Kaena Point - Best offshore hiking on the island

On the western tip of Oahu is Kaena Point. This dramatic lava shoreline is said to be the place where souls of ancient Hawaiians would jump off into the spirit world and meet the souls of their ancestors. With scenic views of the Waianae coast to the south, Mokuleia to the north, and the vast Pacific, it's easy to see why this point was deemed so sacred.

The only way to get to Kaena Point is by hiking. There are two trailheads: From the south side, or Leeward Coast side, begin your hike from Kaena Beach State Park. From the north side, or Mokuleia side, drive to the very end of Farrington Highway and park at the trailhead. This is a long and notoriously hot hike, so bring plenty of sunscreen and water. Hazardous conditions make any water activities extremely dangerous and are highly discouraged.

Above: Monk Seals resting at the tip of Kaena Point.

Above: Ka'ena State Point Park

Above: The parking lot. We were the first ones to get there. We wanted to start the hike early tp avoid the heat.

Above: The view of the mountains as soon as we got out of the car.

Above: Very muddy trail, it rained the night before so make sure you wear appropriate shoes (i.e. old running shoes). I wasn't very happy wearing my running shoes.

Above: Hidden beach, a mile from the parking lot. This was a big surprise for us.

Above: Hidden Beach (not so hidden anymore, you will see litter everywhere).

Above: Our second stop-- a cove.

Above: The reason why you have to wear appropriate shoes. They were too many of them left lying around.

Above: It got drier as we got closer to the point.

Above: Another stop.

Above: There is a big and long fence protecting the animals at Kaena Point. Dogs are prohibited.

Above: We had to go through a double door before we can get in the coastal reserve.

Above: You will find animal traps to protect the protected wildlife inside the coastal reserve.

Above: Tip of the point

Above: White rocks and lava rocks.

Above: Heading back.

Above: Plenty of car parts are left at the trail due to off road driving.

Lanikai Pillbox

This hike provides unobstructed views of a large portion of the southeast side of Oʻahu. There are two bunkers, or pillboxes from which this trail derives its name, where you can enjoy some views of the shoreline. Views include Kaneʻohe Bay, Kailua, Lanikai Beach and Waimanalo from various points along the trail. On a clear day you can also see Molokaʻi from the second bunker. This could also be a great place to watch the sunrise.

There are no restrooms or water fountains on this trail, so be sure to bring your own water. Also it can be quire muddy at the trailhead after recent rains, so wear hiking shoes that you don't mind getting muddy.

Parking: Neighborhood parking

Start of the trail

A view of Lanikai beach and twin Mokulua islands after 5 minutes of climbing.

The first pillbox--on top of the hill

The second pillbox.

End of the hike--second pillbox. Young hikers enjoying the sunrise.

Since we were unable to sit on top of the pillbox, my cousin and I walked a little further to have our own quiet area and enjoy the moment.

A view of Waimanalo Beach

A view of Kailua Beach, Kaneohe and Popoia Island.

The majestic Ko’oalau mountains that make up the skyline of windward Oahu.

Flowers we found at the trail.

Last look at the pillbox while heading back to the car.