Kaʻena Point Trail
Photo Credit: Kelvin Lu
Waves off Kaena Point

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

Monitor local surf and weather reports prior to your park visit.

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[MAUI] update 9/10/24: ʻIao Valley State Monument – Due to construction projects at ʻIao Valley State Monument on Tuesday morning, September 17, the earliest available reservation slot is 9:00 A.M to 10:30 A.M. Those who booked earlier reservations prior to this notice may request refunds by emailing <[email protected]>. Mahalo.

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[KAUA'I] update 9/10/24 - ENTIRE KALALAU TRAIL SECTION OF THE NĀPALI COAST STATE WILDERNESS PARK NOW CLOSED effective 9/4/24:  The DLNR Division of State Parks (DSP), in consultation with the Hawai‘i Dept. of Health (DOH), has elected to close the entire Kalalau Trail section, from Kē‘ē to Honopu in the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park. Camping at Kalalau Trail is CLOSED. DLNR and DOH are closely coordinating the situation in Kalalau and taking appropriate action to ensure public health and safety.  The closure is effective through at least September 18, 2024. Please check back for updates.

This notice is subject to change pending additional guidance from DOH.

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[OʻAHU] UPDATED 9/3/24 – Kaʻena Point State Park, Mokuleʻia Section: Due to severe staff shortages, the processing of vehicular access permits may experience delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.

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[KAUAʻI] UPDATED 6/18/24 – Kōkeʻe State Park: The gate to Puʻu O Kila Lookout will be closed to vehicular traffic due to road repairs beginning 3/19/24. The lookout will still be accessible by pedestrians, parking is available at Kalalau lookout.

Kaʻena Point Trail

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    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.