Kaʻena Point Trail

A tiring and hot hike but a real awesome glimpse into wild Hawaii as you hike from the north side to the west side. Great wildlife and shore bird watching. The albatross/predator -free zone area behind the fence seems very impressive as you walk up to it, and after passing through getting to be so close to all those endangered and beautiful birds as they go about courting one another is truly magnificent and exciting. Also a wonderful place to spot the critically endangered Hawaiian monk seal if you have your eyes on the lookout as you reach the point among the rocks. Just make sure you keep a good 150ft away when you see them. Definitely makes the hard hike worth it. Certainly bring enough water and a decent snack whether rain or shine because it is hot and quite difficult terrain.

Great experience at Kaena Point. The trail is well maintained and best done early morning as the heat of the day can get pretty overwhelming. The total miles from point to point and back is close to 7 miles but we'll worth it. There is a new addition to the trail called the the Coastal Trailhead and it gets you closer to the water without any danger from the waves buy close enough to have an ocean and waves views the whole way until the communication tower. Absolute a must do while in Hawaii. We encountered plenty of marine life including Hawaiian Monk seals, albatross birds and fish. The area is good for hiking, mountain biking, fishing, 4 wheeling up to a certain point. Come and explore the area then head up to Polo Beach and enjoy the beach for a splash in the waters.

We saw the people starting the actual hike—God bless their commitment to fitness and several hours of sun exposure. We, however, employed the superior, low-effort viewing strategy: pulling over, watching the dramatic waves crash for a moment, and feeling incredibly smug about the decision. The views are suitably epic, confirming that one does not need to achieve a personal best to appreciate nature's grandeur. We got 100% of the reward for 0% of the exhaustion. Five stars for the scenery, zero stars for the personal effort required (by us).

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.

Beautiful tide pools along the shoreline walk. Large waves in the winter. Whales breaching off the coast during the right time of yeah. Albatross nesting. There is no shade so prepare for a few hours in direct sun

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!

Nice walk but really not much to see. We are glad we did it, but the scenery was not worth doing it again. Some of the visitors along the drive in are definitely sketchy and I am not surprised car break ins have occurred. Some look like they are camping (in old dilapidated campers), which I think isn't allowed. Regardless it's very sketchy.

My hike to Ka'ena Point at the westermost tip of Oahu was the first hike I took during a week's stay on the island and it was a great choice! There are two separate trails to get to Ka'ena Point, one from the North Shore at Mokuleia, and one from the west at Yokohama Bay. I chose the latter because it was a shorter ride from Honolulu, where I was staying. Directions to the trailhead of this hike are relatively easy. All you have to do is follow Rte. 93, right past Keawaula Beach to where the road ends. There is a parking lot by the beach, and those with special permits can drive a little further into the park before exiting their vehicles. I parked in the lot. The hike at Ka'ena Point State Park on the western side is slightly under 5 miles out and back. The trail is moderately easy in difficulty, as there are no real changes in elevation and the trail is relatively flat, yet rocky. There is very little shade along the trail, so plenty of water is necessary, as well as sunscreen and perhaps something to cover your head. Hiking midday, as I did, is not advised. Despite the heat, the hike along this rugged coastline is spectacularly beautiful and I enjoyed every minute. There are plenty of cool little rocky coves and volcanic cliffs along the trail. The stunning beauty of the coast, and the fact that this was my first real look at Hawaii, made my hike a little longer because I just kept stopping to look around and take pictures. If it hadn't been smack dab in the middle of the day, I maybe would have spent more time going down and exploring any of those magnificently tempting coves. Next time. Ka'ena Point State Park was a spectacular place, and I highly recommend it.

This is one of my top two places on the island for it's sheer beauty and tranquility. I'd say this is an easy hike; however, it's 6 miles out and back with NO shade. Bring plenty of water and know your body's limits. Frequently you can find Hawaiian Monk Seals sunbathing on the white coral beaches. If deciding whether to go from West Side or North side, just know that the west side offers a coastal view the entire way with unique rock formations and a blow hole.

Ka'ena point trail -South!!! Don't miss out on the other side of the trail!!! This trail is in a state park with a great beach at the start. You could make a whole day out of this hike/walk. The trail was well maintained and easy to walk. Some spots had some mud but we were able to walk around, the rocks/gravel in some spots are slippery but just watch your step. We enjoyed the ocean and Mountain View's the whole time. We went a little later in the day so we end right before sunset which was just amazing. If you want to see a different side of Hawaii/oahu this would give it to you. It is a drive out there but for me it was worth it.

Great hike. I think it was 6 miles round trip from the parking lot to the point and back. No elevated terrain but some parts can be a little rocky, but there are several trail options to choose from. The bird estuary was nice and we saw several monk seals on the way. Probably the most scenic hike I've ever done.

We've done this hike twice at sunset, and it's worth the trip to the North Shore for it. If you go with the intent to watch the sunset, too, be sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp with you for the trek back to your car; there are no lights around for you to see your way back. The first time we did this, we ended up using the flashlights on our cellphones. Not only are the views spectacular, but you walk through a natural reserve on your way to the point. Five stars all the way!

Great things said about this hike elsewhere, so I'll focus on the practical stuff. It's consistently very windy so dress appropriately and secure your hat. Dust / sand blow around so it may aggravate eyes and noses. If you stay for the sunset, have a headlamp or flashlight for coming back. The trail is not even and it would be really easy to trip. 99% of the hike is pretty meh IMHO (rated on a curve for Hawaii) but the last 1% is absolutely stunning and completely worth it. The hike is relatively flat so even if one is not terribly fit, if they could walk for 2-3 hours over they could probably do it without too many problems. Trail is more of a rugged dirt road and kinda rough with modest ups and downs, but not a big deal. One of my favorite hikes on Oahu and a "must see!"

