We were looking for a hike on the west side of the island and had already done Pillbox, so we decided to head up to do the Kaena Point hike from the State Park and then swim at Yokohama Bay after. The hike itself is pretty easy along a path that was once a railway (you can see some remaining railroad ties), but there are a few places where the trail has eroded and you have to be a little more careful. There's no cover and it gets hot, but the views are worth it. At the end is a nature reserve where you can see birds like Albatross. It says it's also a monk seal breeding ground, but we didn't see any. It took us about 2.5 hours roundtrip at a leisurely pace, stopping to enjoy the views along the way and at the end. read more

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Beautiful area to visit. A quick visit as part of a middle school science project for my keiki... we drove up and almost to the end and parked along the side. We did not hike the full 7.5 mile hike since we did not have enough time, but that would be a beautiful hike! Instead, we were able to walk along some of the trail, and spent some time on the coastline. It is very peaceful. We saw a seal. There was also an eel, although it didn't make it, maybe because the tide washed out. The area was kept very clean and we saw several people carrying their own rubbish bags, including us, we had our own. We were there testing netting and the eye and netting strength of netting to gather rubbish left behind. Fortunately, it was just really clean. The water was pristine. The coastline has more left behind, but not as much as you see other areas where we have done cleanups. There are a couple of spots to stop along the way where the beaches are sandy, before you make it to the end where the hiking trail starts. People were hanging at the beaches with family and friends, tents, food, etc. It is a good idea to make sure your car has gas if it's not electric, or that you have water with you, and snacks, since this area is remote. I believe the nearest area on the North Shore may be Haleiwa which is about 7 miles out of the way. read more

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Wow so amazing! If you could take the time to go there, definitely do! There's a gate to fence off mongoose so it's a bird sanctuary in there past the fence. So many different types of birds that aren't afraid of people. Albatross doing mating dance, baby albatross squeaking, etc. reminds me a lot of the Galapagos. The O'ahu west coastline was also visible at the pillbox. It's such a nice spot to sit and enjoy some snacks and the sunset. It's too bad that the sun set behind the clouds, but we got beautiful views of everything. We just soaked it all in. It's the most remote part of O'ahu and it's amazing. If you don't wanna walk all the way to the west, you can drive but you'll need to apply for a permit and have a vehicle with high clearance and decent tires. It's ok without a 4wd or awd if it's not raining. It's dry mud and lots of small to medium sized rocks. The path was mostly visible with tire tracks. But just in case it rains, and it can come down heavily, it's best to go with an awd or 4wd because you can get stuck in mud, and also skid from wet mud so drive slowly so the tires have good grip of the road. Doable to drive in rainy weather and in the dark too. I did it :-) Overall fun off-roading experience! However, driving back out can be tricky as there are multiple roads sometimes. Just make sure you hug the mountain when leaving. It's so worth the visit. It didn't feel like O'ahu at all. It's a special magical place on the most populated Hawaiian island. Aloha! read more

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Nice park in a remote area of Oahu. Visited on Labor Day weekend. Lots of people hanging out. There's a 4 x 4 trail nearby but it requires advanced purchase of a permit to drive. You can also hike the 4x4 trail, pretty nice hike. read more

Kaena Point State Park - Beaches Near Me - Waianae, Hawaii

There are 2 ways to do Kaena point trail. We chose the Waialua side. I recommend this side especially if you are visiting. It's a friendlier side. I've also done from the Waianae side many years ago on a mountain bike. So this trail is dry and hot. You will be exposed to sun all the way so bring water and cover ups. It is fairly easy and flat walking trail. When you reach the fenced area, you can open the gate and walk through there instead of walking outside of them like we did and it was quite rocky. When you come to the point/end, there's a big area of tidepool where you can hangout and enjoy the ocean view. You can also enjoy small sea creatures like the hermit crabs. read more

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Mokuleʻia Section - north shore of Oʻahu [Waianae HI] During our drive at O'ahu's most northwestern point in the Waianae coast we stopped at this beach in this relatively remote and wild coastline park. The beach was empty. Maybe because it was a weekday (Thursday) or maybe the area is not well known... or is simply too remote and not so inviting to tourists. This was our first time in the area. We did not dip our toes in the water. Although the beach is nice caution because the surf is ever so unpredictable. The coastline here is rough! We did not see any beach facilities and showering area. There are no lifeguards or comfort station. Swim at your own risk. Review #3576 read more

