Hawaii’s iconic beaches, essential to both visitors and residents, face increasing restrictions as wealthy landowners encroach upon public access with barriers, security, and private amenities. Can advocacy groups and government act effectively to ensure shoreline access for all? This clash of Hawaii’s public beach rights versus powerful private interests marks a critical moment in preserving access to our cherished coastlines.
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I support the efforts to keep Hawaii’s beaches public and this means preserving public access. In West Vacouver Canada a local council has sold a beach access to a wealthy adjacent landowner. This must not become a trend.
So, when the hotels put chairs out in the public beach. It’s my understanding we are free to sit in them?
Every time I go to Larsons or Pilaa, Mark Zuckerberg’s security guards harass and stay in their carts watching until I leave. One time a drone hovered with it’s spotlight on not 20 feet above us at Larsons for an hour. I even was followed onto my own property on Larson access road coming home from work by an ex-cop guard of his in a minivan shining his bright flashlight in my face then backed away with no explanation as I approached.
Completely ridiculous and way over the line.
What does the harassment consist of?
I feel the same way about Ko Olina beaches on the west side of Oahu. The claim is that it remains available to all. But no beach umbrella or shade is allowed to be set up which highly discourages kama aina from enjoying the beach. Apparently only those with access to resort chairs and umbrellas are entitled to shade at Ko Olina. I’m still wondering how the ko Olina town got away with passing that ordinance (maybe not that surprising given the deep pockets of four seasons, Disney aulani, and Marriott). And I won’t even mention the tiny parking lots and charging for parking at the shops across the street, even if you patronize those businesses.
That would make me really happy to be able to go to the beach with out a locked gate in front of me.
If I were vacationing on any Island knowing the beaches were public access, and someone representing a corp., or private property owner,
Told me to git…that means my rights do not matter to them. I would immediately get litigious.
The rich, arrogant, vain, grasping who self gratify at other’s s is the expense, should be sued. This is the p problem, possibly backed by all 37 wealthy property owners on Maui, and other islands.
I’ve often mused that the top 1% of our population see that there are hard times coming and have come to the conclusion that Hawaii is a good place to hunker down and ride it out. It’s a vital and strategic U.S. state, has a major military presence, the U.S. Government will defend it, and since, overall, it’s a very limited landmass, they can slowly buy it out, and force the “unwanted” population to move away due to an unaffordable cost of living and housing… Leaving them, and their lackeys in charge and safe due to the enormous spans of distance between the islands and any other landmass… Sort of like Lanai…. Just my own musings after a couple of bourbons…
Best Regards
Agree. Been watching rich people absorb large amounts of land here in the Ozarks. Increasingly, if an area looks “safe”, rich people are buying it and guarding it.
There should be a penalty for obstruction of public access. It doesn’t sound like there is, so the state or counties need to legislate fines.
It is a misdemeanor in Hawaii.
Seems like the beach issue is sort of what the governor wants. More wealthy people, willing to pay more government fees, along with higher prices for fancy hotels. They won’t expect to pay the governor’s $30 fee for plebes for beach parking-they already pay $50-$60 a night to park at their beachside hotel. Takes those funds from the state. The governor forgot, or didn’t think about, how these wealthy travelers then expect exclusivity-like their own protected beach. They might level a lot of pressure to assure that.
So is this going to include the Obama’s place? They managed to flaunt many of the “rules” for their demolition and rebuild. Not to mention the seawall. Money talks….
Wealthy people are mostly about control and acquisition of assets, usually legal, but often by intimidation without accountability.
This is a world wide problem. It comes down to selfishness, and an attitude exemplified by Trump, Bezos, Soon, Gates, MBS, all abusers of power for self gratification to the expense of others. The rich, private owners, and corporations especially in Hawaian Islands abuse their power for self gratification. Soon, those who have received much, much will be taken from them for their Abuse.
As a recent visitor to the island, I did notice that the beach at Lumaha’i River Beach has similar situation in that there was signage noting that the beach was for locals only, only this place the locals support the privacy, seems like there is a double standard.