A nice beachside trail, but go earlier the better... If you're looking for a flat beachside trail along the ocean, this is it! On the Mokuleia side, you can park at the end of the road, enter the gate, then either walk along the jeep trail headed west to Kaena Point, or you can walk along some paths DLNR have established that more closely follows the seaside. It is about 2 1/2 miles to the point (about 55 minutes to slightly over an hour walk depending on how quickly you go), have a nice view at the pillbox structure overlooking the North Shore on one side, and the Waianae coast on the other. Then, if you want, from that point, you can continue walking towards Waianae to that side park entrance ... another 2+ miles. That would take another 40 minutes. So a round trip is slightly over 10 miles and perhaps 3 hours and 5 min to 3 hours 30 min, depending on how quickly you walk, take breaks, photos, etc... A few suggestions and tips: * there is no tree cover! * bring lots of water * sunscreen recommend! * if you plan to do the 10 miles, consider starting 7 am at least, so you can avoid the mid-day sun! * there are no bathroom facilities. I usually stop at the Dillingham airfield along the way. So a nice way to get in some miles, burn 1,000 calories ...and perhaps put it all back at some nice eating places in Haleiwa or Wahiawa!

I'm a creative introvert and this place allows me to wander and connect with my inner self. I'm absolutely grateful to a dear sweet friend who was the one that brought me out here one summer several years ago showed and informed me the various spots as we walked our way out to the point. Kaena Point is a nature preserve for monk seals and protected albatross bird sanctuary, so leave your pets at home and be mindful of all areas, vegetation and coastlines. The Hawaiian Monk Seals is an endangered species and are protected under the Endangered Species Act and is illegal to approach, touch or harass these beautiful cuties, you must must MUST keep your distance if you decide to observe or take photos...PLEASE BE RESPECTFUL!! Depending on the time of year (summer!) the conditions can be quite brutal if you're not prepared. - Wear comfortable shoes (which can get dirty so be selective) - Hat as there are ZERO trees/shaded area - Sunscreen (hello!) it's all sun out here - Water - Extra clothing, towel incase you decide to dip in to cool off And the biggest tip of all BATHROOM!! there aren't any here so go before you leave, I'm not sure if the skydiving place would allow you to use their facility if you have that sudden urge but is highly suggested not to put off. With that taking the coastal hike is simply breathtaking and I can just sit and stare out to reset my mind and if you have great vision you can see dolphins and whales (seasonal), I've even seen waterspout which was absolutely cool. For more information read up on the Hawai'i State Parks site https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/kaena-point-state-park/ as it's very through and informative. Thank you!!

The Kaena Point Hike takes you along a beautiful rugged Coastline toward the Western most point of Oahu. The rocky cliffs on one side and ocean on the other. There use to be a railroad trail that traveled along this track. The only remains are some rocky ruins where trusses were. The railroad tracks were destroyed by a tsunami in 1940s. The surf was high at this time of year, spectacular for viewing but dangerous for swimming. We started early because the trail has no shade and can be warm. I picked a time of year with cooler weather because of this. There are two ways, on the Coast trail or the dirt to rocky road for 4wheelers. Permit is required to drive in this area. Before you make it to point , you will reach the security fence to help keep predators out of the mating and hatching grounds of the Albatross. You are welcome to move through the grounds on the roped off trail. The area also includes the Point. Unfortunately it's early in the season so we only saw 5 birds. We were able to see one in the distance flapping its massive wings. We did not see in any Hawaiian Monk Seal, they may have blended in to some of volcanic rock on the shore. It was an amazing morning, 6 mile plus hike with friends.

I've found my favorite hike in Oahu. Incredibly beautiful and serene view at great elevation. I loved the challenge of the rock scrambles as well. It's at the most northwest point of the island and not that busy. Easy access to the beach as an reward at the end of the hike. We set up some of our party at the beach to relax and then crossed a small lane to start the hike up! We started the hike from the North Shore rather than the west side. The trail starts on the side of the road through extremely tall grass, felt like we were roaming through a jungle path. Then you just start ascending quickly through huge rocks. So many rock scrambles. It was very fun and great workout for the legs. It is a moderate hike and our multi aged from from age 3 to 69 did it! Everyone was challenged as agreed the trek was worth it. The hike took about 45 minutes to an hour going up to the peak at a moderate speed. You could go all the way around to the west side but we ended up going back down the same way since our party and car was on this side. It would be great if you could somehow arrange for pickup on the other side so you don't have to come back down the same route. We saw people rock climbing the boulders at the top, paragliding over the ocean, and the beautiful coastline.

A great experience of off road and natural wild life. I recommend going with a group for the first timers. You are required to have a yearly pass for vehicle access if wanting to drive though. And it is a locked gate with a combination lock for access. But you can easily get one on the website as long as you have a registered Hawaii vehicle. There are two different type of road to drive on. There's a somewhat difficult path and a more easy smoother way. On the left side is the more difficult and right side closer to the beach is a lot more smoother.