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Gorgeous beach! Easy to park on the side of the road and dive right into the waves. Clear, turquoise waters with large waves. A long beach with plenty of room for people to relax for the day. Not many people here at all, no crowd and pretty quiet. I spent a couple hours here and it started to get too hot for me or I'd have been there longer. read more

Kaena Point State Park - Beaches Near Me - Waianae, Hawaii

Have hiked to point from North Shore and now from the Makaha side of island. They were both equally beautiful. Unfortunately we had to park outside the park gate, due to repairs on a gate that a drunk driver ran into. Adding an additional 1 1/2 miles due to having to walk to trailhead through parking lot. The trail follows the route where there use to be train used by sugarcane farmers. It was wiped out by a Tsunamis in the 40s. The views are stunning with multiple natural arches on the shoreline. The trail over time has eroded in areas, and has forced a new trail creation on the hill. We saw a number of whale pods. Bring your binocular during whale watching season. The trail brings you to one of the gates to the Bird Sanctuary. The Albatross were in the breeding and nesting season. It was fascinating to watch their communication behavior. They are so beautiful and graceful in flight. A large predator fence protects the Albatross grounds. The walk way is roped off to keep you on the trail to not disturb the birds. We viewed different behavior which was fascinating. We walked up to the most western point which has a navigational light that replaced a lighthouse that was built in the early 1900. There were also a couple of Hawaiian Monk sleeping off the Main point. The trail was fairly easy covering 6.1 miles out and back with more than 400 ft elevation change. There were just a few areas that were narrow, however easily navigated. There is an additional hike to a pillbox near the point. With the day growing warmer, thought it best not to do the additional climb. As it was we ended up hiking 7 1/2 miles with parking lot closed. Recommendations: plenty of water, snacks, sun hat , sunscreen and start early. Better to go In cooler months, no shade. Follow all the rules when near wildlife. Mahalo read more

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(Visited 08/27/24 TU @ 1:00pm): In the heat, you'll arrive at this state park at the westernmost point of the island where the road literally ends! On this recent trip to O'ahu, I finally found some time to break away from work, jumped into the rental car, drove until the Farrington Highway ended, and came upon Ka'ena Point State Park. I'd never been to this part of the island, so I was completely blown away and intrigued by what I saw, and wondered why I never did this before! As I zoomed past Aulani, the surrounding areas were definitely not touristy with a tinge of desolation and dryness. This side of the island was more for the locals with minimal development outside of the road work that was going on. After my first encounter with this place, would I make a point to visit this state park again even though it was considerably off the beaten path!? EXPERIENCE The word Ka'ena meant "the heat" or a Hawaiian girl but was unaware of its relevance here. All of my time was spent admiring the turquoise water as I watched the waves roll and crash upon the jagged lava rocks https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=oinqhRUh0L-3QzJgAr394g and slam onto the soft sandy shore. A small group of friends were setting up their fishing gear, a couple sunbathed on the beach, another couple wallowed in a puddle of water brought in by the rushing waves, and an older gentleman sat silently in his beach chair. A handful of others would pull up in their vehicles, milled around while taking pictures before they returned to their respective automobiles and drove off. This was also the gateway to Yokohama Bay and the Ka'ena Point Trail for outdoor enthusiasts. It was a relaxing hour or so as I roamed around, splashed in the water, and sadly took in the sight of a still monk seal https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=YAQSz5s8ZatjoXdh8gisuw on the beach unaware whether it was alive, resting, or possibly birthing (yellow caution tape cordoned off this sea creature). SERVICE I saw nothing in the way of service-oriented amenities such as bathrooms or lifeguards (I saw trash cans, though), so be prepared and be smart about your water and hiking activities. Please be kind - pack in, pack out. PARKING (FREE) I recalled seeing a couple private lots along the way that appeared to have plenty of stalls, in addition to ample parking along the main drag of Farrington Hwy. where the road ended before you had to turn around (this was where I parked). All was easy-peasy - 'nuff said! https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=KPQZKzYgf_PTugg4Bjie9g ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE The beach was clean, spacious, wide, and nearly desolate without any shady foliage or trees to protect you from the sun with the exception of green pockets of shrub berms. Although waves were breaking outside, beware of the powerful shorebreak. This beach was more for medium water activity (i.e. bodysurfing, possible snorkeling, strong swimmers). No benches, chairs, or tables, so bring your own chairs or towels to lay or sit on. The trail hike from this starting point was 2.5 miles, so allow yourself between 1-3 hours depending on your pace. Obviously, there was plenty of natural lighting with only the glowing stars left to guide you when nighttime came. There were no TVs and music except for any electronic device you brought along with you such as your mobile phone. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&select=Rrlbglft18a88-2Mcp171Q ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL Ka'ena Point State Park was an awesome "find" and I wondered why I never ventured out in this direction before. Not only was there a beautiful nearly empty beach but apparently a killer trail hike that offered plenty of nature and views along the way. The hike sounded amazing, so I will be better prepared next time (there will be a next time!). However, on this given weekend day, I was thankful for the peacefulness and solitude. I found complete value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $0.00 BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, there was no need for funds of any kind which included my credit card of choice... AMEX! 5.0 STARS read more

