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This hike is beautiful! There's a blowhole and continuous beautiful ocean views for the entire hike on the western side. However, be cautious. The entire hike is in full sun with almost no shade. It's about 6 miles round trip from the parking spot to the actual point. At the Ka'ena point, you can see white coral beaches! Apparently, monk seals like to rest here. One of the other hikers in my party saw a whale! There's also a bird preserve and albatrosses like to nest there! There were a few albatrosses quite close to the walkway and they tolerated us taking photos of them. Take heed, there is one portion of the hike where the trail collapsed. You have to take a rocky path to a higher area to continue walking. It was doable for us but you have to watch out for the path!
My hike to Ka'ena Point at the westermost tip of Oahu was the first hike I took during a week's stay on the island and it was a great choice! There are two separate trails to get to Ka'ena Point, one from the North Shore at Mokuleia, and one from the west at Yokohama Bay. I chose the latter because it was a shorter ride from Honolulu, where I was staying. Directions to the trailhead of this hike are relatively easy. All you have to do is follow Rte. 93, right past Keawaula Beach to where the road ends. There is a parking lot by the beach, and those with special permits can drive a little further into the park before exiting their vehicles. I parked in the lot. The hike at Ka'ena Point State Park on the western side is slightly under 5 miles out and back. The trail is moderately easy in difficulty, as there are no real changes in elevation and the trail is relatively flat, yet rocky. There is very little shade along the trail, so plenty of water is necessary, as well as sunscreen and perhaps something to cover your head. Hiking midday, as I did, is not advised. Despite the heat, the hike along this rugged coastline is spectacularly beautiful and I enjoyed every minute. There are plenty of cool little rocky coves and volcanic cliffs along the trail. The stunning beauty of the coast, and the fact that this was my first real look at Hawaii, made my hike a little longer because I just kept stopping to look around and take pictures. If it hadn't been smack dab in the middle of the day, I maybe would have spent more time going down and exploring any of those magnificently tempting coves. Next time. Ka'ena Point State Park was a spectacular place, and I highly recommend it.
Ka'ena point trail -South!!! Don't miss out on the other side of the trail!!! This trail is in a state park with a great beach at the start. You could make a whole day out of this hike/walk. The trail was well maintained and easy to walk. Some spots had some mud but we were able to walk around, the rocks/gravel in some spots are slippery but just watch your step. We enjoyed the ocean and Mountain View's the whole time. We went a little later in the day so we end right before sunset which was just amazing. If you want to see a different side of Hawaii/oahu this would give it to you. It is a drive out there but for me it was worth it.
This is one of my top two places on the island for it's sheer beauty and tranquility. I'd say this is an easy hike; however, it's 6 miles out and back with NO shade. Bring plenty of water and know your body's limits. Frequently you can find Hawaiian Monk Seals sunbathing on the white coral beaches. If deciding whether to go from West Side or North side, just know that the west side offers a coastal view the entire way with unique rock formations and a blow hole.
A nice beachside trail, but go earlier the better... If you're looking for a flat beachside trail along the ocean, this is it! On the Mokuleia side, you can park at the end of the road, enter the gate, then either walk along the jeep trail headed west to Kaena Point, or you can walk along some paths DLNR have established that more closely follows the seaside. It is about 2 1/2 miles to the point (about 55 minutes to slightly over an hour walk depending on how quickly you go), have a nice view at the pillbox structure overlooking the North Shore on one side, and the Waianae coast on the other. Then, if you want, from that point, you can continue walking towards Waianae to that side park entrance ... another 2+ miles. That would take another 40 minutes. So a round trip is slightly over 10 miles and perhaps 3 hours and 5 min to 3 hours 30 min, depending on how quickly you walk, take breaks, photos, etc... A few suggestions and tips: * there is no tree cover! * bring lots of water * sunscreen recommend! * if you plan to do the 10 miles, consider starting 7 am at least, so you can avoid the mid-day sun! * there are no bathroom facilities. I usually stop at the Dillingham airfield along the way. So a nice way to get in some miles, burn 1,000 calories ...and perhaps put it all back at some nice eating places in Haleiwa or Wahiawa!
Great things said about this hike elsewhere, so I'll focus on the practical stuff. It's consistently very windy so dress appropriately and secure your hat. Dust / sand blow around so it may aggravate eyes and noses. If you stay for the sunset, have a headlamp or flashlight for coming back. The trail is not even and it would be really easy to trip. 99% of the hike is pretty meh IMHO (rated on a curve for Hawaii) but the last 1% is absolutely stunning and completely worth it. The hike is relatively flat so even if one is not terribly fit, if they could walk for 2-3 hours over they could probably do it without too many problems. Trail is more of a rugged dirt road and kinda rough with modest ups and downs, but not a big deal. One of my favorite hikes on Oahu and a "must see!"
