael Shapiro hiking on the Kalalau Trail after getting submerged by a rogue wave at Hanakapi‘ai Beach. Alex is also a river guide and anticipated that we’d go straight into concussion protocol, so she told us her name and that she lives in Sacramento, showing us her mind was working. It is approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) from the start of the Kalalau Trail, a very popular hiking trail which is located at nearby Kee Beach. Clearly, a lot of folks were caught off guard, and they can’t all be careless. During the shuttle service (which was still operating the day of and two days after) that brings you to this trail head, we were given 20minutes of warnings about what to watch out for. swept away, more plastic crap in the ocean…and what were those yokels not thinking ? Mainly we just warned people not to get near Hanakapi‘ai Beach. It is also about 2 miles from Hanakapiai Falls. I heard a second helicopter had come to take out others who were too injured to hike back. When she told her husband where we were — high on the rocks well above the tide line — he couldn’t believe we were swept away by the wave. Get over the hump of the mid-week blues! We thought we were being cautious. All rights reserved. Jackie lost her sun hat and FitBit, a small price to pay. When she told her husband where we were — high on the rocks well above the tide line — he couldn’t believe we were swept away by the wave. By chance we hiked with several of the other “survivors,” retreating battered and bleeding, like a defeated army. New users enjoy 60% OFF. enuf already, make em pay for the ride out. Great story on why you should always listen to the folks at ocean safety instead of being stupid (especially the part about taking the picture on the beach, classic). I’ve visited Kauai about 15 times and am well aware of these unfortunate incidents. Copyright © 2021 TheGardenIsland.com. The local woman said she’d lived on Kauai for 30 years and had often visited this beach but had never seen a wave like this. Answer 1 of 6: Looks like tuesday , yesterday was BIG TUESDAY.....and indeed the surf was up, but what we saw was large un organized swells, confused seas, no peal or shape, but huge womping mutes. They mention the slippery conditions. You being here 6 months doesn’t make you local LOL. The current is so strong that some victims have never been found. Hanakapiai Beach Located on Kauai’s Napali coast, Hanakapiai beach is approximately 2 miles from the start of Kalalau Trail. Where to Stay on Kauai. Later, when describing the incident to people living in Kauai, they said there normally isn’t such a large stretch of sand (“beach”) between the rocks and the surf. Photo: WiseTim. Mahalo. When the water receded, I was about 15 to 20 feet higher up the bank and for a couple of seconds didn’t see my wife. This creates dangerous currents and murky water at times. Close access to tourist, they should be cited for trespassing. But nothing about such a swell. Just so you know….Visitors are drowning at roughly nine times the rate of local residents, according to Health Department data, People like you are the reason why you have to get cavity searched to fly on a plane. Located on the secluded Na Pali Coast, Hanakapiai Beach has been called the most dangerous beach in Hawaii. In the summer time, the sand is thick and beautiful and there is plenty of room to lounge around on the beach and have a picnic either on the sand or on the rocks. Drownings are tragic and they can happen to anyone. He is a contributor to National Geographic Traveler, American Way, The Sun, Virtuoso Traveler, Alaska Beyond, San Francisco Chronicle and Washington Post. Visitors at Hanakapiai Beach begin to turn and flee for safety as a rogue wave approaches Monday. I found her bleeding on both knees, left hip, and left arm, but she was clear-eyed and fortunately hadn’t hit her head too hard. I was there, and tossed brutally by the wave. Its ridiculous. User-submitted Waterfall Write-up of the Month, and the latest news and updates both within the website as well as around the wonderful world of waterfalls. We had crossed his devastated family when we hiked in. “Time flies when you’re in shock,” I said. So those of you who have been there may think we were sitting on the rocks with the surf lapping at our feet…not the case. He had a satellite phone and had been the one to call for help as there’s no cell service at Hanakapi‘ai Beach. But while there were some people who certainly went too close to the high-water line, the large majority of us were well up on the rocks, with at least 50 feet between us and wet sand. Today's Paper I agree that those on the beach were taking a foolish risk but those of us well up on the rocks felt we were being respectful of the conditions and in a safe place. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission.HOME ♦ PRIVACY POLICY ♦ TERMS, Affiliate Disclosure: We receive compensation from companies whose products or services are used, referenced, or reviewed regardless of whether we endorse or criticize them. Hi, I don’t normally post things but the unnecessary and unfounded blame-game here is dangerous.