The biggest shame IMO is private property blocking access to waterfalls in Kauai. Waterfalls that have been enjoyed by the public for hundreds of years. They should fall under the same rules as public beaches.
True said. The Kilauea Falls are on private property and no longer accessible by local residents. It is a tragedy that one wealthy individual controls access to a beautiful natural wonder. The owner is the same clown that refuses to repair the access road on the Kilauea side to Kahili (Rock Quarry) Beach after ir was damaged by flooding. People like this should not be in the pocket of politicians, and vise-versa. Vote for those who will stand up to the rights of all!
Kilauea Falls, Slippery Slide, Kipu Falls, Kalihiwai Falls. All closed off because of private land owners. To be fair, the state needs to write laws protecting these landowners from liability in exchange for providing access.
The same thing happened on Lake Michigan Beach Front Property. People would buy multi million dollar homes and put up fences blocking Beach walking. Well, they don’t own the beach under the water where the waves comes in and goes back out. It was declared that people could walk along the shoreline.
On Waikiki beach hotels place lawn chairs and unbrellas marking a given territory and state when you walk through that you have to be a hotel guest and the chairs and unbrellas are to be rented space. Lots of shade coverings at beaches in front of resorts claiming beach territory. Catermeran rentals and surf rental facilities doing the same thing. In some way the hotels and resorts try to make public beaches private.
I did see what you are talking about, Don. It was a few years ago and the paper had an article about it, it quoted someone in city hall that said that the State owns the Beaches and it is open access, or something like that. I’m reading, and thinking “you just told people that already know this, what about future visitors!” Why don’t the Police, who definitely see this, Issue a Warning to the Hotels, then a Fine moving forward. Just because they probably do own it, Secretly, doesn’t mean that they should flaunt it!
Ernie S
Thanks. I was just told by some hotel employee that it wasn’t a walk through area and the area was reserved for hotel guests. I explained that I wasn’t going to sit or hang out in the area but just walking past to the other side with my wife and kids. It was around the outrigger hotel on Waikiki beach. Never again did I venture around that section of the beach again.
If these people want to block public access to public beaches then the people should block access to public roads leading up to their property.
Will Politicians of All Levels of Government in the State of Hawaii Stand Up to the Deep Pocketed Wealthy Developers or Sit Down with Them for Coffee and Crumb Cake? It will be interesting to see if the Developers have the same type, and amount of, Clout as the Hotel and Resort Owners, or are they the same. One huge draw of importance to tourists is that all of the Beaches are Free and Accessible to Everyone. That’s in no way saying that is anywhere close to the only thing that interests tourists, Hawaii has so much more. If Developers are Allowed to keep Stopping Access, Everyone will Suffer and It Will get Worse with time as they develop more properties. Fight these People and Companies, Stop the Steal!
Next on the list is eliminate paid parking which restricts locals from enjoying the beaches.
As you guys pointed out, this isn’t just a Hawaii issue. Across the world, we see more public spaces being taken over by private interests. Good to see Hawaii pushing back!
Carol K, In many Countries, when you purchase property that is Beachfront, the corresponding portion of the Beach is included. In some cases the property boundary lines extend up to 50 feet into the water. Imagine a Resort or Hotel, how much Beach they would possess, and they can restrict anyone that isn’t a guest from even walking through, remember that they own out into the water also!
I’m all for public access, but it’s more complicated than that. We need to balance that with also protecting the beaches themselves from overtourism. High traffic is damaging the delicate ecosystems.
Good job Kauai council! Thanks for making the right choice. We need more leaders to speak up and protect public access from being taken away, before it’s too late.
I get that the wealthy landowners want privacy, but they can’t block public beaches, period. We’ve already lost so many beaches to erosion and now this!
If you buy beachfront property in Hawaii, you should expect to share the shore. We all deserve access to these natural spaces, not just those with the most money.
Blocking public beach access goes against everything Hawaii stands for. Beaches here aren’t just for recreation—they’re a big part of our culture and heritage!
