Protected Lands - Kauaʻi

KĀHILI BEACH PRESERVE

Kāhili Beach is a popular surf spot for Kaua‘i’s North Shore residents. The windswept beach, nicknamed Rock Quarry, attracts recreational beachgoers and surf lovers of all kinds.

For more information: School Visits, Volunteer Days, Talk Story on the Land

Ahupuaʻa: Kāhili Moku: Koʻolau Size: 17.63 acres
Year Protected: 2003
Land Protection Strategy: Owned by HILT
Conservation Values: Public beach access and habitat restoration
Land Features: Marine shoreline

About Kāhili Beach Preserve

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This preserve is guarded by the many ‘iwa birds that soar in the ‘uhau wind here at Kāhili. Located in the Ko‘olau district of Kaua‘i, the name Kāhili literally means feather standard.  

In November of 2003, Louise and Monte Zweben donated fee ownership of this 5.43-acre oceanfront parcel located at the mouth of Kīlauea stream and adjacent to the Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. The property provides public access to Kāhili Beach while safeguarding the shoreline ecosystem.

The transformation of this property was evident almost immediately after their donation. In collaboration with the Kīlauea Neighborhood Association, every month volunteers clean up debris and trash at the beach. To date, more than 1,000 person-hours have been donated to keeping the shoreline clean and beautiful.

In 2013 HILT purchased an additional 12.2 acre parcel that is contiguous with the 5.43 acres already under our protection. The newly named, Kāhili Beach Preserve now includes this new parcel. The entire 17 acres includes the Kīlauea stream river mouth and important riparian buffer zones along the stream.  

Held in perpetuity by the Hawai‘i Land Trust, this truly is a jewel in the crown of beaches along the North Shore. As beach access and coastal views disappear daily, Hawai‘i Land Trust is ensuring public enjoyment of this popular shoreline for generations to come.  

The public is encouraged to get involved by participating in future volunteer days or free guided tours through our Talk Story on the Land environmental education series. For information on school visits at Kāhili Beach Preserve, contact HILT Educator, Ann Eu

We would like to remind the public that no pets, particularly dogs, are allowed at these community preserves to protect the conservation values, native wildlife and habitat. Mahalo for your support!

Kāhili Beach Preserve is protected in perpetuity and supported in part by an endowed fund donated by Dr. Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg through the Chan Zuckerberg Kauai Community Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation.


 

Hawaiʻi Land Trust is proud to partner with Fish Pono—Save our Reefs and support their goal to replenish herbivore populations so they can foster healthy coral reefs so that Hawaiʻi has thriving, self-sustaining coral reefs and fisheries.


Other Community HILT Preserves on Kaua‘i

KĀHILI - PROTECTED SINCE 2003

Learn about the protection of Kāhili Beach Preserve.

 
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