Difficulty: BEGINNER
Time: 1-2 HOURS
Distance: 1.5 MILES to YOGN-42
Elevation Gain: NEGLIGBLE
Foot Traffic: LOW
Challenges: Getting to trailhead, Shadeless, Some sharp rock
Sights: Shipwreck, Maui, Moloka'i
What to Bring: 4WD Vehicle, Water, Sunscreen, Closed Toed Shoes, Swimsuit and Towel
This coastal walk on the northern coast of Lana'i offers history, beauty, and seclusion all in one short hike. You will need a 4WD to reach this hike, following the bumpy dirt road that stems from Keamoku Road. From there it's a simple stroll along the secluded Shipwreck Beach until you reach the YOGN-42 Wreck, a Navy fuel barge that was intentionally grounded in the 1940s. Here you can go for a swim while you take in this unique wreck as well as the beauty of Maui and Moloka'i in the distance.
Day 2 of Danielle and my Lana'i trip. We had explored much of the southern and central part of the island, including hikes at Pu'u Pehe (Sweetheart Rock) and Koloiki Ridge Trail. It was now time to head north to an even more remote part of the island. Our destination-- Shipwreck Beach.
This is more of a beach walk than a hike. From the start of shipwreck beach, you simply walk along the coast, alternating between sand and rock, until you reach the YOGN-42 wreck.
The most challenging part of the hike? Getting there. It's about a 30 min drive from Lanai City and it does require a 4WD vehicle. The drive from this spot to the beginning of Shipwreck Beach is a 1.5 mile bumpy ride.
The start of the "trailhead". This 6 mile beach gets its name from the numerous wrecks off its shores over the years, caused by the strong tradewinds and swells in the area. There is evidence of many of these wrecks including ship timbers, anchors, engines, etc. However, the two most prominent wrecks are the old Navy fuel barge, YOGN-42, which is located a little less than a mile from the start, and the navy yard oiler, YO-2, which is located at the very end of this 6 mile stretch. Needless to say that today, Danielle and I would only be trekking to the first wreck.
The hike to the wreck isn't too difficult as it is primarily along the beach. However it does require navigating over some of these sharp rocks. I was wearing flip-flops, but having close toed shoes would be nice.
After about 30 minutes of hiking, we had reached the wreck. Despite the ease of the hike, the afternoon heat was absolutely brutal! After taking in the wreck for a few moments, Danielle decided to take a little dip in the ocean. I too thought the ocean sounded pleasant.
But I had to get in a quick drone sesh before my swim.
The colors in this area were just stunning.
Here, you can see the island of Moloka'i on the left and a small portion of Maui on the right.
I suppose it's unfortunate that so many of these vessels met their end in this location. But I think if you had to get shipwrecked, best to be shipwrecked in paradise.
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Also Check Out:
- Hawaii Magazine's article about Shipwreck Beach
