Kaena Point, a place in Hawaiian legend known as the “leaping-off place of souls,” where spirits ascend to the heavens.
It’s a pristine natural spot where you can encounter endangered Hawaiian monk seals and wild albatrosses.
To protect the natural environment, vehicles are prohibited, and there are no paved roads!
This makes it quite challenging to reach, but its rich, unspoiled nature makes it a popular trekking course beloved by locals.
It’s accessible from both the North Shore and the West Side. The round trip is about 10 kilometers (approximately 6.2 miles) from either Mokuleia Beach Park on the North Shore or Yokohama Bay on the West Side.
The route from the West Side is generally more popular, as it’s easier to drive to the end of the paved road and the scenery is more dramatic.
It preserves one of the last vestiges of old Hawaii, making it highly recommended for those looking for a truly unique place to visit.
The Trail to Kaena Point
The path to Kaena Point has some rugged sections with hardened lava rock and some ups and downs, but for the most part, it’s a flat trail.
Although it’s unpaved, the trail is very easy to walk, and the round trip takes about 2 to 3 hours for an adult at a steady pace.
If it has been raining, the trail can get very muddy, which makes the hike a bit more challenging.
Be sure to prepare adequately with comfortable walking shoes, a hat to shield you from the sun, sunscreen, and plenty of water.
Also, be aware that this area is known for car break-ins, so be sure not to leave any valuables in your vehicle!
Kaena Point: A Seabird Sanctuary
As you approach the tip of the West Side, you’ll find an expansive nesting ground for albatrosses.
The entire area is enclosed by a predator-proof fence to keep out invasive animals.
Humans can enter through a gate in the fence.
The area inside the fence is what is known as Kaena Point, and you can observe albatrosses here year-round.
The nesting season runs from around November to July. Additionally, from November to April, you have a high chance of spotting whales, making the winter months a better time to visit than the hot summer.
You can see adorable sights of albatrosses raising their chicks!
Hawaiian Monk Seals at Kaena Point
On the shores of Kaena Point, you have a high probability of encountering the endangered Hawaiian monk seal, with only about 1,400 individuals remaining in the world.
Around 400 of them inhabit the waters around Oahu, but with such a small population, sightings are rare.
However, Hawaiian monk seals visit Kaena Point very frequently.
In my own experience, I’ve been lucky enough to see them almost every time I’ve visited Kaena Point!
By the way, Hawaiian monk seals are nocturnal, spending their nights in the ocean and their days sleeping on the beach.
Seeing them sleeping is so relaxing that after an hour’s walk, any fatigue just melts away.
Don’t Miss the Kaena Point Pillbox
This is the view that greets you as you finish exploring Kaena Point and start the long journey back.
You might feel tempted to see the view of the ocean from the top of this mountain!
This is actually another tourist spot: the Kaena Point Pillbox!
If you still have energy after the roughly one-hour walk to the point, you should definitely give it a try.
It’s about a 30-minute one-way hike up from the entrance gate of Kaena Point.
We cover the Kaena Point Pillbox in a separate article, so please check it out if you’re interested.
Basic Information about Kaena Point
| Name | Kaena Point |
| Address | 1249 Farrington Hwy, Waialua, HI 96791 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 24 hours |
| Closed | None |
| Time Required | Approx. 2 hours or more |
| Restrooms | None (The last restrooms are at Yokohama Bay) |
| Parking | Available (Free) |
| Website | Official Website |
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