Ka'ena Point State Park
Ka'ena Point State Park
4.5
About
At the very end of Mokuleia where the road dead-ends is Kaena Point State Park with its secluded sandy coves and huge wide-open spaces. The hiking trail follows a deeply rutted unpaved Jeep road with dozens of small seaward paths branching off to the ocean’s edge. If you opt to hike the full round-trip trek from Kaena Point to Yokohama Bay on the Leeward Coast, you’ll need roughly three hours, ample stamina, plenty of water, sunscreen, snacks, body cover and your camera.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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4.5
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kingmama
Glen Mills, PA390 contributions
Sep 2021
Reading reviews and looking at state park website I finally realized there are two separate coastal hikes to Ka'ena Point, both covered in reviews.
1) going west, along the north coast (Mokuleia). Google maps directions to Ka'ena Pt State Park take you here.
2) going north, along the west coast (Waianae). We were staying at Marriott Ko Olina so just drove straight up coast ~45 min til dead ends for this one at the end of Yokohama Bay in a parking lot.
There is a gate at the entrance to the Bay/beach (called Keawaula Section on State Park website). It's closed again as of 10/1, adding an extra mile r/t to the hike. It was open on weekends in Sept so we went first thing Sat morning. As others have said, no shade, bring lots of water, flat coastal trail with beautiful ocean and mountain views, suitable for all ages/abilities. Read the interesting placards, especially how the trail was an old railroad line before it got wiped out by a tsunami!
Took us 3 1/4 hrs, 5.3 miles r/t to the point and back. Would be closer to 6.5 miles now with gate closed. Previous reviewer said other trail was ~ 6 miles. It is pretty much similar scenery (beautiful aqua blue water and rugged volcanic rock coast) repeated all the way to point, then it's very different (windy, sandy trail - like walking on the beach, etc). Saw alot of local fisherman at the start of the trail (they have permits to drive vehicles in). Talked to one who had just finished spearfishing & had a ~12 lb fish!
We did not see any monk seals, baby birds, etc. Didn't feel up to exploring the Point tide pools, and the walk back is what you just saw coming in so felt LONG....We had arrived in Oahu from the East Coast at dinnertime night before so I was likely jet lagged. Hubby didn't feel same way (he can sleep on the plane!) so i went with his 4 rating instead of my 3 since it was probably too harsh.
1) going west, along the north coast (Mokuleia). Google maps directions to Ka'ena Pt State Park take you here.
2) going north, along the west coast (Waianae). We were staying at Marriott Ko Olina so just drove straight up coast ~45 min til dead ends for this one at the end of Yokohama Bay in a parking lot.
There is a gate at the entrance to the Bay/beach (called Keawaula Section on State Park website). It's closed again as of 10/1, adding an extra mile r/t to the hike. It was open on weekends in Sept so we went first thing Sat morning. As others have said, no shade, bring lots of water, flat coastal trail with beautiful ocean and mountain views, suitable for all ages/abilities. Read the interesting placards, especially how the trail was an old railroad line before it got wiped out by a tsunami!
Took us 3 1/4 hrs, 5.3 miles r/t to the point and back. Would be closer to 6.5 miles now with gate closed. Previous reviewer said other trail was ~ 6 miles. It is pretty much similar scenery (beautiful aqua blue water and rugged volcanic rock coast) repeated all the way to point, then it's very different (windy, sandy trail - like walking on the beach, etc). Saw alot of local fisherman at the start of the trail (they have permits to drive vehicles in). Talked to one who had just finished spearfishing & had a ~12 lb fish!
We did not see any monk seals, baby birds, etc. Didn't feel up to exploring the Point tide pools, and the walk back is what you just saw coming in so felt LONG....We had arrived in Oahu from the East Coast at dinnertime night before so I was likely jet lagged. Hubby didn't feel same way (he can sleep on the plane!) so i went with his 4 rating instead of my 3 since it was probably too harsh.
Written October 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Alaina T
4 contributions
Apr 2022 • Couples
This hike was very well worth it. You get to see some outrageous views! It takes about two hours to walk to the point taking the coastal trail. It’s very beautiful and it may take you less time if you don’t stop every few minutes to catch the views (like we did) but I definitely recommend that you do!! Wear hiking shoes and bring water and a light jacket. Wear sunscreen. WE SAW MONK SEALS (3 of them) ðŸ¦ðŸ¦ðŸ¦. The walk back was brutal on us because we don’t hike often so that two mile journey back to the parking lot was hard. But it was worth it in the end.
