Division of State Parks

Trail Length	2.5 miles
Activity	Pedestrian, Biking
Difficulty	Moderate
Terrain	Open Coastline
Elevation Gain	Negligible
Park Name	Kaʻena Point State Park

Description

The trail to Ka‘ena Point follows an old railroad bed and former dirt road that ran along the westernmost point of O‘ahu. The trail leads to Ka‘ena Point Natural Area Reserve, a remote and scenic protected area harboring some of the last vestiges of coastal sand dune habitat on the island, and home to native plants and seabirds. Whales frequent this shoreline during the winter months. 

The weather is usually sunny and hot, and it can be windy – a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water are recommended. Allow 1 to 3 hours depending on your pace. Stay away from the wave-exposed coast unless you are familiar with hazardous ocean conditions.

Route

There are two routes to Kaʻena Point. From the Wai‘anae side, take the trailhead at the end of the paved road in the Keawaula Section of Ka‘ena Point State Park and follow the dirt roadway for 2.5 miles to Ka‘ena Point Natural Area Reserve. This route follows the shoreline on your left (southwest), characterized by boulder beaches and occasional tidepools, while cliffs rise above you on your right (northeast). Midway along the trail are a pair of small blowholes. In places the old road has eroded completely.

From the Mokule‘ia side, park at the end of the paved road and follow the dirt roadway for 2.5 miles. The trail traverses a broad, relatively flat coastal plain marked by a raised limestone reef and sand dunes. Upon reaching the Natural Area Reserve, please take care to avoid damaging native flora and watch for nesting seabirds, some of whom make burrow nests. A navigational light is visible at the point. Stay on established paths. No dogs or other animals are allowed in the Park and in the Reserve. To return, retrace your path.

Directions

If you use the Wai‘anae route from Honolulu, take the H1 freeway west, it will eventually turn into Farrington Highway (Route 93). Farrington Highway will become a two lane road at it’s northern end, and terminates at Ka‘ena Point State Park. If you use the Mokule‘ia route, take H-2 to Kaukonahua Road (Route 803) to Farrington Highway (Route 930) past Waialua and go about 1 mile past Camp Erdman. The trailhead on either side of Ka‘ena Point begins where the paved road ends and a rough 4-wheel drive road begins.

Additional Info

• NO ANIMALS ALLOWED IN THE PARK OR KA‘ENA POINT NATURAL AREA RESERVE EXCEPT SERVICE ANIMALS.
• Stay on the trail.
• Pack out at least what you pack in.
• Drones are not permitted.
• No open fires.

Malama Hawaii-Wildlife from Hawaii DLNR on Vimeo.

Some Native Plants & Animals of Kaʻena

Hike & Steward

As you hike Kaʻena Point State Park, keep an eye out for the new Marine Debris Drop-off Stations signs pictured below.

Marine debris consists of man-made objects cast adrift in the ocean, either washed into the water from land-based sources or discarded from vessels at sea. In Hawaiʻi, marine debris drifts in to our waters and comes ashore all year. Marine debris of any size poses a threat to the health and safety of the human population and the fringing coral reef that protects our shorelines. Marine debris may cause entanglement to seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals. All marine species could also potentially digest the material.

Several signs are visible near the coastal roads and trails. We ask that park users place marine debris found along the shoreline beneath these signs for staff removal, as they serve as Marine Debris Drop-off Stations. Please refrain from leaving trash at these Drop-off Stations, remember to pack out your garbage. As a courtesy reminder, please adhere to all park rules, i.e. no dogs, no drones, no camping.

Kaʻena is traditionally known for its marine resources. Fishers that use the park should properly dispose of their derelict fishing line in the fishing debris collection bins installed in the park by NOAA partner Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response. The bins are used to collect used line and hooks so that they can be recycled or disposed of properly preventing derelict fishing gear from entering the ocean from the park.

If you would like to get involved and volunteer in the park, scan the QR code or Register As A Volunteer Here.

Let’s Protect What We Love and mālama Kaʻena Point State Park. Mahalo.