This is the ultimate hiking experience - different kinds of rare plants and animals, a variety of terrain, all while listening and watching the water and waves dance upon the coast. It took us about 3 hours to cover a total of a 6 mile loop hike. I recommend that you start earlier in the day, rather than later because it gets pretty hot out there, wear plenty of sunscreen and bring plenty of water and drink often. There is a gated area to go through to protect the bird sanctuary and we actually were lucky enough to see a pair of albatrosses nesting in the grass a ways off the path. I do walk a lot and I was still a little bit sore for a couple days after this hike. But sore in a good way. This hike is good for your soul to breathe in fresh sea air and take in the beautiful rugged Hawaiian landscape and shoreline. There are several areas that have patches of rocks to walk over and I was very careful because the last thing I needed was to roll my ankle on the first full day of my vacation. I highly recommend this hike!

To clarify, we hiked this trail from the Ka'ena Point State Park. It was a quick hike and I appreciated that it was mostly flat; although still many opportunities to roll you ankle on the numerous small rocks that dot the trail. It's almost non-stop ocean views the whole way. Only drawbacks are the consistent heat/sun with only a couple shade opportunities AND the deep ruts and trash left in some areas by the trucks that enter.

Very cool, very beautiful, easy flat hike on the west north tip of the island. It was my first time on this trail, we decided to hike it based on a friends recommendation. We parked at the trail head at the east most point of the trail. The gate can be opened if you want to take your car into the park for offloading. We decided to get some exercise and not Offroad. The trail is very wide and very flat, there were a lot of families with small children on the trail, so it's very easy. The distance is about 2.5 miles each way, it may take a little while depending on how fast you go. Once you reach the bird sanctuary at the tip of the park, you have to go through a gate to get into the secret area. Apparently many of the ancient rituals of the island were performed here. The site is absolutely stunning, the water and the rocks as well as a mountain behind it looked so beautiful. We took lots of photos, and checked out the tower as well as the abandoned station. Super cool place to spend half a day. Bring lots of water as you will get thirsty.

This hike deserves a solid 5+ star. If you are searching for a beautiful hike next to the coast, this is it! Some fun wildlife encounters include the Laysan albatross, black noddy, and monk seal. Let's dive into the entire experience. -Length: It took us 1.5 hours to hike one way since we made multiple stops to take pictures and soak in the view. On the way back, it took us 1 hour of moderate brisk walking without taking any breaks. -The trail: We hiked the day after it rained. The designated trail was fairly muddy. Be prepared for mud sticking to your shoes, and they will feel like you're walking with ankle weights. The designated road will frequently divide into two forks, take the route with the most rocks since it is not as muddy. We learned pretty quickly that the coastal hiking trail is not muddy when you are treading on sand. I'd say go with the coastal trail to enjoy the breathtaking view. -Level of difficulty: The hike is mostly flat ground. I would wear those hiking boots to protect your ankles as there is a good number of rocks. -Hiking weather. Majority of the trail does not have a lot of shade. We were lucky to start the hike right before sunrise. The mountain and clouds happened to make it not scorching hot. Fresh breeze throughout the hike also kept us from excessive sweating. I can see how it can get pretty heated on a sunny day. Definitely load yourself with a hat, sunscreen, and water. -Logistics: There was a private parking lot with plenty of parking on the Tuesday morning we were there. No bathrooms in sight though. Overall, this was an outstanding, fun, and memorable workout. It's such a great way to get fresh air during the pandemic and unwind.

Living in Hawaii, I really took for granted all of the beauty in my backyard. My best friend suggested this hike and I'm so glad she did! We started our adventure from the Waialua/Mokuleia entrance. A few things to note before you go: *there are no bathrooms on this hike so make sure to go before your hike *Timing is everything! There isn't any shade or trees on this hike and it gets very hot! *please be mindful of the wildlife and vegetation! Kaena point is a nature preserve for monk seals and albatrosses *round trip is roughly 6 miles. Don't forget to pack enough water, snacks and sun protection I'm so glad that my bestie suggested this hike! The views were amazing, making this hike very enjoyable ! I suggest taking the coastal path to take in the beautiful shoreline and surf along the way. My favorite part of the hike was hiking though the nature preserve. We were able to see several albatrosses and a monk seal! Definitely a great hike (not too tough) and a wonderful way to spend my morning !

I've hiked this trail twice. Most recent was this month; previous time was 50 years ago. From what I can recall, not much has changed except they put up a large wire fence to help protect the birds roosting near the shoreline. I was fortunate enough to see a family of Hawaiian monk seals. Amazing. I guess the wildlife service keeps a weather hand in watching over them, as a couple of DNLR docents were on hand monitoring the seals and keeping people away from them at a safe distance for both. If you hike this trail, take lots of water and sun protection. I felt a bit sorry for those folks making the trek with no apparent water and wearing little, if any, top cover. Biggest negative were a few people disobeying the law and riding a motorcycle and a gas-powered cart on the trail. Come on, your selfishness is ruining it for everyone else!

Beautiful and definitely worth it. Don't miss this spot if you're on the island. It's a walk/hike but get up off it and go do it; don't be lazy!

Can I give 10 stars??? Oh the beauty everywhere!!! The walk is around 2.5 miles. The walk in seems so fast is guess because there is so much to see and photograph. So many coves and tide pools. There is an abundance of fish swimming in the tide pools and will swim around you if you sit in the tide pool. There was a monk seal also taking a nap in one of the tide pools. When I got to The end of the trail I took my shoes off and sat in a tide pool for about an hour before I walked back ... Make sure you have good shoes and bring tobbies if you have them so you can walk along the shore line and take in all the views.