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I've a long history with Kaena Point having traversed around the point on a motorcycle back in the '70s as well as done quite a few dives off the Leeward coast. Visiting after so much time has passed (visited both sides - Leeward and North shore) brought back memories and I was pleasantly surprised to see that not much has changed. - The Leeward side of the park offers expansive, uncrowded sandy beaches. Want to get away from the tourists? Here you go, although it's a bit of a drive if you're coming from Honolulu. - The North shore side is wilder with bigger and rougher waves breaking against the rocky shoreline. Spectacular scenery. read more

Visited Saturday, 16th April 2022 This place is faaaarr!! It took over an hour even from Ewa Beach, early on a Saturday morning, without traffic. The was a cool, overcast day so at least that was some consolation. There is ample parking right before the trailhead however, there are multiple signs warning that it is a high theft area. Thus, don't leave valuables out and visible or just leave them home! When we arrived at 7am, there were only one other vehicle parked and a fisherman a ways down. We came across a few other hikers on the trail and by the time we got back to our vehicle, a lot more vehicles/hikers had arrived. The trail is rugged terrain throughout. Some areas are narrow with drop-offs towards the beachside and fallen rocks warnings on the mountainside. There were even some loose rocks on the ground indicating recent rock fall. The trail is very flat however, one specific area near the bird sanctuary, you have to climb a slight incline since erosion had clearly degraded the actual trail (this like took many years and happened while ago). Anyway, the ground on the incline was loose, the trail was very narrow, and there was a drop-off, which my 63-year-old mother did not feel comfortable traversing, so we turn around here. We still go over 4 miles in so it was not a complete waste. There were beautiful cutouts, the arch, and other scenery that made being out in nature all worth it. I would definitely recommend. read more

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Wow, this beach is great! Not many people here, and you have everything for yourself. And it has nice sand area also if you walk further to the end, you will step on the lava stone area, and the wave is incredible! I felt myself could just sit here and watch the wave whole day! So beautiful! read more

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After all, the view here cannot be described in one word: amazing‼ The beauty of this beach is different from that of Waikiki. There are few tourists, and most of them are rather locals, giving the place a unique atmosphere. There is a naturally formed swimming pool here that is very popular. Maybe a barbecue on the beach would be nice. But be careful‼ because the security here is not very good. You never know who is watching, so be careful with your valuables, etc. in the ministry. read more

Kaena Point State Park - Kaena point with Harley Davidson Motorcycle - Beaches Near Me - Waianae, Hawaii

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The wife and I wanted to go on a long walk to we headed here to go for a walk with a beautiful view. No disappointment here! There is a small parking area that will fill up early in the day and then you can park on the other side in dirt area or on the side of the road. There are two paths but we choose the one that goes along the beaches. Though the parking lot was full there were hardly any people on the trail. People drove on the road and parked at various points to fish or have a relaxing time with family. As you get towards the western tip there is a fence that you can walk through and is a sanctuary for animals. Overall round trip is around 5 miles. It is rather flat with sand and rocks. Friendly reminder: do not get close to animals, take pictures from a distance and let them live their lives undisturbed by you and your party read more

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What a delightful find. Not a lot of people pay attention to the west side of Oahu. It certainly has its own character and a lot of permanent campers, but I really enjoyed this area. We drove it twice on our trip, the first time we didn't quite make it up here to Kaena Point, but we came back for a hike a few days later. The first thing we noticed as we neared the end of the highway was the Space Force installation. First time to see the sign and logo in action, for all the lolz. We parked at the end of the highway--for some reason the giant parking area is all closed off, which added some time onto our hike, but no worries. We walked until the end of the pavement, and entered the old rail trail. There used to be a railroad around the point, but now it's the trail and it takes you out to the wildlife preserve at the end. The preserve on the point is fantastic, and one of the few areas we ever visited in Oahu where we had it almost all to ourselves. There are giant albatross out there, and they are loud, and do a lot of dancing. read more

