A project to widen an eroding section of world-famous Waikiki beach has been completed.

The shoreline in the area is eroding one-to-two feet per year, allowing water to rush into seawalls and a hotel restaurant bar during south shore swells and peak high tide.

The state Department of Land and Natural Resources used machines to haul sand onto the beach. In some areas where tides once lapped at walls, there is now up to 40 feet of new sand.

DLNR covered more than half the cost. The Hawaii Tourism Authority and Kyo-ya Hotels and Resorts, the owner of the Moana Surfrider and other Waikiki hotels, each contributed $500,000. Work began Jan. 23.

Gov. Neil Abercrombie said Thursday the project significantly improves one of Hawaii’s most iconic and heavily used shorelines.