Connect with nature! Ka'ena Point trail is easy to find. Just take H1 west until the pavement ends, park, then continue going west on foot. There is ample, free parking along the ocean-side of the road. I would advise against vehicles on the trail however, those brave enough could probably venture out on mountain bikes or four wheelers (the trail does get narrow in some parts). I started the trail from the west near Yokohama beach and went 3 miles out before turning around. There trail is pretty flat but, there are some significant drop offs along the trail however, the road is wide enough for two people to walk side by side majority of it. There is one spot where you have to do a small climb; it seems there has been some erosion from the waves constantly crashing against the rocks or even a mudslide that degraded the trail. I was a little scared since the group I went with was far in front and behind me (this would definitely be scary for someone uneasy with heights). If you like running trails, you may have some difficulty as there are some big rocks and rugged terrain along the trail but, it's doable with caution. The trail is very open so you have some amazing, unimpeded views of the ocean. I was lucky to see a whale and its calf. Because it's so open though, you are completely exposed to the elements - sun, wind, rain. There is no tree coverage for shade and no lights to illuminate the trail; take sunscreen, rain gear, and headlights, as needed. It rained that morning so the ground was still wet but, not enough to be dangerous. However, I could tell that if would be really muddy and slippery if it got too saturated; consider weather conditions prior to your hike. There is an abandoned car about a mile into the trail. It gives you pause to consider, "hmmm, how did this get here?" but, now it seems to be a part of the trail and a pretty cool, albeit odd addition. Approximately 2 miles into the trail is the bird sanctuary. You will know you are there when you see a tall, wire fence that looks like a restricted area (you are allowed to go through the gate in the fence to the other side, just be sure to close it to keep out predatory animals as it was intended). The park/trail appears to be very active - I saw fishers along the trail and also a park ranger. I was a moderately easy trail and I would definitely do it again.

A nice, moderate, flat hike that takes you out to the Westernmost part of Oahu. It's great, even in poor weather. If you know where to look, there's a really neat infinity pool. If you're a local, you can get a permit to DRIVE an this road. You'll need a 4X4 though, it would be pretty rough for anything other than a truck or jeep. I went in from the east side. I didn't have enough time to get all the way to the end of the trail (had to fly back to chilling AK). From the photos and feedback I've gathered since then, I think it might be more interesting/scenic to reach Ka'ena Point from the south.

Really great hike! Stunning views! But make sure you have time because it will take a while to get to the end and back.

A flat 5.6-mile trail that majorly runs along the ocean. The coastal view isn't grand with its short width and crowdedness with lava rocks, but is free of people and has wildlife like helmet urchins. I was super excited to have been able to see Leihilo the monk seal! Please do respect the signs to keep a distance and if wish to take the extra step, report any sightings to the Hawaii Marine Animal Response by calling (888) 256-9840. We parked at the north end at the small, public parking lot next to the road. Unfortunately we did not manage to walk that far out before turning around because it was simply too hot even with a hat and light attire. There was no shade or wind to help with the sweltering heat from the sun. But even if not venturing out all the way to the point, the trail still presents a nice short stroll.

Beautiful, calming, leisurely hike along the North Shore of Oahu. You can go as far as you want and turn back any time. Lots of great views and photo ops. Just beautiful nature all around. I recommend it!

One of my favorite places on the island! Ka'ena point is an out and back trail from either The north or west side. I've done both many times and absolutely prefer the west. They both have a ton to offer. If you don't want to miss out on either, do a 12 mile out and back or stage a car. The trail is mostly flat but let's not pretend that makes it easy or uninteresting. It's rutted, with big puddles to work around. The sea views are incredible! The last two times I've been out there I was whales and dolphins! So keep your eyes open and go early. Take water and wear sunscreen. Ka'ena means the heat, and they're not joking. The park at the end, or middle, is an albatross sanctuary that regularly sees monk seals. You can see the giant birds flying around or their babies, huge and fluffy, crouched on the ground. Highly recommend!

Along with the pleasure of staying near the tip of Oahu, having this spot 3 miles away was an unforgettable daily experience. Runs and hikes were slower due to the amazing views; sunsets were as magnificent as anywhere in memory. Not too many visitors joined us and it felt like a well-kept secret every time. Plenty of parking and perhaps this spot gets way more crowded on weekends, but we mostly saw auto-campers on the 6am runs. Making it out to the point at sunrise, it was hard to fathom sunrise just a quick turn in the opposite direction. Allow a couple hours to take it all in, and if possible go at dawn or dusk--it's more than with it.

Wow!!!! This is definitely a hike that your kids can do and it is pretty beautiful as you walk along the coast the entire way. I do warn it might be a good idea to wear good shoes or your feet will be hurting because it is a very rocky walk but beautiful. nonetheless it was about 5 miles and we didn't even go to the very end took us about two hours. It's pretty cool to know that you were at the Western most tip of the island. It's pretty easy as far as walking goes up hill climb just long and hot! I recommend good shoes, lots of sunscreen, and water packs! Also bring snacks! You will get hungry and tired along the way! My kid and I are pretty good shape and we did! Great place to bring friends who have never been to the island! Then hit up Haleiwa town!

This is one of the most beautiful hikes I've ever been on. However...be prepared for a loooong walk! When we came, I was not prepared for just how long this hike was going to be. My friend and I had the expectation from my husband that the hike would only be a couple of miles. In reality, it's actually about 5 miles roundtrip. It took us a little over an hour to get to the point. We rested about about 20-30 minutes once we got there and it took us about an hour or so to make it back, so about 3 hours in total. The path is pretty flat, so if you don't like a lot of incline, this would probably work for you. The views of the oceans coupled with the green shrubbery along the coastline makes for great instagram fodder. The water is super blue and the rocks outlined along the ridge are really beautiful. All in all, I'd give this hike a 4/5 but I deducted a star because of how long it took to complete. I was literally running on the way back because I just wanted it to be over :-). I might have a different perspective if I go again, I'll just need to be prepared for the long journey next time.

