Kaʻena Point Trail

Interesting views of black rocky coastline. Flat hike with occasional shade on the trail. We had the whole family with us- age 9 to 83 and everyone found something to enjoy. Though we didn’t finish the trail- just walked 30 minutes in and 30 out:) It’s the dry side of the island so it was hot and a little dusty. But we saw some pretty cool succulents!

I am rating this trail between moderate and hard, trending towards hard because although the terrain is flat, the complete lack of cover from the sun made it quite challenging, heat-wise. When there was cloud cover the heat was fine. There are some portions of the trail that are covered in beach sand which adds to the challenge. Despite the heat, my family (including my 10 year old) loved the trail and we spent over 5 hours in total there as we took our time on the way back, stopping to swim in tide pools and at the sandy/coral beach. Highly recommend taking dips to cool off along the way. We would do this in both directions next time if we returned on a similarly sunny day. We saw 3 seals and several albatross.

Easy flat walk to the point, took about an hour from the car park to the predator fence. Walking along the rocks and coast is beautiful however the road path has been chopped up by big four-wheel-drives which is not unexpected. Take lots of water as there are absolutely no facilities anywhere and it is very hot and exposed. Unfortunately, we only saw one monk seal on our walk and a few shearwater birds were still around their nests. check the time of year you’re walking and what you might expect to see.

My husband and I absolutely loved this hike. It is technically easy and mostly flat the whole way. You are in the sun for the entire 6 miles so bring a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water. The breezes coming off the water kept it from being too hot which was nice. The views are stunning the whole way but the point is exquisite. Make sure you walk through the gate to go all the way to the point. The mountains are stunning against the crashing waves. Breathtaking! We saw tons of albatross! Totally worth the trek. Highly recommend.

The beach along the way is nice. However, this isn't really a hiking trail. The path isn't marked very well and you spend a good amount of time using the road the permitted vehicles use. Didn't feel like you were really in nature thanks to all the vehicles that use the road in. Not much wildlife out when we went. One monk seal was hidden on the beach but we didn't try to see it, we left it alone. It was overcast so that was nice cause there is not much shade out there. Dry looking landscape.

Nice trail to go hiking. Its relatively hot compared to most of the island. Its fun to look inthe tide pools and find wildlife. Mostly crabs and small fish but still fun. Very quiet and away from other people is what's nicest.

Definitely worth the hike from either the west or north side although I preferred the west side. It was a bit more scenic and picturesque. The bird sanctuary is so cool the birds are very active later in the afternoon. Make sure you start heading back to the parking lot around 6 though as the parking lot closes at 7 and you might get locked in, towed and/or fined

The distance is worth it if you are willing to walk. The place has indigenous Hawaii plants and birds so kindly preserve them it means the world to the Hawaii people. Also follow the instructions and do not fish the around the fenced area or endangered species.Also if you see a Hawaiian Monk Seal do not get close than 150ft. Also it makes sense to hike with a person familiar with Hawaii history. I was so lucky to hike with a person who volunteered to preserve the place 10yrs ago and she had proper detailed history of the place, plants and birds.