Ka'ena Point Trail, Oahu, Hawaii

Trail Length: 3.5 miles (1.7 miles each way to the central, westernmost point of the Island of Oahu from either trailhead from the northern or southern trailhead approaches)
Activity: Pedestrian hiking, mountain biking with full suspension recommended and expect to carry your bike in some places (No vehicles)
Difficulty: Moderate (Allow 1 to 3 hours depending on your pace)
Terrain: Open coastline with natural sand dunes and rocks (bring H2O and wear sunscreen & a hat due to the wind, sun and heat)
Elevation Gain: None (some areas of the former dirt road and railroad bed are rocky with erosion and potholes which can twist ankles)
Park Name: Ka'ena Point State Park (808)587-0300

Description: Ka'ena Point is at 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 rare/endangered seabirds. Whales and schools of dolphins frequent this shoreline during the winter months.

Stay away from the wave-exposed coast unless you are familiar with hazardous ocean conditions. BE SURE TO SECURE/LOCK YOUR VEHICLE - THIS IS A REMOTE AREA OF OAHU AND CAN BE UNSAFE IF TRAVELLING SOLO. RECOMMEND GROUP HIKING/BIKING ONLY! BE PREPARED FOR CRIMINALS.

Route from the South: From the Wai‘anae side, the trailhead begins at the end of the paved road in the Keawaula Section of Ka‘ena Point State Park. 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 tide pools, 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.

Route from the North: From the Mokule‘ia side, park at the end of the paved road past Dillingham Airfield & Gliderport, 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.

A navigational light is visible at the point and the rocks incline into the surf. The sand dunes and sunsets can be spectacular at Ka'ena Point, but please be respectful of the Hawaiian ancestral significance of this area. Ka'ena Point was the "jumping off" site for souls departing this life according to Hawaiian folklore. Also, as a word of caution to allow others to enjoy Ka'ena Point, this is a Natural Area Reserve so please take care to avoid damaging native flora and watch for nesting seabirds, of which some make burrow nests.

We did this hike from the north (Mokule‘ia) side in time for the sunset, but we were glad we brought large flashlights and made our way back quickly as a group as soon at the sun set and there was still twilight. Nothing happened to our group or vehicles, but there was "evidence" of criminal activity in this remote area which can be unsettling for some, despite the natural beauty of the area.

Take a hike! Ka'ena Point Trail, State Park and Nature Area Reserve is a beautiful place to take in the sunset surrounded by life in the sea, the air, the mountains and the dunes! Not your average tourist attraction on Oahu, either!