Ka'ena Point State Park

Ka'ena Point State Park is a remote northwest Oahu coastal park reached by hiking, with rugged views, seabird habitat, Hawaiian cultural stories and unsafe swimming conditions.

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Ka'ena Point State Park, Oahu

Ka'ena, which means "red hot" or "glowing" in the Hawaiian language, is the name of the northwestern tip of the island of Oahu. Ka'ena 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 Makaha on the west shore, 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 Ka'ena Point that was named for the demigod Maui, who 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 Ka'ie'ie Waho Channel to snag Kauai. After tugging on the tagline he could only loosen a large boulder. The rock fell into the ocean at Ka'ena Point where it remains up until today as Pohaku o Kauai.

According to Hawaiian folklore, Ka'ena 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 Ka'ena 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.

Ka'ena 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 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.

Ka'ena Point State Park includes the nearby Makua Beach and Yokohama Bay (also known as Keawa'ula Beach). These are the only sand beaches where swimming is possible when the ocean is calm. If you plan to hike to Ka'ena Point from the leeward (west) coast, you can drive all the way to Yokohama Beach, up to where the road ends, park there and walk north.

There is a narrow trail that will lead you to Ka'ena Point. Take a water bottle with you because the area is often 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 do not approach them or look for their nests.

On the way to Ka'ena 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 – an unfortunate sight along this remote coastline.

Alternatively, you may also hike to Ka'ena Point from the trail that begins at the end of Farrington Highway on the north shore, just past Dillingham Airfield and Camp Erdman Beach.

Key Features

Remote northwestern tip of Oahu reached by hiking
Two main access routes from Mokuleia or the west side near Yokohama Bay
Trail to the Natural Area Reserve is about 2.5 miles one way from either section trailhead
Important habitat for native seabirds, Hawaiian monk seals, coastal plants and dune life
Connected with Hawaiian stories of leina a ka uhane and Pohaku o Kauai
Hot, exposed trail with very little shade and no drinking water at the point
Swimming is not recommended because rocks, surf and currents make the water dangerous
Stay on marked paths and keep a respectful distance from wildlife
Winter months can bring whale sightings offshore
Strong place for hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing and rugged northwest Oahu scenery

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Ka'ena mean?

Ka'ena is often translated as “the heat” or “red hot.” The name fits the exposed point well, especially on sunny days when the trail, rocks and dry coast hold the heat.

Why is Ka'ena Point important in Hawaiian stories?

Ka'ena Point is connected to leina a ka uhane, a leaping place of souls in Hawaiian tradition. In this belief, souls left the physical world from this western point after death. The area is also connected with stories of Pohaku o Kauai, the offshore rock linked to Maui's attempt to pull Kauai closer to Oahu.

What is the fence near the point?

The fence protects the Ka'ena Point Natural Area Reserve by keeping out animals such as dogs, cats, mongoose, rats and mice. Inside the protected area, native plants, insects and nesting seabirds have a better chance to recover.

Which Ka'ena Point route has the better scenery?

Both routes have strong views. The Mokuleia side has a long, open north shore feel, while the west side near Yokohama Bay has Waianae Coast cliffs, dry coastal scenery and a more dramatic approach to the point.

Can you see albatrosses or monk seals at Ka'ena Point?

Yes, wildlife sightings are possible, especially seabirds in the protected reserve and monk seals resting near the coast. Keep a quiet distance, never enter closed nesting areas and do not approach seals on land or in the water.