Not an issue if the politicians who were voted in do their jobs. Beaches are for the public, if there are barriers put up (furniture lol) take it and give it away. Politicians and law enforcement are scared of the wealth. It’s not hard. Get in a truck, drive down the beach, and clear the way!
Frank, in Hawaiian Politics “If” Is an interesting Question!
If we just sit in the chairs they put on public property, they can’t do anything legally. Don’t be intimidated.
Amen! It’s that simple. C’mom elected reps grow a pair and just do your job day one! This one doesn’t take a Phd in rocket science to understand. Everyone knows every Hawaii beach is public. Period. If Zukerbird, OPRah, Bezos, etc don’t like it then don’t buy here. Hawaii beaches are the only places in the world where bank accounts don’t matter, where I (not a billionaire) have as much right on any beach here as any billionaire. Gas up those county bulldozers and stop this trend immediately. This should not be an issue!
I’m exhausted, I’m tired, I give up, Good luck Hawaii with your disgustingly rich visitors/land grabbers. I’ve supported, spent money, and truly respected your culture and way of life. But no more…enjoy your Mark Zuckerburgs and the like. I am going elsewhere, god be with you . I am ending my updates to this and other Hawaiian blogs. Aloha
Kay, May God Bless You. Sorry to see you leave!
The County of Kauai should work equally hard to stop the Locals from abandoning their junk cars on the roads leading to public beaches on Kauai. A major eye-sore on some of the roads on Kauai and the cars sit in the weeds along the side of the road for months.
Excellent Point. Maybe the Deep Pocketed Wealthy Developers can get rid of all of that, it’s going to detract from their beachfront developments and the eyesore might bring down the selling price 🤔 😀 😉
Hi Beat of Hawaii. Can you please answer the questions that were asked by the people in their comments? I would also like to know specifically what has happened at Anini that is blocking public access to the beach..
Hi Kristi.
Mel Rapozo, the Chair of the Kauai Council, said that he personally took down a road closure sign, and that the landowner has subsequently removed both furniture and a security guard from the beach – at least for now. Rapozo doesn’t feel this problem is over, and that is the reason for this just passed resolution.
Aloha.
Thank You, Guys!
Thanks!
How sad, I feel for the Hawaiian people. The government wants fewer visitors (less average mainlanders and more wealthy).Well, guess what, they are getting exactly what they asked for. The wealthy will not be buying the trinkets, taking the tours nor supporting the Mom and Pop run restaurants, or keeping the hotels full. That was us, the average people, supporting the locals. We loved coming regularly and taking home the little things and enjoying all the beaches. My sister and husband just took 9 people for a visit. They all agreed there was not much aloha spirit. I can understand why residents are angry but your legislature made your beds for you and now you are seeing the results. The wealthy are there to stay but you could stop more from buying your lands and lives.
HulaGirl, I keep remembering that the officials from Oahu, along with officials from the State Department of Natural Resources, playing the Blame Game about Beach Erosion and Degradation. They actually Blamed Tourists for causing it by walking in and across the sandy beaches. I still laugh at those fools when I think about that. I should then point out that these wealthy people with their fat wallets weigh more, shouldn’t all of the government people begin harassing them? With the added weight, They pound sand more than we do! Just a thought. BTW do you know what walked upon, degraded, Sand is? Sand! And every High Tide the Sand gets washed by water and some fresh sand is left behind.
Can you post some pictures on how they are trying to restrict access in this area? We go to Anini all the time when in Kauai.
Important article. I recently walked the trail from Princeville to Anini. At the end of the trail I was approached by an unfriendly military style security who told me I could not walk on the road,; that I had to walk on the beach.
Similar military style security now patrol the grounds of Kauai Lagoons,informing early morning walkers that there is no access to coastal paths. Hokuala Land at The Lagoons has placed tow away ,private parking signs where residents typically park to walk and jog
Sounds like unwelcoming people are really taking over, Politicians will have their hands full with these people, they had better move fast. Playing “Catch-Up” with these people isn’t the best way to stifle them. Anticipating their moves at least 2 ahead is the Only way to be Successful. Good Luck!
