Hapuna Beach is definitely one of the nicest beaches in the Hawaiian Islands, a long stretch of wide yellow sand rimming a crystal blue bay. Alas, it's also one of the most dangerous. This research surprised me, because Hapuna, while known for crunching surf, is not considered nearly as dangerous as Sandy Beach on Oahu or Makapuu, both along the Southeastern Coast near Honolulu. But according to this tally, Hapuna Beach is the site of the most spinal chord injuries (read -- getting pounded into the sand head first) in the Aloha State. Sandy's ranks right up there and so does Waikiki, which actually doesn't surprise me that much. With six million people taking the plunge at Waikiki, you are bound to get a number nailing their noggins in the wrong way. One troubling part of the research, however, found that spinal chord injuries in Hawaii are rising steadily. Whether this is mainly tourists or locals the article does not say. The message here, is respect the ocean and listen to the lifeguards, who will give you straight dope on where the danger lies.

Image via SOEST / Hawaii Beach Safety

—Alex, 01/06/08