Last year we tried this hike from the Mokuleia side. We didn't make it to the end. After hiking for two hours under increasingly darkening skies we were just in sight of the Point. I reckon we had about another half hour of trail left to hike when it started to sprinkle. Not rain, mind you. But you know how it gets kinda almost rainy? It was like that. You could feel little random drops hitting you. I mean, at the time it felt like it was about to start to rain. But then again, in retrospect, maybe it was the wind blowing the sea spray up from the waves hitting the beach down below the trail. I really don't know. Either way it didn't matter. The thing is, I was getting super anxious because the skies were getting really really dark and particularly threatening and the wind was seeming to be getting stronger by the minute and god damn it now I'm getting wet. Yeah, well if you know anything at all about me, you know when it comes to travelling, I'm a little whiny bitch. Even in the best of times. And when things go badly, as they inevitably will when you travel with me, I'm just insufferable. So it only took about five minutes of listening to me whine about the impending deluge before my impossibly patient wife agreed that it was time to turn around and head back to the car. And although if our roles were reversed I would never shut up about it, she never pointed out that it never did actually rain. Because she's cool like that. Plus, she actually enjoyed the hike. But it just bugged the hell out of me to have hiked to within sight of the Point and not to have completed the hike. Especially because we had already tried to hike the Ehukai Pillbox trail just a couple days before this hike and couldn't finish that trail either (because it was too muddy). We were 0 and 2. What the hell? So for the whole last year, all I can think about is evening the score. I was bound and determined to finish those damn hikes! Four months out I started hiking every day. By the time we hit the island I was averaging 5 miles a day. I felt I was ready, but I was still worried. Could I actually finish a hike? Also four months out, I got a personal message from my good friend Kaliko, who lives on O'ahu. She took the time to write up a truly fantastic list of interesting things to do while we were visiting. And, by coincidence, this exact hike to Ka'ena Point, the one I falied to complete last year, was the #1 thing she recommended doing. BTW, I recommend you read her review of this park. Kaliko describes this place as one of the last unspoiled, relatively untouched part of O'ahu left. She shared a little bit about the cultural significance of the place. That changed everything for me. Now this wasn't just a hike. It was an opportunity to learn about Hawaiian culture. Kaliko explained that this is the place where the spirits of the recently deceased make the leap into the underworld. Now I'm really interested. You can find a few places online that relate the Legend of Ka'ena Point, and how the place got its name. This is a fairly succinct one: https://www.to-hawaii.com/legends/kaenapoint.php Ka'ena Point is at the westernmost tip of O'ahu. There are two approaches. Last year we tried (and failed) to hike the Mokuleia side trail. It runs along the northern coastline from a dirt parking lot not far from Dillingham Airfield. This year we drove over to the leeward side and parked north of Makua Beach in the Ka'ena State Park parking lot near Yokohama Bay (N.B., there's a bathroom near the parking lot on this side of the park, there isn't one on the Mokuleia side). Well worth the drive. This time we finished the hike. Greatest feeling ever! The trail on the Makua Beach side is much closer to the water. The views are spectacular right from the get go and they don't let up all the way out to the point. Along the way you can spot nearly a dozen different species of native Hawaiian plants. Plants that are getting increasingly difficult to find elsewhere on the island. If you are lucky you might see some huge ass monk seals. At land's end there is an albatross breeding area protected by fence to keep out predators. This trail is rated as Moderate on the All Trails app. I figure that's about right. Even dicking around taking pictures the whole damn hike only took a few hours. It's a relatively flat, there's not much of an elevation gain. Good footwear is essential, the trail is rocky and uneven. Don't even think about hiking here without sunscreen. There is almost zero shade along the way; the sun and wind are relentless. Hat and sunglasses highly recommended. You need to bring twice as much water as you think you will need. It was such a blessing to have the opportunity to visit this special place. And so much more enjoyable than it would've otherwise been because I had the opportunity to learn a little about Hawaiian mythology and natural history before my visit. Mikey C says: Mahalo, Kaliko! read more