I'm a creative introvert and this place allows me to wander and connect with my inner self. I'm absolutely grateful to a dear sweet friend who was the one that brought me out here one summer several years ago showed and informed me the various spots as we walked our way out to the point. Kaena Point is a nature preserve for monk seals and protected albatross bird sanctuary, so leave your pets at home and be mindful of all areas, vegetation and coastlines. The Hawaiian Monk Seals is an endangered species and are protected under the Endangered Species Act and is illegal to approach, touch or harass these beautiful cuties, you must must MUST keep your distance if you decide to observe or take photos...PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL!! Depending on the time of year (summer!) the conditions can be quite brutal if you're not prepared. - Wear comfortable shoes (which can get dirty so be selective) - Hat as there are ZERO trees/shaded area - Sunscreen (hello!) it's all sun out here - Water - Extra clothing, towel incase you decide to dip in to cool off And the biggest tip of all BATHROOM!! there aren't any here so go before you leave, I'm not sure if the skydiving place would allow you to use their facility if you have that sudden urge but is highly suggested not to put off. With that taking the coastal hike is simply breathtaking and I can just sit and stare out to reset my mind and if you have great vision you can see dolphins and whales (seasonal), I've even seen waterspout which was absolutely cool. For more information read up on the Hawai'i State Parks site https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/kaena-point-state-park/ as it's very through and informative. Thank you!!
The Kaena Point Hike takes you along a beautiful rugged Coastline toward the Western most point of Oahu. The rocky cliffs on one side and ocean on the other. There use to be a railroad trail that traveled along this track. The only remains are some rocky ruins where trusses were. The railroad tracks were destroyed by a tsunami in 1940s. The surf was high at this time of year, spectacular for viewing but dangerous for swimming. We started early because the trail has no shade and can be warm. I picked a time of year with cooler weather because of this. There are two ways, on the Coast trail or the dirt to rocky road for 4wheelers. Permit is required to drive in this area. Before you make it to point , you will reach the security fence to help keep predators out of the mating and hatching grounds of the Albatross. You are welcome to move through the grounds on the roped off trail. The area also includes the Point. Unfortunately it's early in the season so we only saw 5 birds. We were able to see one in the distance flapping its massive wings. We did not see in any Hawaiian Monk Seal, they may have blended in to some of volcanic rock on the shore. It was an amazing morning, 6 mile plus hike with friends.
I've found my favorite hike in Oahu. Incredibly beautiful and serene view at great elevation. I loved the challenge of the rock scrambles as well. It's at the most northwest point of the island and not that busy. Easy access to the beach as an reward at the end of the hike. We set up some of our party at the beach to relax and then crossed a small lane to start the hike up! We started the hike from the North Shore rather than the west side. The trail starts on the side of the road through extremely tall grass, felt like we were roaming through a jungle path. Then you just start ascending quickly through huge rocks. So many rock scrambles. It was very fun and great workout for the legs. It is a moderate hike and our multi aged from from age 3 to 69 did it! Everyone was challenged as agreed the trek was worth it. The hike took about 45 minutes to an hour going up to the peak at a moderate speed. You could go all the way around to the west side but we ended up going back down the same way since our party and car was on this side. It would be great if you could somehow arrange for pickup on the other side so you don't have to come back down the same route. We saw people rock climbing the boulders at the top, paragliding over the ocean, and the beautiful coastline.
A great experience of off road and natural wild life. I recommend going with a group for the first timers. You are required to have a yearly pass for vehicle access if wanting to drive though. And it is a locked gate with a combination lock for access. But you can easily get one on the website as long as you have a registered Hawaii vehicle. There are two different type of road to drive on. There's a somewhat difficult path and a more easy smoother way. On the left side is the more difficult and right side closer to the beach is a lot more smoother.
Very cool, very beautiful, easy flat hike on the west north tip of the island. It was my first time on this trail, we decided to hike it based on a friends recommendation. We parked at the trail head at the east most point of the trail. The gate can be opened if you want to take your car into the park for offloading. We decided to get some exercise and not Offroad. The trail is very wide and very flat, there were a lot of families with small children on the trail, so it's very easy. The distance is about 2.5 miles each way, it may take a little while depending on how fast you go. Once you reach the bird sanctuary at the tip of the park, you have to go through a gate to get into the secret area. Apparently many of the ancient rituals of the island were performed here. The site is absolutely stunning, the water and the rocks as well as a mountain behind it looked so beautiful. We took lots of photos, and checked out the tower as well as the abandoned station. Super cool place to spend half a day. Bring lots of water as you will get thirsty.
This hike deserves a solid 5+ star. If you are searching for a beautiful hike next to the coast, this is it! Some fun wildlife encounters include the Laysan albatross, black noddy, and monk seal. Let's dive into the entire experience. -Length: It took us 1.5 hours to hike one way since we made multiple stops to take pictures and soak in the view. On the way back, it took us 1 hour of moderate brisk walking without taking any breaks. -The trail: We hiked the day after it rained. The designated trail was fairly muddy. Be prepared for mud sticking to your shoes, and they will feel like you're walking with ankle weights. The designated road will frequently divide into two forks, take the route with the most rocks since it is not as muddy. We learned pretty quickly that the coastal hiking trail is not muddy when you are treading on sand. I'd say go with the coastal trail to enjoy the breathtaking view. -Level of difficulty: The hike is mostly flat ground. I would wear those hiking boots to protect your ankles as there is a good number of rocks. -Hiking weather. Majority of the trail does not have a lot of shade. We were lucky to start the hike right before sunrise. The mountain and clouds happened to make it not scorching hot. Fresh breeze throughout the hike also kept us from excessive sweating. I can see how it can get pretty heated on a sunny day. Definitely load yourself with a hat, sunscreen, and water. -Logistics: There was a private parking lot with plenty of parking on the Tuesday morning we were there. No bathrooms in sight though. Overall, this was an outstanding, fun, and memorable workout. It's such a great way to get fresh air during the pandemic and unwind.
