Shipwreck Beach
Lanai City, Hawaii
Swim
Although unsafe for swimming, wild and beautiful Shipwreck Beach remains a favorite stop among many visitors to Lanai, “Hawaii’s Most Exclusive Island.” Beachcombers come for the brilliant shells and other treasures that wash up on shore. Amateur and professional photographers alike thrill at the magnificent views of neighboring Molokai, which rises across the Kalohi Channel. And the beach’s eight-mile stretch of sand offers a great spot for sunbathing, picnicking, fishing, walking and exploring.
Directions
From Lanai City, Hawaii
- Head north on Awalua Ave toward Kanepuu Hwy (0.4 mi)
- Turn right onto Kanepuu Hwy (0.8 mi)
- Turn left onto Keomuku Hwy (7.1 mi)
- Turn left (0.8 mi)
Located along the northeastern coastline of Lanai, Shipwreck Beach is accessible by 4WD vehicle. From Lanai City, take Highway 44 to the end of the road, then turn left on the dirt road to the parking area near the lighthouse ruins. The beach fronts the ruins and stretches for several miles.
Other Swimming Holes Nearby
Manele Bay
Wailuku, Hawaii
12.5 miles SA two-part bay on Lanai's southern coast — crystal-clear blue waters and sandy beaches in a Marine Life Conservation District surrounded by lush coastal scenery.
Swim
Black Sand Beach
Lanai City, Hawaii
12.5 miles SA stunning black sand beach on Hawaii's Big Island, formed by lava meeting the ocean, where endangered Hawksbill and Green sea turtles bask on the volcanic shore.
Swim
Ka'anapali Beach
Lahaina, Hawaii
14.1 miles EThree miles of white sand and crystal-clear water on Maui's Kaanapali Coast — once named America's Best Beach and a former royal retreat.
Swim
Murphy Beach
Kaunakakai, Hawaii
17.0 miles NEA coconut palm-lined beach along Molokai's eastern coast with shallow crystal-clear waters good for wading, snorkeling, and calm-day swimming — some rocky areas mixed with sand.
Swim
Pelekunu Bay
Lahaina, Hawaii
17.7 miles NA scenic bay on Maui's northeast coast known as a solid fishing spot — whether you're trolling, fly fishing, or baitcasting, Pelekunu Bay gives you a good chance at a bite.
Swim
Hanouli Maloo Bay
Kaunakakai, Hawaii
17.7 miles NEA partially protected sandy bay on Molokai's eastern coast offering calm conditions for snorkeling and swimming, known also as a good surfing beach.
Swim
Kawili Beach
Kaunakakai, Hawaii
20.2 miles NEA quiet beach in the beautiful Halawa Valley — safe for swimming in calm conditions, but strong rip currents when surf is up; always a serene spot to relax.
Swim
Popohaku Beach
Kaunakakai, Hawaii
28.2 miles NWOne of Hawaii's longest and widest white-sand beaches stretches 2 miles along Molokai's west shore — perfect for a long shoreline stroll, but strong rip currents make swimming unsafe here.
Swim
Kepuhi Beach
Maunaloa, Hawaii
28.4 miles NWA long, wide sandy beach on Molokai's west shore with a historic Kaiaka Rock heiau at its southern end — scenic for photography, but swimming is only safe on very calm days due to strong currents and dangerous shorebreak.
Swim
Wakea Beach
Kihei, Hawaii
34.3 miles SESwim near Kihei, Hawaii
Swim