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The Waikiki MLCD is located at the Diamond Head end of Waikiki Beach. There is limited parking in a small parking area by the Waikiki War Memorial Natatorium. Street parking is available along Kalakaua Avenue. City buses also serve the area.
The MLCD extends from the groin at the end of Kapahulu Avenue to the ewe (west) wall of the Natatorium, from the highwater mark seaward a distance of 500 yards or to the edge of the fringing reef, whichever is greater.
A reef flat extends out from the Waikiki Aquarium seawall a distance of about 35 yards to a dredged channel, then continues on the other side of the channel. Most fish in this area are found along the channel's shoreline side (which has a number of small caves), along the Natatorium wall, and near the exposed parts of the reef on the channel's seaward side. The channel itself is about 8 feet deep, and depths above the reef flat are generally less than 3 to 4 feet.
The reef flat throughout the MLCD consists mostly of rubble and coralline algae with some small patches of live coral. Sediment covers the bottom, so visibility is best when there is little or no wave action. Most of the reef flat has little bottom relief, and fish are more concentrated in areas where relief increases somewhat. At the outer edge of the reef the bottom drops off sharply to about 15 to 20 feet. Numerous arches, crevices and other features are found here, along with an abundance of fish.
Safety considerations
Summer swells frequently bring high surf to the southern shoreline. Waves are particularly dangerous at the outer edge of the reef, where parts of the reef are exposed.
Lifeguards are on duty year round on the beach at the Waikiki end of the MLCD.
Facilities
Restrooms, showers, emergency and pay phones, snack bar.
Regulations
No fishing, taking or injuring of any type of marine life (including eggs) or shells is permitted. Possession of fishing gear in the MLCD is prohibited. Other prohibited activities include taking of sand, coral or other geological features, or possessing equipment that may be used for that purpose. |
