---
title: "Kaʻena Point Trail"
url: https://stacklist.com/card/e9315fb0-4f9b-48c7-a426-8eb2ff6dd1a0
source_url: "https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/hiking/oahu/kaena-point-trail/?utm_source=chatgpt.com"
stack: https://stacklist.com/stack/76467c4b-c4ea-4299-8764-34009edefadb
summary: "Kaʻena Point Trail is a 2.5-mile moderate hiking route on Oʻahu's westernmost point that follows an old railroad bed and dirt road, offering access to a remote natural area reserve with native plants, seabirds, and coastal sand dune habitat. The trail features two routes (Wai'anae and Mokule'ia sides) with scenic ocean views, blowholes, and opportunities to see whales during winter months."
tags: "hiking, oahu, kaena-point, hawaii, trail, coastal, nature-reserve"
key_entities: "Kaʻena Point (location), Oʻahu (location), Hawaii (location), Wai'anae (location), Mokule'ia (location), Honolulu (location), Hawaii DLNR (organization), Kaʻena Point State Park (location), Kaʻena Point Natural Area Reserve (location), coastal sand dune habitat (concept), marine debris (concept)"
classification: "reference"
content_hash: "sha256:46400372b7ac2e72b87611254e8c96a8d9a4acd5ed4dd14a0b4e4bbfea7d424c"
acp_version: "0.2"
token_counts_approximate: 1767
visibility: public
agent_accessible: true
status: "final"
---

# Kaʻena Point Trail

Hawaii.gov Government Directory Kaʻena Point Trail Photo Credit: Kelvin Lu Home » Hiking » Oʻahu » Kaʻena Point Trail Kaʻena Point Trail ‹ › Trail Length 2.5 miles Activity Pedestrian, Biking Difficulty Moderate Terrain Open Coastline Elevation Gain Negligible Park Name Kaʻena Point State Park Description The trail to Ka‘ena Point follows an old railroad bed and former dirt road that ran along the westernmost point of O‘ahu. The trail leads to Ka‘ena Point Natural Area Reserve, a remote and scenic protected area harboring some of the last vestiges of coastal sand dune habitat on the island, and home to native plants and seabirds. Whales frequent this shoreline during the winter months. The weather is usually sunny and hot, and it can be windy – a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water are recommended. Allow 1 to 3 hours depending on your pace. Stay away from the wave-exposed coast unless you are familiar with hazardous ocean conditions. Route There are two routes to Kaʻena Point. From the Wai‘anae side, take the trailhead at the end of the paved road in the Keawaula Section of Ka‘ena Point State Park and follow the dirt roadway for 2.5 miles to Ka‘ena Point Natural Area Reserve. This route follows the shoreline on your left (southwest), characterized by boulder beaches and occasional tidepools, while cliffs rise above you on your right (northeast). Midway along the trail are a pair of small blowholes. In places the old road has eroded completely. From the Mokule‘ia side, park at the end of the paved road and follow the dirt roadway for 2.5 miles. The trail traverses a broad, relatively flat coastal plain marked by a raised limestone reef and sand dunes. Upon reaching the Natural Area Reserve, please take care to avoid damaging native flora and watch for nesting seabirds, some of whom make burrow nests. A navigational light is visible at the point. Stay on established paths. No dogs or other animals are allowed in the Park and in the Reserve. To return, retrace your path. Directions If you use the Wai‘anae route from Honolulu, take the H1 freeway west, it will eventually turn into Farrington Highway (Route 93). Farrington Highway will become a two lane road at it’s northern end, and terminates at Ka‘ena Point State Park. If you use the Mokule‘ia route, take H-2 to Kaukonahua Road (Route 803) to Farrington Highway (Route 930) past Waialua and go about 1 mile past Camp Erdman. The trailhead on either side of Ka‘ena Point begins where the paved road ends and a rough 4-wheel drive road begins. Additional Info NO ANIMALS ALLOWED IN THE PARK OR KA‘ENA POINT NATURAL AREA RESERVE EXCEPT SERVICE ANIMALS. Stay on the trail. Pack out at least what you pack in. Drones are not permitted. No open fires. Malama Hawaii-Wildlife from Hawaii DLNR on Vimeo . Some Native Plants & Animals of Kaʻena Hike & Steward As you hike Kaʻena Point State Park, keep