Written April 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
getreal2me99
Honolulu, HI501 contributions
Jul 2020
I have been coming to this hike many times and finally did both sides. Hiked from Waianae and Mokuleia. They are about the same distance. I used my Strava and gave me total about 6 miles roundtrip via Mokuleia. What I like about this trail is that the coastal view and the mountain range. Once you reach to the point; which is the westernmost tip of Oahu, you can see Hawaiian Monk Seal, seawater birds like Wedge Tail Shearwater, Laysan Albatross and Boobies. There are also native plants along the trail like Ohai. Downfall for this hike is very hot. No shades throughout the hike. Although it is relatively all flat trail. Family friendly hike. Don’t(s) for this hike, no Dogs allowed, Droning, harassing the animals and derailing. Respect the place, since this is a bird sanctuary and no littering. Make sure to hydrate, bring enough water. And use sunscreen protection.
Written July 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Megan S
CT304 contributions
Feb 2020
This was my favorite place on Oahu. The walk is easy and well marked. There are many signs posted saying that vehicles and motorcycles aren't allowed, but we still saw a lot of them on the trail. When you get to the end it's an amazing bird sanctuary. We saw a ton of albatrosses of all ages including tiny chicks. The adults and adolescents were flying around and doing courtship dances. It was mesmerizing. We also saw dolphins and whales out at sea with our binoculars. We saw 4 rainbows on the way back to the car. If you like birds, wildlife and nature this walk is for you!
Written February 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Carrie0693
Madison, AL1,825 contributions
Mar 2022
Decided to hike from the end of North Shore this time and it was different and amazing. If I did it again I'd rent a 4wheeler. I felt safe and I'm a 50yr old woman who is not in the best of shape. I got to see seals and turtles both times I hiked. If I go again I'd bring my family here. There were so many private beaches that you'd have all to yourself and when I made it to the gates of Ka'ena Point I got to see the birds. Saw much more on the hike along the shore than inside gates but I got my exercise.
Tips for State of Hawaii - you need bathrooms. Everyone is having to use the potty the other way and wow in some areas the heat makes you smell it bad.
Glad I wore hiking shoes and brought plenty of water. I read reviews and glad I did. I made sure to have ice cold water waiting for me inside my car.
Take ur time and make sure you hike along the shore. The turtles and seals love this area and it's NOT crowded at all. It's like the LOCAL hangout.
Tips for State of Hawaii - you need bathrooms. Everyone is having to use the potty the other way and wow in some areas the heat makes you smell it bad.
Glad I wore hiking shoes and brought plenty of water. I read reviews and glad I did. I made sure to have ice cold water waiting for me inside my car.
Take ur time and make sure you hike along the shore. The turtles and seals love this area and it's NOT crowded at all. It's like the LOCAL hangout.
Written April 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robert H
Centreville, VA223 contributions
Feb 2020
In addition to the beautiful beach, we did the 5.6 mile round trip hike from the beach to the point, timed to enjoy the sunset from the point. The scenery along the way was breathtaking and included sea arches and a blow hole that made a great sound. We saw albatross nesting area which was an amazing sight to see. We packed in dinner for a picnic at the point then washed the beautiful sunset. The hike back at dusk was no problem providing you bring flashlight. This is a must-do activity.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Stephen N
New York City, NY1,445 contributions
Nov 2020 • Couples
We started our day a little later having hit Leonard's at 9:30 before making the hour or so drive from Waikiki. We approached from the Farrington Hwy side as Ka'ena has 2 different approaches. We hit the parking lot and started on a 2 hike to the Ka'ena point which is the westernmost point on Oahu. Many beautiful landscapes as we walked on mostly flat ground with the undulating mountain on the left and crashing waves on the right. We saw some interesting landscapes on the way, some old remnants of former rail bridges, lots of waves and stark nature. You eventually make it to a gogantic man made fence designed to keep predators out and to keep some native species of plants and animals inside safer. Walk another 25 minutes or so and you make it to the end with dead coral abound. At the point you see nothing but vlue skies ahead of you. We did get lucky enough to see a monk seal relaxing today and he peaked his head up every now and then and rolled around - like he knew everyone was taking his pic. Walk back too about an hour. We liked this hike a lot because you see a lot of beautiful scenery- do make sure to bring lots of water and snacks. We saw a family of older folks stay for a picnic lunch.