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For those not familiar with Ka'ena Point and it's significance in Hawaiian mythology this is a sacred place and a leaping place for the soul. Legend has it that Ka'ena Point is a place where spirits leap to the underworld to the next life and this is the place that my ashes will be scattered when I die for two reasons: 1) I am part-Hawaiian and this place calls to me 2) this is beautiful place to be scattered. And number third reason - too cheap to buy funeral plot. The only problem with being scattered here is the sheer amount of walking necessary to get to the actual "point", which is about 2-miles walk from the parking lot, in the hot sun, one way, so I am hoping whoever is going to scatter my remains is in good shape! I've been coming here since as long as I could remember. The landscape and the topography have changed over the decades, but it still remains pretty wild and relatively untouched. I could remember a time when the Albatross were closer to the main trails but now cordoned off in a special sanctuary at the very point of the island, which is a good thing. Here are some pointers: ACCESS: You can get to the "point" either from the Mokuleia side or the Makaha beach side. I prefer Mokuleia for it's sheer beauty. You will definitely need a rental car and don't even THINK to drive your 4-wheel drive into the state park on a muddy day unless you're with a local who has driven it. I've seen so many people get stuck in the mud. You'll need a code for the gate anyway. The parking is on the side of the trail head. Theft is common so there are a lot of cops patrolling (red flag). Rent the ugliest car you can find and don't leave anything tempting in sight, like donuts. AMENITIES: Toilets? haha you're on your own. WATER: Bring LOTS of it. I've seen tourists with only one Dasani water bottle and I feel bad for them. There is no water and no shade anywhere. FOOD: pack in your own. Nothing for miles around. SUN: I was at K-Point last month (I like to frequent this place a lot during Albatross mating season) when I saw a tourist wearing NO SHIRT and his entire face, back, arms and stomach were a deepening shade of pink. He could not feel that he was actually burning due to the strong winds, which probably felt cool to him (he's got another thing coming). Don't be that guy. Don't be the guy that I thought immediately after seeing him: "ohhhh boyyy he's gonna REGERT it!!" Wear sunscreen, long sleeves, a hat with a neck flap, zinc on your nose, sunglasses! I'd refrain from bringing a sun umbrella due to the winds. Spending your vacation sunburned is a helluva way to enjoy it. TRUCKS: Yield to the four-wheelers. There are a lot on the weekends. They take the main trails as well as the trails on the side near the ocean. Most of them are there for fishing, and some camp overnight (they are crazy. The place is haunted by spirits. If you want stories, message me) TRASH: do not leave any behind. I get super mad when I see trash left behind by people, locals and tourii alike. Bring a large ziploc or trash bag and actually pick crap up to throw away on your way out to help the environment. I went on a trash-hunting expedition one year at K-Point and brought back so much rubbish I was bogged down with crap. SWIMMING: there are some tide pools but the swimming is not very good. The waters can be spooky-rough in the Winter time, or any time. I'd just stay out if not sure. In the 40 years I've been coming here, I've never swam at K-Point. Too scary. The waves are unpredictable. If you get swept out help is not readily available as it's a remote location, and most times your cell phone won't even work. I've gotten pounded by a rouge wave once that came out of nowhere, and that was enough to convince me that the waves here are unfriendly, for the living, at least. WILD LIFE: Whales in the winter time can be seen in the distance anywhere from the park, mostly their water spouts and their breaching. Monk seals usually hang out at the beach. Do not approach them. Albatross and other sea birds are at the actual tip of the island, the "Point", cordoned off by a gated wall system meant to keep out feral cats, dogs, rats and mongoose. MOUNTAIN BIKES: Yes, they are allowed, so do not frown at the riders. They do not cause trail damage as compared to the giant trucks that go in and out of the state park. If you want to mountain bike here, this is actually the best place to learn off-roading. ALOHA: Aloha in Hawaii can mean many things and one of them is being friendly and sharing good spirits (get it, spirits haha). I can't tell you how many sour-faced people I saw on the trail one morning when I said "Hi" to them and they did not reply. I kept saying it to everyone I met though, just to spread Aloha even if it wasn't returned, because that's what Aloha is all about: caring and sharing part of yourself without expecting anything in return. Have fun and don't take home any spirits with you. read more

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One of my favorite hikes. I used to go fishing here as a kid. 20 plus years later I got to enjoy this hike again. Took my friend and his kid on this hike. Start: the hike usually starts at the far end of the beach park. Covid happened and the state didn't open up the parking lots. Expect to park on the road and add 10-15 mins to your hike. The trail: Fairly easy & flat most of the way to the point. Some cool things to look out for 1) The Blow Hole. 2) The Arch. When you get to the point make sure you go all the way in. Most days you'll see monk seals chillin on the beach soaking in the sun. Notes: 1. Bring ample amount of water. I barely had enough with a liter. 2. Avoid hiking 10-2pm if possible. The trail has minimal shade. Be safe and enjoy!! read more

