21°53′33″N 159°25′01″W / 21.89250°N 159.41694°W / 21.89250; -159.41694 Māhāʻulepū Beach is a beach on the southeast coast of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. It is two miles (3.2 km) long and goes from Punahoa point to Paʻoʻo point.[1] The beach is separated into three different parts: Gillin's Beach, Kawailoa Bay, and Hāʻula Beach.[2] Gillin's Beach, the center section, is known for petroglyphs that are carved into the rocks, though they are rarely exposed.[1] Fossils of extinct birds have been found in sand dunes along the shoreline, including the Kauaʻi Stilt-owl (Grallistrix auceps), a flightless rail, and three species of goose. Close to the beach is the paleontologically important Makauwahi Cave.[3]

A panoramic view of Haula beach, the most eastern beach in Mahaulepu.

References

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  1. ^ a b Clark, John R. K. (2002). Hawaiʻi place names : shores, beaches, and surf sites. Honolulu: University of Hawaiʻi Press. ISBN 0585479747. OCLC 53481915.
  2. ^ Clark, John R. K. (1990). Beaches of Kaua'i and Ni'ihau. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press. ISBN 0824812603. OCLC 20012338.
  3. ^ Māhā'ulepū, Island of Kaua'i Reconnaissance Survey (PDF) (Report). National Park Service. February 2008. Retrieved May 15, 2021.
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