Awesome, breathtaking views like you wouldn't imagine. It's very rocky down below at water level, so lots of waves crashing against the rocks and spraying water in the air. It really makes for a good scene. There are several opportunities to be a daredevil and crawl out onto some of the rock bridges. Parts of the trail are rocky, but it's not grueling if you stay on the main trail. There's also an albatross habitat at the point, but I didn't spot any the day I was there. Even though I didn't get to see any albatross, this was an AWESOME experience. Pictures don't do it justice - you have to hike this trail in person to experience it!

5 miles might seem long, but this trail is relatively flat and has beautiful views throughout! Be sure to bring lots of water and sunscreen/hat because this hike is HOT. There's also almost no cover so be prepared.

Mountain bike (MTB) at Ka'ena Point is a great ride when it is raining on O'ahu.  As long as there isn't a state wide tropical storm or hurricane, Ka'ena Point should be clear. There are two sides to start from; Waianae and Mokuleia (North Shore).  Park where the road ends in Waianae where Yokohama beach is located. There is a public restroom in the beginning but no restrooms at the point, so plan accordingly. The beginning terrain start off all flat on a dirt road. Around 2.2 miles you will hike your MTB onto a cliff trail. The dirt road was washed out by hurricane Iniki in 1992. After the trail you will see the gated entrance to Ka'ena preserve. MTB is prohibitive in the preserve, but walking your MTB in is authorized. You will see several information signage about Ka'ena Point.  If you begin at Mokuleia (North Shore), you park where the road ends. There is no public restroom here. Two miles back stop at Mokuleia Beach Park to use the portable restroom. Yes, I said, portable restrooms. At the entrance start MTB 1/8 mile up than enjoy a slight DH (downhill) pump track type of a ride. To enjoy MTB on the dirt road you need to look for the dips and small mounds to jump off. You need to look for the opportunities to make this an awesome MTB ride. The hiking trail is a less technical ride.  When you get to the end of the dirt road, carry your MTB up and over the boulders then through the entrance. From here you have two options. Venture through the gate or stay outside of the preserve, on the rocky path, up for a scenic view of Ka'ena Point and the Waianae coast. From here you have two options MTB DH on the trail next to the fence toward the Waianae preserve entrance or ride down the way you came and enter the preserve in the middle entrance. There is a short hike up to the WWII pillboxes. Trail is located 150 feet away from the middle gate entrance. The trail is not easily noticeable due to low traffic use. See my map. I did a round trip MTB from the North Shore to Yokohama then back to North Shore. It was a very scenic ride with many photo opportunities, total 10 miles round trip. On the Waianae side I did ride pass the old railroad beams. It was an opportunity to view the historic landmark which are fortunately still visible. Unfortunately, the actual iron rails are gone. On the Waianae side there are three spots you will need to hike your bike on a ledge, small kine excitement. Some suggestions before you MTB and pack in your backpack: *Hydrate 1 liter of water or performance drink an hour before your adventure  *Spare tube *Portable air pump or Co2 tire inflator *Bike tools: allen wrenches, philip screwdriver *Basic first aid kit  *Snacks *Bring enough water to hydrate. When trade winds are not blowing Ka'ena is extremely hot and humid. Ka'ena translates in english means "the heat". And as always, #liveimmortal and #livelifeunafraid your adventures!! PS: I'm always looking for friends to MTB. If you own a MTB and want to join me on a MTB ride at Ka'ena Point send me a message

This flat, easy hike is one of my favorite island activities to do with friends and visiting guests! It's 3.5 miles one way, so you'll definitely get your steps in for the day. The first time I hiked the trail with the hubby and 15 yo daughter in the summer - we got about halfway before they asked to go back because they couldn't take the heat despite bringing water bottles. This second time a friend and I hiked the trail in mid-January and it was perfect, weatherwise - overcast skies for most of the morning and strong breezes throughout our time there. We arrived at the North Shore entrance at about out 9 am; I normally would have liked to start earlier but wanted to make sure there were people around since we were two women hiking. At that time, there were still ample spots in the lower parking area, closest to shore. Despite all the cars, though, we saw no one else for a good hour into our walk! We didn't see any nesting seabirds, but we did catch sight of a trio of geese - we weren't sure what kind they were, but I Googled it later and found out they were migratory snow geese - really cool. We took our time along the coastal trail (closer to the beach) and stopped for pictures often, so it took us about 2 hours to get to Kaena Point. On the way back, we mostly stayed on the main road, skirting around several big, muddy puddles along the way, and did it in about an hour. After prolonged rainy weather, this main road gets very muddy - be prepared to lose a shoe if you get stuck in one!

