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Kaena Point State Park

(Not Yet Rated)
Kaena Point State Park 0:0

Address

http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/par...
HI-930 Farrington Hwy
Mokuleia , HI

Review

Jutting into the ocean like the prow of a great rock ship, Kaena Point divides the waters and coasts of Leeward and Northshore Oahu. It is one of the windiest, hottest, and driest places on the island. Some of the greatest waves known to have thundered onto Oahu have been observed and even photographed here. The area is also sacred to Hawaiians as a "jumping off" point where departed souls leap into the spiritual world.

Embraced by Kaena Point State Park, the very point of land is a State Nature Reserve established to protect nesting seabirds, rare native plants, and an exceptional dune ecosystem. Pets are not allowed in this area and all visitors while encouraged to enjoy their wildlife viewing are also asked not to approach or in any way disturb the animals, some of which are endangered. Here you’ll find spinner dolphins drifting in their late afternoon sleeping pods, whales frolic and seem to become excited as they challenge the currents caused by the sharp point of land, seabirds and shorebirds all find refuge here and many find nesting sites. Quiet mornings you may even find the increasingly rare Hawaiian monk seal sleeping on a spot of beach often appearing more like a piece of tropical driftwood than a furry mammal.

Kaena, means "the heat," "red hot," or "glowing" in the Hawaiian language and you would be well advised to consider that and it’s implications for sun protection and water if you decide to do any hiking. No paved highway leads you there; only honest walking along a trail paralleling the coast. From whichever direction you approach the point, the views are splendid and the raw natural setting of pacific waters and seared, windswept land is breathtaking. The Kaena Point trail is a wonderful way to enjoy this setting; always in view of the sea and mountains, dropping down close to tidepools, arches, and rock formations. Though considered a relatively easy trail, some sections have been buffeted by wind and seas and even swept away by recent record downpours. The trail follows, for the most part, an old road grade but sand, boulders, and jagged rocks can tangle your feet if you become too distracted by the scenery while walking. When you arrive at the point, you may find a crowd of fisherman sporting their long thin surf poles, or you may have it all to yourself. Swimming and surfing are rare here due to the constant currents, tidal rips, hidden rock, and absence of sandy beaches.

Most people plan to spend two to three hours hiking to the point from either trailhead. Regardless of which one you choose, both driving approaches provide lots of their own different sights and experiences along the way. Why settle for just one? Try the other approach on a different day and then decide if you like one better than the other.
Written By: Bud Hardwick
On: 7/25/2006

Directions

There are two ways to approach this isolated park. From Honolulu, take Hwy H1 west, eventually it becomes the Farrington Highway (#93). The paved road follows the coast and ends at Ka‘ena Point State Park.

From the north, use the Waialua/Mokule‘ia route. Follow the Farrington Highway (# 930) west, past Waialua and along the coast to where the pavement ends.

Both of the Ka‘ena Point trailheads are located where the paved roads end. Maps may show a dirt road going there but don't be tempted.

Map

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