Kaena Point State Park

Kaena Point State Park is a rugged and remote coastal area located on the western tip of Oahu, Hawaii, offering breathtaking ocean views and unique wildlife encounters.

1,500
Acres Protected
5
Miles of Trails
200,000
Annual Visitors
1980
Year Established

About Kaena Point State Park

 

Kaena Point State Park is located at the westernmost tip of the island of Oahu, Hawaii. The park is renowned for its stark natural beauty, featuring dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and scenic ocean vistas. This area is significant both ecologically and culturally. It serves as a sanctuary for native seabirds, particularly the Laysan Albatross and Wedge-tailed Shearwater, which can be seen nesting along the coast. Botanically, the park hosts native Hawaiian coastal vegetation. In Hawaiian tradition, Kaena Point is believed to be a spiritual place where souls leap into the afterlife. For outdoor enthusiasts, the park offers hiking along unspoiled coastline trails. The main trail, which follows an old railroad bed, provides access to Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve. Visitors are often drawn to the park's natural splendor and its peaceful, untouched landscapes. The absence of paved roads further enhances the adventurous and isolated feel of Kaena Point State Park.

Highlights

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Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

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Seabird nesting sites

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Oceanfront hiking trail

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Cultural significance in Hawaiian mythology

Notable Natural Features

Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve

A protected area renowned for its unique coastal ecosystem and seabird nesting sites.

Old Railroad Trail

Trail traces the path of a historical railway corrugated by natural elements over time.

Leina a ka ‘uhane

A legendary Hawaiian spiritual leaping point believed to transition souls into the next world.