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

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

 

[KAUA’I)] UPDATED 6/3/23: Kauai North Shore Shuttle departures to Hā’ena State Park is SUSPENDED until 10am for a Walk/Run Race.

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[MAUI] UPDATED 5/1/23: ʻIao Valley State Monument ha REOPENED. Reservations required for out-of-state residents. See ʻĪao site for updates.

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[O’AHU] UPDATED 5/1/23: Sand Island State Recreation Area – WATER OFFLINE, in the park, facilities impacted. See Sand Island site for updates.

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[HAWAIʻI] UPDATED 5/1/23: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area – WATER OFFLINE in the park, facilities impacted. See Hapuna site for updates. 

Kaʻena Point Trail

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    Trail Length 3.5 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

    A hike to Ka‘ena Point can take two routes. 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 2.4 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 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

    • Stay on the trail.
    • NO ANIMALS ALLOWED IN PARK OR KA‘ENA POINT NATURAL AREA RESERVE EXCEPT SERVICE ANIMALS.
    • DOGS HAVE BEEN PARTICULARLY DAMAGING WITHIN KA‘ENA POINT NATURAL AREA RESERVE.
    • Pack out at least what you pack in.
    • No open fires.