Beach parks happy balance of dunes, wildlife, users

The list of advantages for having Maui County beach parks near active sand dunes is often quite impressive.

For user convenience, beach parks usually have designated parking areas and easy access to the shoreline. Amenities like trash receptacles, recycling bins, restroom facilities, picnic tables, and park benches are often standard equipment at these beach parks and enhance the park experience for thousands of visitors and locals alike.

At county beach parks, there are frequently maintained pathways that minimize erosion across active dune areas while protecting the fragile dunes. Interpretive signage educating the public about important dune features is sometimes displayed.

Many beach parks also often have lifeguards adding immensely to safety and protection for both park users and for the park itself. Typically, you would not find similar amenities at more isolated coastal areas that don’t have adjoining parks.

Even wildlife, like seasonal native seabirds and turtles, often favor beach park areas and those parks will accommodate established protected areas.

Local beach parks can also attract volunteers who live nearby and who are eager to work with area groups and with UH Sea Grant to enhance the beach’s natural dune features and help protect native flora and fauna. These popular county parks can also be active beach and sand dune environments.

Beach parks present a happy balance between dunes, wildlife, and the multitudes of beach park enthusiasts and show what can be attained through increased awareness and stewardship.

Support and protect our county beach parks, and enjoy their many advantages. Bob and Lis Richardson Kihei