Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Welcome to the FAQ section for the Ho‘āla Honokōwai Beach Restoration Project. Below, you’ll find answers to common questions across a range of topics related to the project, its goals, and its environmental and cultural context.
(Updated November 2025)
General Information
Why is the project referred to as “Ho‘āla Honokōwai”?
"Ho‘āla" means “to awaken” in Hawaiian, and the name reflects the project’s goal of reviving and restoring Honokōwai’s beach and nearshore ecosystems for future generations.
What are the objectives of the project, and why?
The project aims to restore lost beach area, improve coastal resilience to erosion and sea level rise, and enhance recreational, cultural, and ecological value in Honokōwai.
Who is funding the project, and how much will it cost?
The project is funded through private sources. Estimated costs are detailed in the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
What is the timeframe of the project?
The project is currently undergoing planning and environmental review. Construction is anticipated to begin following permitting and community consultation, pending final approvals.
About Honokowai Beach
Where is Honokōwai Beach?
Honokōwai Beach is located along West Maui’s shoreline, within the community of Honokōwai between Kāʻanapali and Kahana.
How can I access Honokōwai Beach?
The beach is accessible via several public access points between condominium developments and Lower Honoapiʻilani Road. The beach has adjacent public parking and a comfort station. It is open to the public at all times.
What can I do at Honokōwai Beach?
The beach is a favorite for walking, relaxing, swimming, fishing, and other activities. However, beach loss has limited some of these activities.
Understanding Erosion and Beach Loss
Why are Hawai‘i’s beaches eroding?
Beach erosion in Hawai‘i occurs due to rising sea levels, alterations in wave patterns, coastal development, and the depletion of natural sediment supply.
How much erosion and beach loss has occurred in Hawai‘i, particularly in West Maui?
Over 70% of Hawai‘i’s beaches are eroding. In West Maui, several beaches have narrowed or disappeared entirely due to chronic erosion and rising seas.
What are the impacts of erosion and beach loss in Hawai‘i?
Impacts include loss of recreational space, diminished cultural access, habitat degradation, threats to infrastructure, and economic impacts on tourism.
How do beach restoration projects address erosion?
Projects are designed using models and data that include historical erosion trends and future sea level rise projections.
Understanding Sea Level Rise
What is sea level rise, and what is causing it?
Sea level rise refers to the increase in ocean surface height resulting from climate change, primarily driven by the melting of glaciers and the thermal expansion of seawater.
How much have sea levels risen in Hawai‘i?
Sea levels have risen by approximately 6 to 8 inches in the past century, accelerating in recent decades.
How much sea level rise is projected in Hawai‘i in the future?
Projections estimate up to 3.2 feet of rise by the year 2100, depending on global emissions and mitigation efforts.
About Beach Restoration
What is beach restoration?
Beach restoration involves replenishing sand and reshaping the shoreline to restore natural beach width and function.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of beach restoration?
Advantages: beach restoration protects infrastructure, enhances recreation, restores habitat.
Disadvantages: beach restoration can be costly, may require periodic maintenance, and must be carefully designed to avoid environmental impacts.
Does beach restoration create “artificial beaches”?
No. Properly designed restoration uses native or compatible sand and natural profiles to restore beaches in line with historical conditions.
How do beach restoration projects account for erosion and sea level rise?
Designs integrate projections for future shoreline change and sea level rise to ensure long-term viability and reduce risk.
Beach Stabilizing Structures
What are beach stabilizing structures?
These include groins, T-head groins, and low-profile structures that retain sand and reduce erosion.
Are groins the same as seawalls?
No. Groins are not seawalls. Groins trap sand along the shoreline to protect beaches, retain sand, and reduce erosion.
Seawalls are very different. Seawalls prevent land loss but often worsen beach erosion in front of them.
What are the advantages of beach stabilizing structures?
Beach stabilizing structures protect the placement of sand and help maintain the beach's width, thereby protecting the beach itself.
How do beach restoration projects account for erosion and sea level rise?
Projects are designed with modeling tools to predict future shoreline conditions and adapt accordingly.
Environmental Review
What is the purpose of environmental review, and how does the process work?
The review identifies potential impacts and ensures public input. It includes data collection, alternative evaluation, and mitigation planning.
What is the difference between an EA and an EIS?
An Environmental Assessment (EA) is a preliminary study, while an environmental impact statement (EIS) provides a more detailed review required for complex projects.
Has the environmental review process been initiated, and what has been done so far?
Yes. Cultural, ecological, and engineering studies have been completed and informed the Draft EIS.
What will be included in the Draft EIS?
It will cover project purpose and need, alternatives, environmental and cultural impacts, and proposed mitigation measures.
Will the DEIS consider cultural and historical resources?
Yes. The project includes cultural impact assessments, archaeological surveys, and consultations with Native Hawaiian cultural practitioners to protect and respect traditional resources and practices.
When will the Draft EIS be made available to the public?
The Draft EIS was published on November 8, 2025, and is available here.
How can I provide comments on the Draft EIS?
You can provide comments to the DEIS here.
Why is beach restoration the preferred alternative?
Based on all of the data collected, the beach restoration alternative best balances environmental protection, community access, cultural values, and long-term resilience.
What other alternatives are being considered?
Alternatives include managed retreat, structural protection only, or a no-action scenario.
Is managed retreat being considered?
Yes, it is being evaluated as part of the range of alternatives in the Draft EIS.
What are the potential impacts of beach nourishment?
Temporary water quality impacts and disturbance to marine life are possible but mitigated through careful planning and monitoring.
What are the potential impacts of beach stabilizing structures?
If not properly designed, structures may alter sand movement and impact nearby areas. Site-specific design will help minimize this risk.
What will be done to mitigate or minimize potential impacts?
Measures include timing work to avoid marine species, using compatible sand, and post-construction monitoring.