Written November 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
GeneralShamu
New York City, NY971 contributions
Apr 2021
This trail was the most beautiful of the ten or so hikes we did on the island of Oahu. It takes a long time purely because you are stopping along the way so many times to take pictures of the rock formations, cliffsides, etc...
At the end there is a wildlife sanctuary beyond a gate. Definitely go exploring there but don't be that person that doesn't respect the space of the animals. We encountered a nursing, highly endangered, monk seal!
At the end there is a wildlife sanctuary beyond a gate. Definitely go exploring there but don't be that person that doesn't respect the space of the animals. We encountered a nursing, highly endangered, monk seal!
Written May 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jen A
Seattle, WA42 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
We enjoyed a relatively quiet sunset hike towards K point.
Passed couples on a photo shoot, a large family bumping along the path in their truck, and others seeming to settle in for a night on the beach. Definitely not for everyone - as someone defined this area as ‘not safe not safe not safe’ but we had no problems and appreciated being off the beaten path.
Passed couples on a photo shoot, a large family bumping along the path in their truck, and others seeming to settle in for a night on the beach. Definitely not for everyone - as someone defined this area as ‘not safe not safe not safe’ but we had no problems and appreciated being off the beaten path.
Written March 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Poodletoes
Dayton, OH479 contributions
Jan 2020
First, this review is written about hiking the north side of the trail. One can access it from the south and both trails end at the "lighthouse" at the end of the point.
I would consider this a "must do" when visiting Oahu. No roads go here and there are no bathrooms. We parked where the Farrington Hwy dead ends into the decent sized parking lot. The road to the south trail is also called the Farrington Hwy, Confusing, I know. I guess it is the same road but there is a big gap where the road does not meet up. Anyway, we arrived at the parking lot at 9AM and had no trouble finding a place in the lot. The trail is well marked all along the way. BUT it is not 5 miles round trip as the guide books say, at least if you do it right. There is an old very rutted and rocky road you can hike on or you can walk on the beach. The signs point you to the beach route with occasional switches to higher ground. The beach trail is beautiful, why anyone would want to walk on the road is beyond me.
According to my mileage tracker, we walked 7 1/2 miles taking 4 1/2 hours, including time spent at the point. All along the path the scenery just smacks you in the face, it is so gorgeous with the ocean on the right and the Palis (cliffs ) on the left. You can see remains of the old railroad track that at one time went clear around the point. After a while, you come to a fenced area. You can enter here ( and should! ) It is the beginning of the nature preserve. A multitude of Laysan Albatross nest here. January, when we were here, we saw many of the ground nesting birds who mate for life. Further on at the point, we came to the prize! Many endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals were hauled out onto the rocks and beach. What a treat! We spent time here just watching the seals. I was so enchanted that I forgot to scan the ocean for Humpbacks which are also commonly seen out here in the proper months. The trip out is the way you came in. We thought we might take the road out for a quicker exit, but it was so bumpy and boring that we went back to the beach trail. Do this trail, even if you dont do the whole thing. I did it and I am 71.
I would consider this a "must do" when visiting Oahu. No roads go here and there are no bathrooms. We parked where the Farrington Hwy dead ends into the decent sized parking lot. The road to the south trail is also called the Farrington Hwy, Confusing, I know. I guess it is the same road but there is a big gap where the road does not meet up. Anyway, we arrived at the parking lot at 9AM and had no trouble finding a place in the lot. The trail is well marked all along the way. BUT it is not 5 miles round trip as the guide books say, at least if you do it right. There is an old very rutted and rocky road you can hike on or you can walk on the beach. The signs point you to the beach route with occasional switches to higher ground. The beach trail is beautiful, why anyone would want to walk on the road is beyond me.
According to my mileage tracker, we walked 7 1/2 miles taking 4 1/2 hours, including time spent at the point. All along the path the scenery just smacks you in the face, it is so gorgeous with the ocean on the right and the Palis (cliffs ) on the left. You can see remains of the old railroad track that at one time went clear around the point. After a while, you come to a fenced area. You can enter here ( and should! ) It is the beginning of the nature preserve. A multitude of Laysan Albatross nest here. January, when we were here, we saw many of the ground nesting birds who mate for life. Further on at the point, we came to the prize! Many endangered Hawaiian Monk Seals were hauled out onto the rocks and beach. What a treat! We spent time here just watching the seals. I was so enchanted that I forgot to scan the ocean for Humpbacks which are also commonly seen out here in the proper months. The trip out is the way you came in. We thought we might take the road out for a quicker exit, but it was so bumpy and boring that we went back to the beach trail. Do this trail, even if you dont do the whole thing. I did it and I am 71.