an eye out for the new Marine Debris Drop-off Stations signs pictured below. Marine debris consists of man-made objects cast adrift in the ocean, either washed into the water from land-based sources or discarded from vessels at sea. In Hawaiʻi, marine debris drifts in to our waters and comes ashore all year. Marine debris of any size poses a threat to the health and safety of the human population and the fringing coral reef that protects our shorelines. Marine debris may cause entanglement to seabirds, sea turtles, and marine mammals. All marine species could also potentially digest the material. Several signs are visible near the coastal roads and trails. We ask that park users place marine debris found a long the shoreline beneath these signs for staff removal, as they serve as Marine Debris Drop-off Stations. Please refrain from leaving trash at these Drop-off Stations, remember to pack out your garbage. As a courtesy reminder, please adhere to all park rules, i.e. no dogs, no drones, no camping. Kaʻena is traditionally known for its marine resources. Fishers that use the park should properly dispose of their derelict fishing line in the fishing debris collection bins installed in the park by NOAA partner Hawaiʻi Marine Animal Response. The bins are used to collect used line and hooks so that they can be recycled or disposed of properly preventing derelict fishing gear from entering the ocean from the park. If you would like to get involved and volunteer in the park, scan the QR code or Register As A Volunteer Here. Let’s Protect What We Love and mālama Kaʻena Point State Park. Mahalo.   Activities Facilities Hazards Prohibited Hiking in Hawaii Area Weather Forecast ABOUT US Contact Us Partners Brochures INTERACT Feedback FAQs POLICIES Terms of Use Accessibility Privacy Policy List [email protected] Powered by eHawaii.gov Copyright © 2026, State of Hawaii. All rights reserved. **IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES** 10/8/26 – IMPORTANT UPDATES RELATED TO HURRICANE NOLO AND HURRICANE LOWELL RECOVERY. — OʻAHU: Ka‘ena Point State Park - Vehicle Access has CLOSED. Ka‘ena Point State Park - Keawa'ula Trail remains CLOSED and vehicle access is restricted past the restroom parking lot due to storm inflicted road damage, portable toilets available as comfort station is down. Construction at ʻAiea Bay State Recreation Area begins October 5 and will last approximately two weeks. Restrooms will remain open, with limited parking during construction. HAWAI‘I Island: The following parks will be CLOSED on 10/10 for the Kona Iron Man: Kekaha Kai State Park (Mahai’ula & Kua Bay), Kiholo State Park Reserve, an Lapakahi State Historical Park. Hawai’i island parks have REOPENED, with the exception of ʻAkaka Falls State Park – Partial trail is CLOSED due to fallen trees, Waialea Section at Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area CLOSED due to fallen trees, Lapakahi State Historic Park CLOSED due to fallen trees. Camping and cabins at Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area, Kīholo State Park Reserve, and Kalopa State Recreation Area remains CLOSED, Day-Use remains OPENED at Kalopa and Kiholo. MAUI + MOLOKAʻI: ALL Maui and Moloka‘i Parks REOPENED with the exception of Polipoli - remains CLOSED due to downed trees and Waiʻānapanapa - water is back on and will REOPEN on 9/29. KAUAʻI – Partial State Parks REOPENING Monday, September 21, 2026 Wailua River State Park – River and designated landing/trailhead access will reopen. No individual kayakers are permitted to access Fern Grotto. Hiking beyond the trailhead and access to Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) remain closed. NOTICE: Kōkeʻe Road remains closed until further notice. All Kaua‘i camping remains CLOSED. ALL OTHER KAUA‘I STATE PARKS REMAIN CLOSED. STATEWIDE: If you had a Hawaiʻi State Park reservation (day use or overnight camping/lodging) for a day that was part of a storm-related closure, you will receive an automatic refund, minus nonrefundable service charges. Please see the latest operational updates below for statewide parks impacted by Tropical Cyclones: Park Notices site Check Park Notices site for a list of all park closures and access updates.