Kaena Point State Park at a Glance
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
Kaena Point State Park Facilities
(top)
Kaena Point State Park Water Activities
Kaena Point State Park Location
Address: Kaena Point State Park, Farrington Hwy, 96792
Kaena Point State Park Map (top)
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Kaena Point State Park Weather
(top)
Now
71°F
Windchill:
71°F
Partly Cloudy
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Location: Waianae, HI, US
Wind: 6 mph NE
Humidity: 68%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 30.13 in falling
Sunrise: 6:41 am
Sunset: 6:41 pm
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Sun
Hi: 81°F
Low: 69°F
Scattered Showers
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Mon
Hi: 81°F
Low: 69°F
Scattered Showers
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Kaena Point State Park Photos (click to enlarge)
(top)
Kaena Point State Park Reviews and Comments
(top)
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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