This is the ultimate hiking experience - different kinds of rare plants and animals, a variety of terrain, all while listening and watching the water and waves dance upon the coast. It took us about 3 hours to cover a total of a 6 mile loop hike. I recommend that you start earlier in the day, rather than later because it gets pretty hot out there, wear plenty of sunscreen and bring plenty of water and drink often. There is a gated area to go through to protect the bird sanctuary and we actually were lucky enough to see a pair of albatrosses nesting in the grass a ways off the path. I do walk a lot and I was still a little bit sore for a couple days after this hike. But sore in a good way. This hike is good for your soul to breathe in fresh sea air and take in the beautiful rugged Hawaiian landscape and shoreline. There are several areas that have patches of rocks to walk over and I was very careful because the last thing I needed was to roll my ankle on the first full day of my vacation. I highly recommend this hike!
We lucked out that we went on a relatively cool overcast morning in January. This trail is exposed, so can be terribly hot during the summer months or on any hot day. This time we started on the north side where there is a good sized parking lot. The trail is just under 6 miles out and back. Relatively flat with gorgeous ocean views all the way. Nice little beaches you could stop at or search for seashells along the way. Near the western most point is a bird preserve which you let yourself into through a gate. Very relaxing to sit out and watch the big waves at the point before making the return walk. read more
This hike is beautiful! There's a blowhole and continuous beautiful ocean views for the entire hike on the western side. However, be cautious. The entire hike is in full sun with almost no shade. It's about 6 miles round trip from the parking spot to the actual point. At the Ka'ena point, you can see white coral beaches! Apparently, monk seals like to rest here. One of the other hikers in my party saw a whale! There's also a bird preserve and albatrosses like to nest there! There were a few albatrosses quite close to the walkway and they tolerated us taking photos of them. Take heed, there is one portion of the hike where the trail collapsed. You have to take a rocky path to a higher area to continue walking. It was doable for us but you have to watch out for the path! read more
My hike to Ka'ena Point at the westermost tip of Oahu was the first hike I took during a week's stay on the island and it was a great choice! There are two separate trails to get to Ka'ena Point, one from the North Shore at Mokuleia, and one from the west at Yokohama Bay. I chose the latter because it was a shorter ride from Honolulu, where I was staying. Directions to the trailhead of this hike are relatively easy. All you have to do is follow Rte. 93, right past Keawaula Beach to where the road ends. There is a parking lot by the beach, and those with special permits can drive a little further into the park before exiting their vehicles. I parked in the lot. The hike at Ka'ena Point State Park on the western side is slightly under 5 miles out and back. The trail is moderately easy in difficulty, as there are no real changes in elevation and the trail is relatively flat, yet rocky. There is very little shade along the trail, so plenty of water is necessary, as well as sunscreen and perhaps something to cover your head. Hiking midday, as I did, is not advised. Despite the heat, the hike along this rugged coastline is spectacularly beautiful and I enjoyed every minute. There are plenty of cool little rocky coves and volcanic cliffs along the trail. The stunning beauty of the coast, and the fact that this was my first real look at Hawaii, made my hike a little longer because I just kept stopping to look around and take pictures. If it hadn't been smack dab in the middle of the day, I maybe would have spent more time going down and exploring any of those magnificently tempting coves. Next time. Ka'ena Point State Park was a spectacular place, and I highly recommend it. read more
Ka'ena point trail -South!!! Don't miss out on the other side of the trail!!! This trail is in a state park with a great beach at the start. You could make a whole day out of this hike/walk. The trail was well maintained and easy to walk. Some spots had some mud but we were able to walk around, the rocks/gravel in some spots are slippery but just watch your step. We enjoyed the ocean and Mountain View's the whole time. We went a little later in the day so we end right before sunset which was just amazing. If you want to see a different side of Hawaii/oahu this would give it to you. It is a drive out there but for me it was worth it. read more
9 months ago
This is one of my top two places on the island for it's sheer beauty and tranquility. I'd say this is an easy hike; however, it's 6 miles out and back with NO shade. Bring plenty of water and know your body's limits. Frequently you can find Hawaiian Monk Seals sunbathing on the white coral beaches. If deciding whether to go from West Side or North side, just know that the west side offers a coastal view the entire way with unique rock formations and a blow hole. read more
A nice beachside trail, but go earlier the better... If you're looking for a flat beachside trail along the ocean, this is it! On the Mokuleia side, you can park at the end of the road, enter the gate, then either walk along the jeep trail headed west to Kaena Point, or you can walk along some paths DLNR have established that more closely follows the seaside. It is about 2 1/2 miles to the point (about 55 minutes to slightly over an hour walk depending on how quickly you go), have a nice view at the pillbox structure overlooking the North Shore on one side, and the Waianae coast on the other. Then, if you want, from that point, you can continue walking towards Waianae to that side park entrance ... another 2+ miles. That would take another 40 minutes. So a round trip is slightly over 10 miles and perhaps 3 hours and 5 min to 3 hours 30 min, depending on how quickly you walk, take breaks, photos, etc... A few suggestions and tips: * there is no tree cover! * bring lots of water * sunscreen recommend! * if you plan to do the 10 miles, consider starting 7 am at least, so you can avoid the mid-day sun! * there are no bathroom facilities. I usually stop at the Dillingham airfield along the way. So a nice way to get in some miles, burn 1,000 calories ...and perhaps put it all back at some nice eating places in Haleiwa or Wahiawa! read more
