Kaena, which means “red hot” or “glowing” in the Hawaiian language,
is the name of the northwestern tip of the island of Oahu. Kaena
Point State Park is so remote that no road leads here. Access is
only possible by hiking here, either from the road that ends north
of the town
Makaha, or from the road that ends behind the Dillingham
Airfield on the North Shore.
The 853-acre (3.45 sq. km) park stretches for 9 miles (14.5 km)
around the northwestern tip and is home to numerous seabirds,
including albatrosses and rare native plants. The whole area is
steeped in legend, such as stories of Pohaku o Kauai and Ka Leina a
ka Uhane.
Pohaku o Kauai, meaning “rock of Kauai,” is a rock in the ocean just
off Kaena Point that was named after the demigod Maui tried to join
Oahu and the neighbor island of Kauai. He took his magic hook “mana
i ka lani,” meaning “divine power of heaven,” and threw it across
the Kaieie Waho Channel to snag Kauai. After tugging on the tagline
he could only loosen a large boulder. The rock fell into the ocean
at Kaena Point where it remains up until today as Pohaku o Kauai.
According to Hawaiian folklore, Kaena Point was also known as the
place where souls depart from the earth, as a “jumping off” place, a
“leina a ka uhane.” After a person died, the soul would find its way
to a leina a ka uhane, such as the one at Kaena Point. The exact
point was called “ka leina a ka uhane,” meaning “the leap of the
soul.” It is also known as White Rock because of a large limestone
formation on the north side of the point.
Kaena Point has a rocky shore and is backed by sand dunes. The best
thing to do here is fishing and hiking. Stay out of the water
because dangerous rip currents and very large waves are often times
present. There are also a lot of rocks in the water. So swimming,
snorkeling or other water activities are not recommended and there
are no lifeguards.
Kaena Point State Park includes the nearby Makua and Keawa‘ula
(Yokohama) beaches. These are the only sand beaches where swimming
is possible. If you plan to hike to Kaena Point from the leeward
(western) coast, you can drive all the way to Yokohama Beach, up to
where the road ends, park there and go north.
There is a narrow trail that will lead you to Kaena Point. Take a
water bottle with you because the area is often times hot and dry
(there is no shade). It will take you about 1 to 1.5 hours one-way.
Keep in mind that the albatrosses there are protected by law, so
don’t try to go close to them or to find their nest.
On the way to Kaena Point (on the trail that leads there from
Yokohama Beach), you may come across some dumped or abandoned junk
cars that have been thrown over the cliffs or parked on the side of
the trail. Sometimes just the motor parts or tires are left – a not
so pretty sight in paradise and very unfortunate that this happens.
Kaena Point State Park in Bullet Points
An 853-acre (3.45 sq. km) park that stretches for 9 miles
(14.5 km) around Oahu’s northwestern tip
Remote, undeveloped area without road access
Area steeped in Hawaiian folklore and legend
Swimming is not recommended because of dangerous ocean
conditions
Safety Tip
Whatever beach in Hawaii you visit, please have in mind that the ocean can
be very dangerous. Never turn your back against the waves and watch out for underwater
currents and always check the surf conditions. Pay attention to signs posted on
the beach. If you are not sure about the conditions, ask the lifeguards (if any
on the beach). Please click here to
read more about ocean safety in Hawaii.
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