HILT - Kahili Beach

Video produced for the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust highlighting Kāhili Beach in Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi.

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. 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.

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 Hawaiian Islands Land Trust, this truly is a jewel in the crown of beaches along the North Shore.