Great things said about this hike elsewhere, so I'll focus on the practical stuff. It's consistently very windy so dress appropriately and secure your hat. Dust / sand blow around so it may aggravate eyes and noses. If you stay for the sunset, have a headlamp or flashlight for coming back. The trail is not even and it would be really easy to trip. 99% of the hike is pretty meh IMHO (rated on a curve for Hawaii) but the last 1% is absolutely stunning and completely worth it. The hike is relatively flat so even if one is not terribly fit, if they could walk for 2-3 hours over they could probably do it without too many problems. Trail is more of a rugged dirt road and kinda rough with modest ups and downs, but not a big deal. One of my favorite hikes on Oahu and a "must see!" read more
I'm a creative introvert and this place allows me to wander and connect with my inner self. I'm absolutely grateful to a dear sweet friend who was the one that brought me out here one summer several years ago showed and informed me the various spots as we walked our way out to the point. Kaena Point is a nature preserve for monk seals and protected albatross bird sanctuary, so leave your pets at home and be mindful of all areas, vegetation and coastlines. The Hawaiian Monk Seals is an endangered species and are protected under the Endangered Species Act and is illegal to approach, touch or harass these beautiful cuties, you must must MUST keep your distance if you decide to observe or take photos...PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL!! Depending on the time of year (summer!) the conditions can be quite brutal if you're not prepared. - Wear comfortable shoes (which can get dirty so be selective) - Hat as there are ZERO trees/shaded area - Sunscreen (hello!) it's all sun out here - Water - Extra clothing, towel incase you decide to dip in to cool off And the biggest tip of all BATHROOM!! there aren't any here so go before you leave, I'm not sure if the skydiving place would allow you to use their facility if you have that sudden urge but is highly suggested not to put off. With that taking the coastal hike is simply breathtaking and I can just sit and stare out to reset my mind and if you have great vision you can see dolphins and whales (seasonal), I've even seen waterspout which was absolutely cool. For more information read up on the Hawai'i State Parks site https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/kaena-point-state-park/ as it's very through and informative. Thank you!! read more
8 months ago
The Kaena Point Hike takes you along a beautiful rugged Coastline toward the Western most point of Oahu. The rocky cliffs on one side and ocean on the other. There use to be a railroad trail that traveled along this track. The only remains are some rocky ruins where trusses were. The railroad tracks were destroyed by a tsunami in 1940s. The surf was high at this time of year, spectacular for viewing but dangerous for swimming. We started early because the trail has no shade and can be warm. I picked a time of year with cooler weather because of this. There are two ways, on the Coast trail or the dirt to rocky road for 4wheelers. Permit is required to drive in this area. Before you make it to point , you will reach the security fence to help keep predators out of the mating and hatching grounds of the Albatross. You are welcome to move through the grounds on the roped off trail. The area also includes the Point. Unfortunately it's early in the season so we only saw 5 birds. We were able to see one in the distance flapping its massive wings. We did not see in any Hawaiian Monk Seal, they may have blended in to some of volcanic rock on the shore. It was an amazing morning, 6 mile plus hike with friends. read more
I've found my favorite hike in Oahu. Incredibly beautiful and serene view at great elevation. I loved the challenge of the rock scrambles as well. It's at the most northwest point of the island and not that busy. Easy access to the beach as an reward at the end of the hike. We set up some of our party at the beach to relax and then crossed a small lane to start the hike up! We started the hike from the North Shore rather than the west side. The trail starts on the side of the road through extremely tall grass, felt like we were roaming through a jungle path. Then you just start ascending quickly through huge rocks. So many rock scrambles. It was very fun and great workout for the legs. It is a moderate hike and our multi aged from from age 3 to 69 did it! Everyone was challenged as agreed the trek was worth it. The hike took about 45 minutes to an hour going up to the peak at a moderate speed. You could go all the way around to the west side but we ended up going back down the same way since our party and car was on this side. It would be great if you could somehow arrange for pickup on the other side so you don't have to come back down the same route. We saw people rock climbing the boulders at the top, paragliding over the ocean, and the beautiful coastline. read more
A great experience of off road and natural wild life. I recommend going with a group for the first timers. You are required to have a yearly pass for vehicle access if wanting to drive though. And it is a locked gate with a combination lock for access. But you can easily get one on the website as long as you have a registered Hawaii vehicle. There are two different type of road to drive on. There's a somewhat difficult path and a more easy smoother way. On the left side is the more difficult and right side closer to the beach is a lot more smoother. read more
