Hurricane Lowell’s storm surge and waves severely eroded beaches from North Kihei to Wailea, reducing sandy areas by 50% or more. Experts expect gradual sand recovery but warn that long-term sea level rise may prevent full restoration.
- South Maui beaches from North Kihei to Wailea lost up to half their normal sandy area due to Hurricane Lowell’s storm surge and waves.
- Several beach access points are closed, including two of three entrances at Polo Beach in Wailea.
- Climate experts anticipate fair-weather waves will return much of the sand within weeks, similar to recovery after recent Kona Low storms.
- Rising sea levels mean post-storm beach recovery may not reach 100% of pre-storm conditions, compounding chronic erosion concerns.
- Maui sustained less overall damage than Kauai, which was harder hit as the storm passed south of the islands on September 7–8.
Source: Yahoo
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