Kaena Point is the westernmost tip of the island of Oahu. You can get to Kaena Point two ways. One is from from Waianae, and the other, is from from Waialua / Mokuleia. I seem to think the latter is the more popular route. It is for me anyway. I've walked it a few times before and have accessed the area many times prior with a vehicular permit. Please note that if you plan to access the area with a vehicle, it should be capable of handling off-road conditions and you should be comfortable driving in them as well. I have seen people get in trouble out there before and we've had to assist in towing them out of ditches. Otherwise, for the majority, you will park outside of the main gate and make your way in on foot. It's about 2.5 miles one way. Follow the signs along the way that tells you where the designated paths are. One is on a dusty unpaved and bumpy road and the other is closer to the ocean with mostly sand. Mix up your path. That's what I do. It's HOT and there is NO SHADE. So dress cool and comfortably, wear appropriate footwear, and be sure to bring water to keep you hydrated. No restrooms either, so go before you start. As you pass through the gate that leads to the top of the trail, the majority of your way will be all sand. So if you don't like getting sand in your shoes, bring a pair of slippers to change into. Once you reach the top of the trail, you'll be rewarded with a gorgeous view of the coastline that is Kaena Point. The beach here is pristine and absolutely beautiful, so please don't be that jackass who litters. Respect this area. Check this trail out!

I ran along this trail a couple of Sundays ago by myself. I had been looking for a place to do a morning run and the Ka'ena Point Trail seemed like the perfect place for that. I started on the North Shore side of the trail and made my way up into the bird sanctuary and Ka'ena Point. The trail itself wasn't super clearly marked but the good news is that it didn't need to be as there's nowhere to get lost between the mountains and the beach. So while I am sure I followed the trail for part of the way, I also followed parts of the dirt road and ran down parts that were neither. That's what was amazing about this trail and area, there's nothing there. That includes people as well which actually is why being on it was one of my favorite activities on Oahu. I had gorgeous mountains to one side and big waves and beaches to the other. It was just me and the birds out there except for maybe 4 other people I passed in the hour I was out there. I took the trail for about 2 miles to the bird sanctuary and then continued the last mile out to the point inside the fenced in and protected sanctuary. Once I made it out to the point I took some pictures and headed back to where I started. Most of the trail here is dirt and sand and there is very little elevation change although there are some small changes here and there. The bottom line for me is that I would head back here again and again in the future. I really enjoyed my trail run here and found it to be one of the most peaceful and beautiful parts of the island. As a matter of a fact I plan to do the whole trail the next time I am able to get on it.

This trail isn't your typical trail where you're covered by brushes and have nice cover from the sun. Whatever you do though, do not let that deter you. The entry point overlooks the ocean and you can see down the coastline. The thing that's really cool is that if you're not into walking then you dive your truck on the paths. There are multiple points throughout where you can relax and enjoy the scenery. I highly recommend that if you're going to walk that you bring water with you because it is a long distance to walk and it's not just a flat path. It's covered with rocks and pretty muddy in certain areas. Getting to the end of the trail was pretty awesome. The area is fenced off and dogs are not allowed in. There are birds nesting and it's quite awesome to look at. When you make it past the birds you can down to the water and see sea lions hanging out on the rocks and the view from that end is pretty mesmerizing. There's really no way to lost on this trail because you just simply keep walking straight. There are multiple folks camping out up there, so if you want a spot to wake up and look out at the ocean you should definitely check it out. I'm not entirely sure if you have to check in with someone if you want to drive and camp out.

Finally made it back to this trail 6 years later Lol! This time around we entered the trail from the end of Waialua side. I had no idea there was two ways to get into this trail! One side you could go from the end of Waianae (Yokohama bay) end OR the end of Waialua side! Learned something new. I really loved this hike this time around though because of the coastal views all along this trail. Such a breath of fresh air of the ocean. Very calming and relaxing all the way to the end. I would say it's about 5 miles back and forth, same goes coming from the other end! Must wear comfortable shoes! It's a very long walk. Again, I really enjoyed seeing and watching the Monk seals interact and watching the Albatross Birds flying overhead. Saw some cool plants along the way as well. Such a great hike. I highly recommend this hike to anyone even though it's long! It's super enjoyable.

Ka'ena Point Trail Hike - Waialua, HI Ka'ena Point Trail Hike is one of the longer hikes that we completed while in O'ahu. Length of the trail is about 5 miles one-way from the public lot. The only concern for novice hikers is the lack of shade and the distance of the hike. Otherwise, the trail is fairly flat and easy. The trail leads to the Ka'ena Point Natural Area Reserve. This is a protected area for plants to grow and seabirds to hatch. The entire natural reserve portion of the hike is fenced off to block off predators. That means, dogs are not allowed. We only completed 3 miles of this hike because we were running out of daylight and wanted to enjoy the sunset. We had a great view of the sunset and headed back to our cars in absolute darkness. This was the toughest part of the hike. Luckily, I had enough juice on my phone and used it as a flashlight. TIP #1: A permit is required if you want to park in the campgrounds by entrance of the Ka'ena Point Natural Area Reserve. Permit is not required if you park where the paved street ends. TIP #2: Unless you wish to walk back to your car in darkness like us, I suggest that you time your hike. Or, bring a flashlight TIP #3: Remember, you're in a natural reserve. Do not disturb the seabirds, even if you see the babies popping their little heads out of their nest.

Absolutely gorgeous hike. We started on the Waianae side and hiked to North shore side, and back. Round trip about 6.75 miles (according to my fitbit). Enjoyed sitting on some rocks on the northside, watching monk seals sunning themselves. That was a treat. The hike itself is fairly easy, wide and somewhat flat with a few exceptions of a couple spots. There are embedded rocks in the pathway, so watch your step. The views along the trail - spectacular!! Recommend bringing a ton of sunblock or UV umbrella/shirt/hat because there is not a stick of shade anywhere.