Very cool, very beautiful, easy flat hike on the west north tip of the island. It was my first time on this trail, we decided to hike it based on a friends recommendation. We parked at the trail head at the east most point of the trail. The gate can be opened if you want to take your car into the park for offloading. We decided to get some exercise and not Offroad. The trail is very wide and very flat, there were a lot of families with small children on the trail, so it's very easy. The distance is about 2.5 miles each way, it may take a little while depending on how fast you go. Once you reach the bird sanctuary at the tip of the park, you have to go through a gate to get into the secret area. Apparently many of the ancient rituals of the island were performed here. The site is absolutely stunning, the water and the rocks as well as a mountain behind it looked so beautiful. We took lots of photos, and checked out the tower as well as the abandoned station. Super cool place to spend half a day. Bring lots of water as you will get thirsty. read more
This hike deserves a solid 5+ star. If you are searching for a beautiful hike next to the coast, this is it! Some fun wildlife encounters include the Laysan albatross, black noddy, and monk seal. Let's dive into the entire experience. -Length: It took us 1.5 hours to hike one way since we made multiple stops to take pictures and soak in the view. On the way back, it took us 1 hour of moderate brisk walking without taking any breaks. -The trail: We hiked the day after it rained. The designated trail was fairly muddy. Be prepared for mud sticking to your shoes, and they will feel like you're walking with ankle weights. The designated road will frequently divide into two forks, take the route with the most rocks since it is not as muddy. We learned pretty quickly that the coastal hiking trail is not muddy when you are treading on sand. I'd say go with the coastal trail to enjoy the breathtaking view. -Level of difficulty: The hike is mostly flat ground. I would wear those hiking boots to protect your ankles as there is a good number of rocks. -Hiking weather. Majority of the trail does not have a lot of shade. We were lucky to start the hike right before sunrise. The mountain and clouds happened to make it not scorching hot. Fresh breeze throughout the hike also kept us from excessive sweating. I can see how it can get pretty heated on a sunny day. Definitely load yourself with a hat, sunscreen, and water. -Logistics: There was a private parking lot with plenty of parking on the Tuesday morning we were there. No bathrooms in sight though. Overall, this was an outstanding, fun, and memorable workout. It's such a great way to get fresh air during the pandemic and unwind. read more
This is the ultimate hiking experience - different kinds of rare plants and animals, a variety of terrain, all while listening and watching the water and waves dance upon the coast. It took us about 3 hours to cover a total of a 6 mile loop hike. I recommend that you start earlier in the day, rather than later because it gets pretty hot out there, wear plenty of sunscreen and bring plenty of water and drink often. There is a gated area to go through to protect the bird sanctuary and we actually were lucky enough to see a pair of albatrosses nesting in the grass a ways off the path. I do walk a lot and I was still a little bit sore for a couple days after this hike. But sore in a good way. This hike is good for your soul to breathe in fresh sea air and take in the beautiful rugged Hawaiian landscape and shoreline. There are several areas that have patches of rocks to walk over and I was very careful because the last thing I needed was to roll my ankle on the first full day of my vacation. I highly recommend this hike! read more
To clarify, we hiked this trail from the Ka'ena Point State Park. It was a quick hike and I appreciated that it was mostly flat; although still many opportunities to roll you ankle on the numerous small rocks that dot the trail. It's almost non-stop ocean views the whole way. Only drawbacks are the consistent heat/sun with only a couple shade opportunities AND the deep ruts and trash left in some areas by the trucks that enter. read more
Living in Hawaii, I really took for granted all of the beauty in my backyard. My best friend suggested this hike and I'm so glad she did! We started our adventure from the Waialua/Mokuleia entrance. A few things to note before you go: *there are no bathrooms on this hike so make sure to go before your hike *Timing is everything! There isn't any shade or trees on this hike and it gets very hot! *please be mindful of the wildlife and vegetation! Kaena point is a nature preserve for monk seals and albatrosses *round trip is roughly 6 miles. Don't forget to pack enough water, snacks and sun protection I'm so glad that my bestie suggested this hike! The views were amazing, making this hike very enjoyable ! I suggest taking the coastal path to take in the beautiful shoreline and surf along the way. My favorite part of the hike was hiking though the nature preserve. We were able to see several albatrosses and a monk seal! Definitely a great hike (not too tough) and a wonderful way to spend my morning ! read more
4 years ago
I've hiked this trail twice. Most recent was this month; previous time was 50 years ago. From what I can recall, not much has changed except they put up a large wire fence to help protect the birds roosting near the shoreline. I was fortunate enough to see a family of Hawaiian monk seals. Amazing. I guess the wildlife service keeps a weather hand in watching over them, as a couple of DNLR docents were on hand monitoring the seals and keeping people away from them at a safe distance for both. If you hike this trail, take lots of water and sun protection. I felt a bit sorry for those folks making the trek with no apparent water and wearing little, if any, top cover. Biggest negative were a few people disobeying the law and riding a motorcycle and a gas-powered cart on the trail. Come on, your selfishness is ruining it for everyone else! read more
6 years ago