Kaena Point State Park - Beaches Near Me - Waianae, Hawaii

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Came in from Waianae side. I have taken the Mokuleia side recently and found that this trail from the Waianae side is more picturesque along the water. However, the trail is much more rocky and easy to trip upon as I did! Lots of cars parked at end of Yokohama, and wasn't the least bit worried about my car being broken into. Many tourist frequent this trail. Wear a hat, sunglasses, protective covering, sunblock. And please be mindful of keeping clear of the wildlife. read more

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I have some time off so I decided to journey out to the Waianae side of the Kaena point trail. I did the Mokuleia side (north shore) the previous week. Which is much hotter, wider sand dunes and hotter. Parking was easy and I had no problems, I parked at the Furthest end of keawaula beach which people just call Yokohama beach. There was a couple with a kid were picnicking, the father went down the trail alone so there were people watching the cars. The Waianae side is cliffy and dramatic. Large waves crash on the cliffs. There's all types of cool things like natural rock arches, blowholes, etc. the trail is relatively easy but it's long at about 5 miles round trip for the suggested track which brings you to the point and does a loop around the nature preserve (gated) then heads back. For the most part the trail is the width of a car or truck. Later on you can see remnants train track. Few notes on the trails. The first quarter miles is muddy dirt road with deep tire track. Throughout the trail there are many parallel foot paths that bring you closer to the cliff. Most were pretty safe and intact. Some were over grown. I stayed on the trail the whole time because the waves were huge and would flood the rocky shore with explosive force. Maybe two Miles out you notice rusted out chassis of a truck on the rocky shore, then a section of the trail that looks collapsed where it is no longer wide enough for a car. As the gate to the nature preserve comes into views you'll turn a corner and see the trail is completely washed out, you see a no dogs sign too and you have he up the cliff edge on the foot path, just follow it straight almost to the gate, it makes a long gradual descent back to the road. The point is pretty sandy. I hear of monk seal sighting and some birds. I honestly didn't see much wildlife. It's a super pretty photogenic route. I guess this beach has a reputation for break ins. I'd go with some people who would be willing to enjoy the beach and watch the car while others hike which will probably take 2-3 hours. Dress appropriately. The sun is intense. Theres pretty much no shade. Full brim hat, sunblock, I brought my wife's UV blocking umbrella which is highly recommend and definitely bring more than enough water. I have a 5L camelback I bring. I could basically stay overnight with that. But you definitely need more than a hydro flask IMO. Great hike. read more

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Hashtag I am West side! One Sunday afternoon after work, I was looking for a good spot to run with great views. I was heading westside, kept driving miles and miles along Waianae Coast with nice Hills and the coastline passing Nanakuli, Maili, Makaha, and Makua beaches until I reach the gate in front of the Space Force that leads to the drivable end of West side. I kept driving passing families having fun under the Sun until I reached the end of the road. I conveniently parked on the side of the road, put on my running/hiking shoes, and walked the trail leading up to the end part of NorthShore. Along the way, I snapped few photos of myself with the great views and background. I took photos of those nice looking rock formation and deformation. I walked closer to the beach by the rocks, took photos of those hermit crab swimming around. The gate closes at 7pm, so I had to go back to my car and watched the sunset and drove home. It was a great journey. read more

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Since there is no shade on the trail take an umbrella to better enjoy this historic gem! read more

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Trevor and Mimi went to Ka'ena Point Hiking Trail. The trailhead begins on a dirt road where Farrington Highway comes to a complete stop.  There is a makeshift parking lot and signs that mention not to leave valuables in the vehicle and to lock your car. The trail was muddy at 7am and Mimi wore white running shoes, the only athletic shoes Mimi has in Hawai'i.  They were given to her and she doesn't care whether they stay dirty or clean.  She did bring along a pair of flip-flops, or as the locals say, "slippahs," because her former walk to Kea'au Beach Park caused a gnarly blister to the back of her heel. About a quarter of a mile into the walk, Trevor saw a spot he wanted to take a picture at, and realized his phone wasn't with him.  He had to turn back.  Mimi could not keep up with his fast gait, So she opted to run to the car.  He mentioned the phone may be on the ground, on the top of the car, or on the dashboard. Thankfully, the phone was on the dashboard.  Mimi and Trevor commenced their journey into Ka'ena Point Trail.  When they got to the initial area Trevor realized his phone was missing, they took a picture. The hike was mainly a muddy pathway with the occasional view of an old defunct railroad track and the beautiful Pacific Ocean banging against lava reefs below. Along various areas were jeep and big truck owners doing plenty of fishing.   About halfway to the end, a few small trails off the actual trail were made and Mimi and Trevor tried them.  Due to the large rocks and brush, these areas made perfect latrines for hikers and were apparent by the human waste left behind.  It's best to stay on the main track to avoid accidentally stepping in waste. At about 75% to the end of the trail, the cliff and railroad tracks were destroyed by a tsunami in 1946.  At some point the driveable road becomes just a pedestrian width of trail and then becomes a bit more hazardous as you incline over the side of the mountain to head toward the Nature Reserve. The Nature reserve is gated but entry is possible through double sliding gates.  Inside there are nesting Wedgetailed Shearwaters.  They are a grey bird that nestles in burrows in the ground. Mimi also saw and became excited over what she assumed were ginormous Seagulls.  She mentioned seagulls didn't get that big in California, that the seagulls in California looked like pigeons compared to Oahu's seagulls.  Come to find out, they were not seagulls at all, but Laysan Albatrosses. After passing the birds area, the end has an old bunker colored in graffiti.  Mimi and Trevor spent time looking around from the bunker and showing signs of PDA. After some time on the bunker, a gentleman who was visiting with his family told Trevor and Mimi to quietly view the monk seals below.  After a picture with the monk seals Trevor and Mimi headed back to the beginning. It was definitely worth the adventure. read more