Written January 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Oztotl
Corvallis, OR206 contributions
Hi, we're looking at visiting from Waianae. And I've read where the walk is longer but easier. How long are the walk/hikes? It is hard to get an estimate from Google maps. Thanks for any help.
Jeff S
Oregon City, OR43 contributions
You need to budget at least a few hours for either approach. It all depends on how aggressive you walk. The approach from Waianae is shorter but slower because the trail is washed out near the point and you'll need to do some short climbs. The north approach is basically level. It wasn't windy the time I was there, but I could see how that could be a factor. It took me much longer to hike in than out on the north approach. Going in I stopped at many locations, but going out I didn't stop. If you are able bodied and short on time I'd recommend the wset approach. If you have the better part of the day and need a level course then the north approach is for you.
leahthecaterer
Lewiston, UTAH111 contributions
I just wondered which side you hike from - the west side - Makaha? We want to do the Makaha side. Is it safe to swim at the point? How long was the hike - an hour? Where did you see the monk seals - right in with the birds at the point? Do you think we are crazy if we can't start the hike until about 11 am? ;-)
Thanks!
Is there a curfew or does the park close at a certain time?
yyzhnl
Mississauga, Canada196 contributions
I don't recall any gates or times posted. So I believe it is open 24/7 365 days.
alexxra
Sao Paulo, SP58 contributions
I have read that Ka'ena point is an awesome place for stargazing, and I'd very much like to give it a try. Have anyone tried this? Is it better to go hiking or riding a bike? Is it dangerous at night? I'd be going with my boyfriend. I'll be visiting Oahu and Kauai, is Ka'ena Point the best place in both of these islands to see stars? Thanks guys!!
RJF549
New Brunswick, Canada141 contributions
It is definitely best for hiking, not a good trail for bike riding... to rough. I feel it would be dangerous at night, as the cliffs are so high and open to the water below... you could easily slip off the cliff and into the water below. I would recommend a day time walk only. Enjoy!
Chefchrista1
Portland, OR
How hard is he home compared to diamond head?
Chefchrista1
Portland, OR
The question was how hard is the hike compared to Diamondhead sorry about the auto correct
rvdriver
Clearwater FL4 contributions
Hi,
I have heard that whales are seen in the ocean at Washington Oaks at certain times of the year.
If so when are they seen?
John S
Kapolei, HI146 contributions
I'm not sure about "Wasnington Oaks, but Ka'ena Point definitely has a "Whale Season" from January to March each year. Hawaii gets a Humpback Whale migration in winter with whales coming close to shore on many islands. We watched whale activity for the Humpback Conservancy in the past...Makua Cave is on the way to Ka'ena Pt. That was our viewing station.
Marseel242
Hawaii5 contributions
any public restrooms?
Softball_nut
Summerland, Canada239 contributions
Once you are on the hike there are no facilities or even any trees or bushes. The odd large rock, but it is a fairly busy trail.
thereisnotime
orlando, fl2 contributions
Where do you park? I know when we drove up the side from Aulani it wasn't a non tourist area for locals only. Are you coming from the other side where the base side is and Lost was filmed?
Please verify direction on how to get there really want to do this this summer.
chisox05
Kapolei, HI84 contributions
If you're taking the southern approach from Waianae I've been told that most break-ins happen to cars parked right at the trailhead. If you just turn around and go back toward Waianae and park along side the road at a spot that's not obscured by bushes you should have less chance of a break-in. Even then, heed the advice given above and don't leave valuables in your car. The other advice to follow is to bring sufficient water and sunscreen. It's a hot trail with very little shade. Avoid doing this hike in the middle of the day.
With those negatives aside, it's a great hike! Dramatic coast line, tide pools, feathered and blubbered wildlife. Frequent humpback sightings during the winter. You'll be tempted to scramble out over lava rock in many places to get closer to the water so bring appropriate footwear.
Ka'ena Point State Park (Waianae) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Ka'ena Point State Park
- We recommend booking Ka'ena Point State Park tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Ka'ena Point State Park tours on Tripadvisor
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- Restaurants near Ka'ena Point State Park:
- (9.29 mi) Haleiwa Bowls
- (9.23 mi) Waialua Bakery
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- (9.19 mi) Coffee Gallery