Very pretty hike. Not too challenging as per terrain but there's lots of opportunities to wander off on side trails watch the waves crashing on cliffs, explore tide pools, etc. Trail feels longer and challenging because of the unrelenting heat. Cover is minimal to non existent. Definitely bring a full brim hat, sun blocking umbrella, sunblock and lots of water. Too much water. But yeah hardly any shade in the 5 mile round trip. Oh I have a new iPhone 11. It was so hot the phone shut off right at the ideal moment when I can get a shot looking back from the point. Keep that in mind. Keep your electronics in an insulated bag.

A must do hike ! I can't believe I had missed out on going here so long !! The view at the end is Gorgeous !!! And even just walking along the coast and having that breeze by the water was sooo lovely. The way there seemed short for 3 miles but definitely the way back I was feeling the next three back ! You can drive your truck up to the end which I thought was cool! There's parking available and it's a hike you won't want not miss. 1) Pack water!! The water I had was not enough 2) put on lots of sunscreen - try to hike early enough to not be caught in the blazing sun 3) keep going the end is worth it ! So is getting back to your car

Love this hike. But be aware, it gets hot and there is NO shade. Go early and take plenty of water. The wildlife viewing is great. I went in January, which is nesting season for the Laysan albatrosses.

Directions: You basically hit the tip pass a campground. Once you reach a barrier/gate you create your own parking. Hiking Difficulty: Easy A pretty lengthy hike that (I didn't really reach the end, got caught up take pictures). Some parts of the pathway were rocky and some were straight forward. U Overall: 5 Stars. There are a lot of beautiful gems here from land to ocean. If you don't make it the end, the photo opportunities here are a beautiful consolation prize. Advice: Bring water, hiking shoes, snacks, and a hat.

One of the most amazing trail hikes I have been on! I wasn't sure what to expect, this was a long trail, although not difficult since it is an easy trail to walk ahead, its just very long, I believe its about 4 miles each way? Trust me the long walk is well worth it! On our way we were lucky to see two albatross doing their famous mating dance! It was such a sight to see and they were so close to us, next we made it to the beautiful tide pools, it was a relief after a long walk into the sun, I had no idea but as I was getting out a big ol sleeping Hawaiian monk seal was napping on the rock right where I was swimming. The seal blended so well I hardly saw it, I couldn't believe I was blessed to see one.

Beautiful views and tide pools . No real inclines . This is a pretty easy hike to do . Pretty long about 3.5 miles .. No shade / no bathrooms . Make sure to bring water , hat, sun screen. There is a spot where you can see monk seals , unfortunately I didn't get to see any but I did see other fish and crabs in the tide pools and rocks . People go off roading here dirt road I won't recommend coming here after a lot of rain would be too muddy . All in all nice hike I would definitely do again .

Trail itself is not that amazing (we did it from the north side) but the view at the end was more than worth it. Part of the problem with the trail is that we walked most of the way (before the gate to the reserve) on the main road, which was muddy and uninspiring. Coming back we walked along the beachfront which was far better so would recommend that (even saw a family of seals!). The other reason that it was not amazing is that it was very flat so not even challenging and it was also quite sunny/hot with little shade. Very glad we went early in AM as I could see that being a bigger problem in the afternoon. The view is amazing though at the end with endless panorama material. We just sat on a cliff and took it all in. Would have liked to continue walking but my partner was tired so we called it quits after making it through the nature/bird reserve thing. Enjoy!

Trevor and Mimi went to Ka'ena Point Hiking Trail. The trailhead begins on a dirt road where Farrington Highway comes to a complete stop.  There is a makeshift parking lot and signs that mention not to leave valuables in the vehicle and to lock your car. The trail was muddy at 7am and Mimi wore white running shoes, the only athletic shoes Mimi has in Hawai'i.  They were given to her and she doesn't care whether they stay dirty or clean.  She did bring along a pair of flip-flops, or as the locals say, "slippahs," because her former walk to Kea'au Beach Park caused a gnarly blister to the back of her heel. About a quarter of a mile into the walk, Trevor saw a spot he wanted to take a picture at, and realized his phone wasn't with him.  He had to turn back.  Mimi could not keep up with his fast gait, So she opted to run to the car.  He mentioned the phone may be on the ground, on the top of the car, or on the dashboard. Thankfully, the phone was on the dashboard.  Mimi and Trevor commenced their journey into Ka'ena Point Trail.  When they got to the initial area Trevor realized his phone was missing, they took a picture. The hike was mainly a muddy pathway with the occasional view of an old defunct railroad track and the beautiful Pacific Ocean banging against lava reefs below. Along various areas were red and big truck owners doing plenty of fishing.   About halfway to the end, a few small trails off the actual trail were made and Mimi and Trevor tried them.  Due to the large rocks and brush, these areas made perfect latrines for hikers and were apparent by the human waste left behind.  It's best to stay on the main track to avoid accidentally stepping in waste. At about 75% to the end of the trail, the cliff and railroad tracks were destroyed by a tsunami in 1946.  At some point the driveable road becomes just a pedestrian width of trail and then becomes a bit more hazardous as you incline over the side of the mountain to head toward the Nature Reserve. The Nature reserve is gated but entry is possible through double sliding gates.  Inside there are nesting Wedgetailed Shearwaters.  They are a grey bird that nestles in burrows in the ground. Mimi also saw and became excited over what she assumed were ginormous Seagulls.  She mentioned seagulls didn't get that big in California, that the seagulls in California looked like pigeons compared to Oahu's seagulls.  Come to find out, they were not seagulls at all, but Laysan Albatrosses. After passing the birds area, the end has an old bunker colored in graffiti.  Mimi and Trevor spent time looking around from the bunker and showing signs of PDA. After some time on the bunker, a gentleman who was visiting with his family told Trevor and Mimi to quietly view the monk seals below.  After a picture with the monk seals Trevor and Mimi headed back to the beginning. It was definitely worth the adventure.