Connect with nature! Ka'ena Point trail is easy to find. Just take H1 west until the pavement ends, park, then continue going west on foot. There is ample, free parking along the ocean-side of the road. I would advise against vehicles on the trail however, those brave enough could probably venture out on mountain bikes or four wheelers (the trail does get narrow in some parts). I started the trail from the west near Yokohama beach and went 3 miles out before turning around. There trail is pretty flat but, there are some significant drop offs along the trail however, the road is wide enough for two people to walk side by side majority of it. There is one spot where you have to do a small climb; it seems there has been some erosion from the waves constantly crashing against the rocks or even a mudslide that degraded the trail. I was a little scared since the group I went with was far in front and behind me (this would definitely be scary for someone uneasy with heights). If you like running trails, you may have some difficulty as there are some big rocks and rugged terrain along the trail but, it's doable with caution. The trail is very open so you have some amazing, unimpeded views of the ocean. I was lucky to see a whale and its calf. Because it's so open though, you are completely exposed to the elements - sun, wind, rain. There is no tree coverage for shade and no lights to illuminate the trail; take sunscreen, rain gear, and headlights, as needed. It rained that morning so the ground was still wet but, not enough to be dangerous. However, I could tell that if would be really muddy and slippery if it got too saturated; consider weather conditions prior to your hike. There is an abandoned car about a mile into the trail. It gives you pause to consider, "hmmm, how did this get here?" but, now it seems to be a part of the trail and a pretty cool, albeit odd addition. Approximately 2 miles into the trail is the bird sanctuary. You will know you are there when you see a tall, wire fence that looks like a restricted area (you are allowed to go through the gate in the fence to the other side, just be sure to close it to keep out predatory animals as it was intended). The park/trail appears to be very active - I saw fishers along the trail and also a park ranger. I was a moderately easy trail and I would definitely do it again. read more
A nice, moderate, flat hike that takes you out to the Westernmost part of Oahu. It's great, even in poor weather. If you know where to look, there's a really neat infinity pool. If you're a local, you can get a permit to DRIVE an this road. You'll need a 4X4 though, it would be pretty rough for anything other than a truck or jeep. I went in from the east side. I didn't have enough time to get all the way to the end of the trail (had to fly back to chilling AK). From the photos and feedback I've gathered since then, I think it might be more interesting/scenic to reach Ka'ena Point from the south. read more
A flat 5.6-mile trail that majorly runs along the ocean. The coastal view isn't grand with its short width and crowdedness with lava rocks, but is free of people and has wildlife like helmet urchins. I was super excited to have been able to see Leihilo the monk seal! Please do respect the signs to keep a distance and if wish to take the extra step, report any sightings to the Hawaii Marine Animal Response by calling (888) 256-9840. We parked at the north end at the small, public parking lot next to the road. Unfortunately we did not manage to walk that far out before turning around because it was simply too hot even with a hat and light attire. There was no shade or wind to help with the sweltering heat from the sun. But even if not venturing out all the way to the point, the trail still presents a nice short stroll. read more
One of my favorite places on the island! Ka'ena point is an out and back trail from either The north or west side. I've done both many times and absolutely prefer the west. They both have a ton to offer. If you don't want to miss out on either, do a 12 mile out and back or stage a car. The trail is mostly flat but let's not pretend that makes it easy or uninteresting. It's rutted, with big puddles to work around. The sea views are incredible! The last two times I've been out there I was whales and dolphins! So keep your eyes open and go early. Take water and wear sunscreen. Ka'ena means the heat, and they're not joking. The park at the end, or middle, is an albatross sanctuary that regularly sees monk seals. You can see the giant birds flying around or their babies, huge and fluffy, crouched on the ground. Highly recommend! read more
Along with the pleasure of staying near the tip of Oahu, having this spot 3 miles away was an unforgettable daily experience. Runs and hikes were slower due to the amazing views; sunsets were as magnificent as anywhere in memory. Not too many visitors joined us and it felt like a well-kept secret every time. Plenty of parking and perhaps this spot gets way more crowded on weekends, but we mostly saw auto-campers on the 6am runs. Making it out to the point at sunrise, it was hard to fathom sunrise just a quick turn in the opposite direction. Allow a couple hours to take it all in, and if possible go at dawn or dusk--it's more than with it. read more
2 years ago
Wow!!!! This is definitely a hike that your kids can do and it is pretty beautiful as you walk along the coast the entire way. I do warn it might be a good idea to wear good shoes or your feet will be hurting because it is a very rocky walk but beautiful. nonetheless it was about 5 miles and we didn't even go to the very end took us about two hours. It's pretty cool to know that you were at the Western most tip of the island. It's pretty easy as far as walking goes up hill climb just long and hot! I recommend good shoes, lots of sunscreen, and water packs! Also bring snacks! You will get hungry and tired along the way! My kid and I are pretty good shape and we did! Great place to bring friends who have never been to the island! Then hit up Haleiwa town! read more
This is one of the most beautiful hikes I've ever been on. However...be prepared for a loooong walk! When we came, I was not prepared for just how long this hike was going to be. My friend and I had the expectation from my husband that the hike would only be a couple of miles. In reality, it's actually about 5 miles roundtrip. It took us a little over an hour to get to the point. We rested about about 20-30 minutes once we got there and it took us about an hour or so to make it back, so about 3 hours in total. The path is pretty flat, so if you don't like a lot of incline, this would probably work for you. The views of the oceans coupled with the green shrubbery along the coastline makes for great instagram fodder. The water is super blue and the rocks outlined along the ridge are really beautiful. All in all, I'd give this hike a 4/5 but I deducted a star because of how long it took to complete. I was literally running on the way back because I just wanted it to be over :-). I might have a different perspective if I go again, I'll just need to be prepared for the long journey next time. read more