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Well this is a very long drive to see very little. Although very pretty, there isn't much along the way to see and once you get there and take a few pictures, you have a long way back with again, not much to see along the way. Lock your cars and don't leave valuables in plain site or in the vehicle at all. Lots of warning signs and Hawaii tourist sites like this are notorious for car break in's as well as smash and grabs through the windows. The homeless camps along the way with the derelict cars is not an enjoyable sight as well as all the trash along the roadsides. One of the worst kept areas on Oahu in my opinion. Be respectful of the local culture out there. It is a way of life for those who live to live so far away from town. read more

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This was my first trip up the west shore of Oahu. It's a beautiful area. the waves are on the stronger side here, which made for a lot of fun body surfing. I enjoyed interacting with some of the locals (mostly locals here). it's a very relaxed atmosphere, island chill in the hot sun. read more

If you like really long bumpy walks this place is for you! Took us from End of the road Mokuleia side all the way into the gate 2 hours. A four hour walk legs was jello. Beautiful views of mountains, coves, ocean, fishing, clouds, wind, rocks, grass. Few hermit crabs, fishes, sea urchins, gobi fish. Bring a bathing suit as there are at least 3 coves you can swim at. If you have water shoes you can also walk onto the shallow reef just don't get swept out! read more

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I've been wanting to do this hike for a while but we tried waiting for cooler weather. Good plan, and it WAS a bit cooler, but still hot as hell out there since there's about 10 seconds of shade along the entire 2.7 mile trail out. Temp was in the low 80s so it was cooler than this past blistering summer. Enough about the weather. The out and back hike is beautiful. Crashing waves along the coast all the way out. Beautiful views towards Kaena Point and back looking at Yokohama and Makaha beaches and the Waianae Mountains. We got to the end and were lucky enough to see four monk seals resting/playing on the beach. How cool. There's a couple of natural bridges along the coastline. You can safely climb onto the big one for nice pics and a good place to sit and see the beauty of the ocean. Next time we'll do this hike early in the morning to lessen the direct sun. Bring your hats and sunscreen and plenty of water. You'll want/need all. read more

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If you love to hike, love nature, love being in nature with just you and nothing else, this hike is for you. There are two paths you can take to start this hike. The path from the West Side was closed as of August so we took the path that is closer to the North Shore. Make sure you wear good shoes. Ignore those reviews/video reviews on youtube that say you can do this in flip flops. I would wear good shoes if you are planning to walk the entire thing and back. Your legs and feet will thank you the next day. If you do the whole thing like I did, it is about 5.5 miles or so and will take about 3 hours with pictures. You will be walking on some sand, some small rocks, some big rocks, loose rocks etc. You will want a good shoe that will absorb the shock from the rocks. Make sure you put on lots of sunscreen because there is no cover. You will be under direct sunlight and you will get hot. You can walk closer to the water and the breeze helps to keep you cool. Make sure to bring more than one bottle of water because you will run out. Make sure to bring a camera too because there will be lots of picture taking opportunities if you like nature. When you get to the gate, you can enter, just make sure to close the gate behind you. This is to keep the animals out. The walk inside the gate is on sand and is mostly flat so for this part, you can even walk barefoot if you want. I recommend once entering, take your time to explore and take lots of photos. Rest up and relax because you will need to walk back. Make sure you also don't leave any valuables in your car. There are signs warning people cars get broken into so be careful. You will also see cars driving in, but those cars have special permits (only a set amount are given out). There's also no bathroom so plan accordingly. The entrance from the West Side has a bathroom though. read more