My first attempt was when the beginning of the road was WAY too muddy and my boyfriend almost slipped and became mud man himself. We came back a second time and it was nice and sunny. The whole thing around trip is around 6 miles. We reached all the way to the end and climbed along the side to continue on the road to the bird nest area. This place is really quiet and I definitely don't mind doing it again. Definitely need to bring more water, sunblock, and maybe a hat XD. We ran out of water since we only had a water bottler per person. Probably should gauge for how long you plan to walk / need water ratio. If you're just running it to the end and back, you wont need to carry but if you're casually strolling...definitely bring 2 water bottles per person.

If you enjoy being out in the open air and want some sun, this is the place to be. I have come to this trail hike several times now and have pretty much enjoyed myself each time. Here are some suggestions for a great hike: 1) Start early. Try to arrive here at about 7:00 am when it's cool. 2) Hydrate yourself - - you'll be needing water/sports drink. 3) Bring snacks - - this is a fairly long hike (5+ miles roundtrip). 4) Wear loose clothing and comfortable COVERED shoes. 5) Put on a hat/cap. 6) Apply sunscreen. 7) Travel with a buddy. 8) Be respectful of the natural wildlife here. 9) Tissue paper - - just in case if nature calls. No public restrooms once you leave the parking lot. This Park opens from 4am and arrive early when there's daylight. I noticed when the sun came out you could sure feel the heat. With the long distance this can be quite challenging. Make sure to bring sunscreen and drinks! Parking is free but it seems that there are quite a few break ins so make sure to NOT leave any valuables in your car. Because of the distance and being fully exposed to the sun, wear loose clothing (preferably Dri-Fit wear) and covered shoes. To reach the end of the trail you'll be walking in the sand and it's not fun at all with sandals or slippers. The scenery of this trail is AMAZING. Along the trail you'll have the ocean on your left and will be tempted to take photos along the way. On a clear day it'll be difficult to take a bad photo here! But because this trail is not even and quite rocky make sure to keep your eyes in the front to avoid any accident(s). About 3/4 down the trail you'll reach the "predator proof" wired fence, which had a price tag of $290,000, to keep animals (dogs, cats, rats, mongeese, etc.) away from the Laysan Albatross and their chicks. You'll see some traps along the gates to attempt to catch any predators that come near the gates. This past weekend I noticed several of them out there but empty. Also, when you go through the metal gates please make sure to close the gates properly. At the end of the trail you will reach "The Tower", or known as the north coast guard tower. This "resting spot" is great to sit down and have a snack and hydrate yourself. Also, it's a great time to empty your shoes with the sand accumulated! I must be very lucky because each time I've been here I came across monk seals resting. Please be respectful and there are signs posted to remind you to keep your distance from the seals and albatross. If you are willing to drive all the way to Waianae, this is a great hike. On a regular basis I tend to hike short trails that I can complete within 20 mins one-way so this is a great change. Also for safety reasons and the long drive from town, bring a friend or 2 along to make this trail enjoyable.

The Hawaii hiking book I referenced implored me: "Don't miss this one", so I obeyed. My rewards: * 5 miles of hiking with the ocean at my side; * A Humpack Whale mother and calf putting on a spectacular show; * The opportunity to stand on the westernmost tip of Oahu; * Spotting an endangered Hawaiian monk seal while doing so; and * Seeing Laysan albatross, huge birds who come to shore only to breed, doing kooky little mating dances, soaring overhead, and cradling their eggs. Two trails can take you out to Ka'ena Point. I hiked the trail on Ka'ena Point South, which begins where the pavement ends on the Farrington Highway, on the southern side of Ka'ena Point. The trail is mostly flat and easy (though rocky), with one very small, narrow, hilly section. At 2.2 miles, you enter a sandy gated/fenced area ("Ka'ena Point Natural Area Reserve") which is where the albatross and monk seals are in winter. After some time in the Nature Preserve, you backtrack for a return on the same trail. The return trip is when I saw the whale show (winter only), so don't forget to watch the ocean on both legs of your hike. If you're into viewing the whales, albatross, and seals, the 5-mile hike will take you a few hours and the sun will be tracking you the entire time. Break out your SPF70 for this hike unless you want the rest of your trip to be miserable. Paranoid of getting my rental car vandalized, I parked pretty far from the trailhead, down by the (manned) lifeguard station. If you choose to park right at the trailhead, books warn to leave NOTHING in your car; break-ins are apparently common occurrences. Because I'm spoiled at home by lots of beautiful, ocean view hiking opportunities, I'm not sure that I'd be as enchanted by this hike were it not for the whales, albatross, and monk seals, all of which apparently appear only in winter. Having the ocean at your side is always spectacular, but it's those things that, for me, made this particular hike 5-star. The great book in which I found this hike and a lot of others is: "Hiking The Hawaiian Islands" by Suzanne Swedo. If you plan to hike on any of the islands, this book is a great resource as it features not just those hikes that everyone knows, but a whole lot of less popular ones that'll take you somewhat off the beaten (tourist) path. This is one of them. Note: You can also hike in from Ka'ena Point North but that trail, despite also being relatively flat and right alongside the ocean, is not in the same league as the Ka'ena Point South trail. It's used primarily for off-roading and filled with deep, muddy holes and often, ATVs. As a result, the trail from the south is far prettier and far more peaceful.