Awesome, breathtaking views like you wouldn't imagine. It's very rocky down below at water level, so lots of waves crashing against the rocks and spraying water in the air. It really makes for a good scene. There are several opportunities to be a daredevil and crawl out onto some of the rock bridges. Parts of the trail are rocky, but it's not grueling if you stay on the main trail. There's also an albatross habitat at the point, but I didn't spot any the day I was there. Even though I didn't get to see any albatross, this was an AWESOME experience. Pictures don't do it justice - you have to hike this trail in person to experience it! read more
2 years ago
5 years ago
5 miles might seem long, but this trail is relatively flat and has beautiful views throughout! Be sure to bring lots of water and sunscreen/hat because this hike is HOT. There's also almost no cover so be prepared. read more
Can I give 10 stars??? Oh the beauty everywhere!!! The walk is around 2.5 miles. The walk in seems so fast is guess because there is so much to see and photograph. So many coves and tide pools. There is an abundance of fish swimming in the tide pools and will swim around you if you sit in the tide pool. There was a monk seal also taking a nap in one of the tide pools. When I got to The end of the trail I took my shoes off and sat in a tide pool for about an hour before I walked back ... Make sure you have good shoes and bring tobbies if you have them so you can walk along the shore line and take in all the views. read more
Mountain bike (MTB) at Ka'ena Point is a great ride when it is raining on O'ahu. As long as there isn't a state wide tropical storm or hurricane, Ka'ena Point should be clear. There are two sides to start from; Waianae and Mokuleia (North Shore). Park where the road ends in Waianae where Yokohama beach is located. There is a public restroom in the beginning but no restrooms at the point, so plan accordingly. The beginning terrain start off all flat on a dirt road. Around 2.2 miles you will hike your MTB onto a cliff trail. The dirt road was washed out by hurricane Iniki in 1992. After the trail you will see the gated entrance to Ka'ena preserve. MTB is prohibitive in the preserve, but walking your MTB in is authorized. You will see several information signage about Ka'ena Point. If you begin at Mokuleia (North Shore), you park where the road ends. There is no public restroom here. Two miles back stop at Mokuleia Beach Park to use the portable restroom. Yes, I said, portable restrooms. At the entrance start MTB 1/8 mile up than enjoy a slight DH (downhill) pump track type of a ride. To enjoy MTB on the dirt road you need to look for the dips and small mounds to jump off. You need to look for the opportunities to make this an awesome MTB ride. The hiking trail is a less technical ride. When you get to the end of the dirt road, carry your MTB up and over the boulders then through the entrance. From here you have two options. Venture through the gate or stay outside of the preserve, on the rocky path, up for a scenic view of Ka'ena Point and the Waianae coast. From here you have two options MTB DH on the trail next to the fence toward the Waianae preserve entrance or ride down the way you came and enter the preserve in the middle entrance. There is a short hike up to the WWII pillboxes. Trail is located 150 feet away from the middle gate entrance. The trail is not easily noticeable due to low traffic use. See my map. I did a round trip MTB from the North Shore to Yokohama then back to North Shore. It was a very scenic ride with many photo opportunities, total 10 miles round trip. On the Waianae side I did ride pass the old railroad beams. It was an opportunity to view the historic landmark which are fortunately still visible. Unfortunately, the actual iron rails are gone. On the Waianae side there are three spots you will need to hike your bike on a ledge, small kine excitement. Some suggestions before you MTB and pack in your backpack: *Hydrate 1 liter of water or performance drink an hour before your adventure *Spare tube *Portable air pump or Co2 tire inflator *Bike tools: allen wrenches, philip screwdriver *Basic first aid kit *Snacks *Bring enough water to hydrate. When trade winds are not blowing Ka'ena is extremely hot and humid. Ka'ena translates in english means "the heat". And as always, #liveimmortal and #livelifeunafraid your adventures!! PS: I'm always looking for friends to MTB. If you own a MTB and want to join me on a MTB ride at Ka'ena Point send me a message read more
6 years ago
This flat, easy hike is one of my favorite island activities to do with friends and visiting guests! It's 3.5 miles one way, so you'll definitely get your steps in for the day. The first time I hiked the trail with the hubby and 15 yo daughter in the summer - we got about halfway before they asked to go back because they couldn't take the heat despite bringing water bottles. This second time a friend and I hiked the trail in mid-January and it was perfect, weatherwise - overcast skies for most of the morning and strong breezes throughout our time there. We arrived at the North Shore entrance at about out 9 am; I normally would have liked to start earlier but wanted to make sure there were people around since we were two women hiking. At that time, there were still ample spots in the lower parking area, closest to shore. Despite all the cars, though, we saw no one else for a good hour into our walk! We didn't see any nesting seabirds, but we did catch sight of a trio of geese - we weren't sure what kind they were, but I Googled it later and found out they were migratory snow geese - really cool. We took our time along the coastal trail (closer to the beach) and stopped for pictures often, so it took us about 2 hours to get to Kaena Point. On the way back, we mostly stayed on the main road, skirting around several big, muddy puddles along the way, and did it in about an hour. After prolonged rainy weather, this main road gets very muddy - be prepared to lose a shoe if you get stuck in one! read more