Is this a trail on the beach or a hiking trail? i didn’t know there was one. More info?
Thanks
I don’t know. They paid Big $$$ for the property. They pay Big Taxes to the State. Maybe they should have the rights to their own beaches?
Why? They knew when they bought the property that the beaches are public. If they want private, go buy where the beaches are private. That’s no different than someone buying near an airport and then complaining about the noise.
Sure George, in Tahiti or Some Other Place!
No, they should not! The beaches must always belong to all.
Those beaches are not “their own.” They belong to Hawaiin people. Always have, always will, as is right. These selfish land buyers know the deal when they buy the land. It’s a contingency of sale which should be honored.
I am not aware of any restrictions like this on Kaanapali Beach. There certainly could be more public parking availability.
I’m not aware of any restrictions like this in Ko Olina either, other than limited parking space which is probably good in order to avoid traffic nightmare.
@BOH
Please explain specifically has been done on Anini beach to restrict beach access. You talk around it … but I found nothing in the article articulating what is the challenge or problem. Pictures would be nice as well. Thx!
They clearly said there was signage claiming to he area was private, a security guard, and outdoor furniture on the beach.
A gate blocking the road was also installed but removed after the County got involved.
Oregon has a law that beaches belong to everyone established years ago. The high tide line is public beaches.
When private money comes in and takes beach access from everyone. The soul of Hawaii is threatened.
I have lived on Kauai for forty years. Over those years I have seen public beach access to many beaches eroded.
Let’s go east to west on the North Shore.
It has become more difficult to get to Papaa Bay in Anahola, and to Larsens Beach near to Moloaa. While one can still, with rock-hopping, get to Pilaa Beach in front of the Zuckerberg estate property with its underground bunkers, but you will be under the watchful eye of security guards to ensure you do not venture further then the high water mark.
The clown that bought the Kilauea Stream Valley has resisted repairing the road to Kahili Beach (Rock Quarry) from the Kilauea town side despite the mandate to do so in order to obtain building permits for his oversized mansion.
We lost an access to Kaupea 3rd Beach (Secret Beach) due to shenanigans by a neighboring property owner who felt it devalued his property.
Pills is basically impossible to access for children and older adults… it’s ridiculous that that beautiful little beach is guarded by aggressive guards
Little by Little, then Suddenly Larger and Larger, Beaches are becoming less accessible. Wealth can, and does, purchase as much as is deemed necessary for their own pleasure and exclusivity. Veiled and unverifiable threats of where a portion of beach is public or private depends upon high tide marks today, what about tomorrow! A sudden rock slide, possibly mysterious in origin, could potentially block access for who knows how long. The Private Security Services can Say and Do as they have been ordered, then deny it when there’s a dispute. If the Politicians don’t act quickly and decisively it will be interesting. God Speed to them in protecting Hawaiians Birth Rights!
Speaking of Anini, I noticed a few years ago that the end of the road was marked as private, where in the past we could drive to the end of the road and park. Is this what you are complaining about? If so, we’ll ignore the private signs when we return to the island in January/February.
I live on Kauai, and the only Private Property signs that stop me while on my way to the beach belong to Federal/State/County. Facebook doesn’t own this island.
That’s what I was hoping for. The county park is getting a bit crowded.
Just another prime example of ‘money talks’. While us lowly, middle class tourists are blamed for just about everything that irks the local residents, the powers that be welcome the 1 percenters with open arms. They go ahead and do whatever they please with hardly no repercussions. Time to grow some cahones and stand up for the common folk. Probably hard to see Gov Green giving a hoot since these are the types he’s trying to attract to the islands.
What happens when the government denies access to a public beach, like Little Beach on Maui? They fence it off on Saturdays and Sundays at 4pm.
I’m wondering the same
Maybe they had issues with drinking, and “lewd” behavior or violence. It could be just for maintenance, also.
Let’s hope that is all that is happening.