At the southeast corner of Kauai, there is a beautiful beach called Shipwreck Beach. As beautiful as Shipwreck Beach is on it’s own, it is also the starting point one of my favorite short, scenic hikes. If you walk to the top of the bluff above Shipwreck Beach (shown in the photo above) and go north from there, you will be walking along a series of cliffs called the Lithified cliffs.
Kauai has an awesome amount of diversity, but the rock formations on this stretch of coastline are uniquely different. I have never seen any like it anywhere else on Kauai. I found these lithified formations fascinating and wanted to share them with you.
Unusual rock formations for Kauai
When we came across this particular span of cliffs I was really surprised because, for the most part, Kauai is volcanic. Somehow though, these cliffs were formed by a process called lithification where sedimentary layers are compressed and cemented together. Then, like everything else on Kauai, they are sculpted by the wind and water.
The wind was blowing when I shot these videos so the sound isn’t that great.
Unlike some of the more difficult hikes on Kauai, the hike from Shipwreck Beach is a perfect outing for the casual explorer. The trail is easy and the scenery is breathtaking. Really, this is more of a walk than a hike, so it is perfect for anyone who wants to stretch there legs and see things that most visitors to Kauai will never see.
Kauai has something for everyone
I hope you have enjoyed seeing this little sample of the amazing beauty and diversity of our favorite Hawaiian island. Even if you don’t take the hike along the cliffs, be sure to visit Shipwreck Beach when you come to the beautiful garden island of Kauai.
If you want to see more Kauai highlights, I have put together a short video called 7 Minutes on the Garden Isle of Kauai. It is basically a composite video designed to share with you some of the beauty and charm of Kauai, our tropical winter getaway spot. Aloha!