This review is of the beach only, not the hiking trail. The good: visually beautiful, not as crowded as other beaches closer to town. Lifeguards on duty. The bad : way too rough! No fun. No shade anywhere. The neutral: according to Yelp. The closest restaurant is 9 miles away . read more

It's hard to find a place more beautiful than Kaena Point State Park. Situated in one of the lesser-visited parts of Oahu, it's natural beauty simply should not be missed. With soaring mountains and valleys on one side and the stunning ocean on the other, this far-west spot is a must on your Oahu to-do list! read more

Kaena Point State Park - Beaches Near Me - Waianae, Hawaii

We came here to do the trail to the point and we loved it! We got here around 8am, but in hindsight we should have come earlier. This trial gets HOT, so bring lots of sunscreen or wear sleeves. I also would not recommend dogs on this one because they could easily overheat at high sun, and dogs are not allowed in the best part of the trail because of nesting sea birds and endangered seals on the rocks. When we walked past the fenced area (for keeping out rodents and mongeese) we saw hundreds of nesting albatrosses. Countless humpbacks where spraying. The highlight was an adorable seal sunning on a rock! I'm sure this hike is also fantastic at sunset, just bring a light for the way home. read more

Kaena Point State Park - Beaches Near Me - Waianae, Hawaii

The trail was a workout but the best part of this trip was the you get to monk seals in the flesh. It can muddy so wear running shoes and water. The views of the water were breathtaking. The water was so blur and clear. Great place to take photos. A must see for sure! read more

Kaena Point State Park - Monk seals!!!!! - Beaches Near Me - Waianae, Hawaii

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You need a permit to bring your car in. Which we don't have a 4 wheel drive so we didn't go that way. It's a beautiful walk, long, and hot. Pack snacks and lots of water. We knew it was a long hike but we couldn't resist the beauty and photo ops! We started at 2pm and headed back close to 6ish. It was getting awfully dark. But it was beautiful. read more

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Great hike! Start early and bring water. It's hot and dry. LEAVE THE BIRDS AND SEALS ALONE and TAKE YOUR TRASH with you when you leave! read more

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Nice moderate family hike around the coast. If you are lucky you can sealions at the end. Take plenty of water and sunscreen. Enjoy read more

Kaena Point State Park - Kaena point very end. - Beaches Near Me - Waianae, Hawaii

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One of my most Fave Hikes! Used to be 5 stars but every year theres more and more ppl (i miss the days when hiking wasnt a thing or a trend ijs:(). Cant stress enough that outsiders need to learn how we do things here practice aloha and yes us locals we must lead by example. I just love coming here been here alot of times the views of the mountains are probably my most favorite mountain views also love visiting the Albatross birds=D. Also sometimes u will see hawaiian monk seals,etc.=D. Pls respect All sea life and animals. Also there are ropes to keep the Albatross birds protected. It was very disappointing to see a car on the trail (2019) im guessing ppl who doesnt use their brain unfortunately was trying to drive there (mind u trail is for walking cant drive there) and now theres an abandoned vehicle smdh. Also ive noticed ppl are throwing their empty bottles etc in it, Pls dnt Litter, Pack it in Pack it Out. Hiking Tips- try to beat the sun go early (especially during summer season Hot use sunscreen),check website first tho (covid changes), and Bring Water. Aloha read more

Looking for an easy, flat hike that's perfect for the early morning or late afternoon? Look no further than the point. While it can be a scorcher during the heat of the day, this hike is relatively flat and there's plenty of parking at the end of the road. Just be sure to take lots of water with you, as there is no water available along the trail. But if you're looking for a nice, leisurely stroll with some great views, this is definitely the hike for you. So go ahead and enjoy the point! read more

Went for a hike not even 20 mins there and our car with 3 others got broken into!! The cops said it happens all the time. Wish I would've known. I don't recommend it at all unless you want to ruin your day. read more

Went on hike. Didn't make it all the way because we found some really cool tide pools on the way there. read more

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Kaena Point State Park is currently closed during the week due to staffing shortages according to the DNLR. It's been this way since the start of the pandemic. Park is open on weekends. This a great place to hike or spend a day at the beach when open. As of October 1st, park is still closed on weekdays, DNLR is claiming staffing shortage. Only 3 stars since it's closed most of the time.....sigh read more