Kaena Point Trail - South

Trailhead

Kaena Point	Description Connecting the interrupted Farrington Highway (Rte 930) between Waianae and Mokuleia, this is a flat, dry, four-wheel drive trail to Oahu's westernmost point and natural area reserve (NARS). It's easy for any family member to handle (however, see "Warning" below). The trail's terrain may be boring, but there are interesting tidbits along the way.. These include a cave, squirting rock, fishing points, rock arches, "golfball"-radars, and more. Native vegetation sprawls about the sand at the Kaena Point area. It's hot and bright, but probably the easiest trek you'll find on Oahu. Don't forget the views of the Waianae Coast! Trailhead Location: The end of the asphalt road in Kaena Beach State Park marks the beginning of the "unimproved" Farrington Hwy. However, because of parking security, begin the trail at the entrance to the park. Property Considerations: Most of this path is through State of Hawaii (Waianae District) land, including Kaena Point State Park. However, the trail enters Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve (State DLNR/DFW-NARS), Kaena Point U. S. Coast Guard Reservation, and skirts Kaena Point Military Reservation (presumably USAF). Special permission is not necessary. What to Expect This is probably the flattest trail you'll find in Hawaii. The first quarter is bumpy asphalt, while the rest is a cratered, dirt/gravel road. Vegetation along the road tends to be brown, dead, and depressing. Only one section requires you to briefly drop down and climb about 10 feet. Ahead, the whole area between Puu Pueo and Kaena Point is white sand. Winds (on normal days) won't touch you until you clear the Kuaokala Ridge on your right. Dangers and Warnings The highest danger here is the potential for heat exhaustion. The sun beats heavily and reflects off the water, giving you double-trouble. Bring LOTS of water and sunscreen. Even SPF 45 sunblock results in sun burn on fair skin. Keep in mind that wind is minimal on normal tradewind days. Don't subject your kids to this as they may suffer. (I've witnessed both fair-skin burns with sunscreen and kids crying.) Also, it's advisable to wear boots. You may not encounter any ankle-snapping sections of the trail, but you WILL encounter a lot of centipedes. The good thing is that the trail is completely bare and you can see them skitter about - no surprise run-ins. However, avoid reaching into bushes or turning over rocks. Trail Facilities Bathrooms and outdoor showers may be found at beginning of trail (Kaena Beach State Park). Parking For better security than parking in an isolated area, park at the beginning of Kaena Beach State Park. There is a dirt lot on the mountain side (east) of the road just after the "Kaena Point Satellite Tracking Station" sign. At least your car will be located near a point of heavy park traffic and in the vicinity of a military guard shack. Parking at the beginning of the 4WD section will shave half a mile from your approach, but your vehicle may not be safe.	Kaena Point Trail (trail highlighted)
Location on Oahu		Trailhead Location
The Trail		NARS Sign

Topographic Map of Trail (enhanced) (Origin: USGS Map 21158E2TF02400)
Kaena Pt Light Station	Waves Crash!	Waianae Coast from Kaena Pt

Background graphic: Puu Pueo at Kaena Point