Kaena Point is the westernmost tip of the island of Oahu. You can get to Kaena Point two ways. One is from from Waianae, and the other, is from from Waialua / Mokuleia. I seem to think the latter is the more popular route. It is for me anyway. I've walked it a few times before and have accessed the area many times prior with a vehicular permit. Please note that if you plan to access the area with a vehicle, it should be capable of handling off-road conditions and you should be comfortable driving in them as well. I have seen people get in trouble out there before and we've had to assist in towing them out of ditches. Otherwise, for the majority, you will park outside of the main gate and make your way in on foot. It's about 2.5 miles one way. Follow the signs along the way that tells you where the designated paths are. One is on a dusty unpaved and bumpy road and the other is closer to the ocean with mostly sand. Mix up your path. That's what I do. It's HOT and there is NO SHADE. So dress cool and comfortably, wear appropriate footwear, and be sure to bring water to keep you hydrated. No restrooms either, so go before you start. As you pass through the gate that leads to the top of the trail, the majority of your way will be all sand. So if you don't like getting sand in your shoes, bring a pair of slippers to change into. Once you reach the top of the trail, you'll be rewarded with a gorgeous view of the coastline that is Kaena Point. The beach here is pristine and absolutely beautiful, so please don't be that jackass who litters. Respect this area. Check this trail out! read more
I ran along this trail a couple of Sundays ago by myself. I had been looking for a place to do a morning run and the Ka'ena Point Trail seemed like the perfect place for that. I started on the North Shore side of the trail and made my way up into the bird sanctuary and Ka'ena Point. The trail itself wasn't super clearly marked but the good news is that it didn't need to be as there's nowhere to get lost between the mountains and the beach. So while I am sure I followed the trail for part of the way, I also followed parts of the dirt road and ran down parts that were neither. That's what was amazing about this trail and area, there's nothing there. That includes people as well which actually is why being on it was one of my favorite activities on Oahu. I had gorgeous mountains to one side and big waves and beaches to the other. It was just me and the birds out there except for maybe 4 other people I passed in the hour I was out there. I took the trail for about 2 miles to the bird sanctuary and then continued the last mile out to the point inside the fenced in and protected sanctuary. Once I made it out to the point I took some pictures and headed back to where I started. Most of the trail here is dirt and sand and there is very little elevation change although there are some small changes here and there. The bottom line for me is that I would head back here again and again in the future. I really enjoyed my trail run here and found it to be one of the most peaceful and beautiful parts of the island. As a matter of a fact I plan to do the whole trail the next time I am able to get on it. read more
This trail isn't your typical trail where you're covered by brushes and have nice cover from the sun. Whatever you do though, do not let that deter you. The entry point overlooks the ocean and you can see down the coastline. The thing that's really cool is that if you're not into walking then you dive your truck on the paths. There are multiple points throughout where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. I highly recommend that if you're going to walk that you bring water with you because it is a long distance to walk and it's not just a flat path. It's covered with rocks and pretty muddy in certain areas. Getting to the end of the trail was pretty awesome. The area is fenced off and dogs are not allowed in. There are birds nesting and it's quite awesome to look at. When you make it past the birds you can down to the water and see sea lions hanging out on the rocks and the view from that end is pretty mesmerizing. There's really no way to lost on this trail because you just simply keep walking straight. There are multiple folks camping out up there, so if you want a spot to wake up and look out at the ocean you should definitely check it out. I'm not entirely sure if you have to check in with someone if you want to drive and camp out. read more
Finally made it back to this trail 6 years later Lol! This time around we entered the trail from the end of Waialua side. I had no idea there was two ways to get into this trail! One side you could go from the end of Waianae (Yokohama bay) end OR the end of Waialua side! Learned something new. I really loved this hike this time around though because of the coastal views all along this trail. Such a breath of fresh air of the ocean. Very calming and relaxing all the way to the end. I would say it's about 5 miles back and forth, same goes coming from the other end! Must wear comfortable shoes! It's a very long walk. Again, I really enjoyed seeing and watching the Monk seals interact and watching the Albatross Birds flying overhead. Saw some cool plants along the way as well. Such a great hike. I highly recommend this hike to anyone even though it's long! It's super enjoyable. read more
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More info about Ka'ena Point Trail Hike
68-760 Farrington Hwy
Ka'ena Point State Park
Waialua, HI 96791
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http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/hiking/oahu/kaena-point-trail
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Are there places to go swimming?
Yes multiple coves to swim at along with tide pools along the way. At the 2nd cove walk towards the ocean side right before the cove you will see a nice pool to swim in
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Ka'ena Point Trail Hike - hiking - Updated July 2026
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