BEACHFRONT

With very few exceptions, you will be unable to purchase a “private beach” per se in Hawaii, as beaches in Hawaii are public beaches accessible to all. Fences extending into the ocean to keep people off of “private beaches” - as in Florida of bygone years and many other areas in the world – does not happen in Hawaii. Whatever square footage may show on a tax map or be represented in advertising or other sources regarding beachfront property, it may not be accurate, and cannot be depended on except as a general, approximate estimate of what one may own. Differing courts have ruled that the Oceanside property line extends to the vegetation line, or the high wash of the waves, or that “the high tide” – which if any of these apply in a particular case has never been fully resolved. In fact, today, when you purchase oceanfront property you will likely acquire a Shoreline Certification. A Certified Shoreline Survey is required for most building permits on coastal property and designates the seaward line from which shoreline setbacks are based. To obtain more information on how to obtain a Shoreline Certification contact John or Kristin.