Ka’ena Point – Mokulēʻia Side
Ka’ena Point is a trail that I’ve wanted to do for the longest time but it some how got thrown on the backburner. Ka’ena Point is the North Western tip of Oahu known for its scorching heat, Monk Seals, whale watching, and the albatross. It is about a 2.5 mile hike from either the Mokulēʻia or the Waianae side. This photowalk covers the walk from North Shore along a dirt road and a former railroad bed. Please enjoy my photowalk as I explore one of Oahu’s most beautiful locations.
I didn’t exactly plan my trip to Ka’ena Point. It was kind of a spur of the moment thing.
Originally I was going to walk around downtown and Waikiki because I haven’t done so yet. I packed just four water bottles for the walk in Honolulu and planned to eat down there. But, when I was driving, I felt like going to North Shore instead and suddenly found myself passing Schofield Barracks and all the way upisland to the start of the Ka’ena Point trail. ^^;
The trail to Ka’ena Point is along a 2.5 mile dirt road that is very popular with trucks and 4 wheel drive vehicles.
Needless to say, I had to park my little compact car at the parking lot on the right first and walk the whole way. Not that I minded that. (:
The trail is kind of monotonous though……
I tried to make it more interesting by stopping to photograph the beaches.
If you like walking around tide pools and seeing creatures and plants in the water, Ka’ena Point is your place.
Occasionally, I would see a colony of very large crabs scurrying about.
There’s one on this rock if you look carefully.
One crab looks like it became lunch for a large bird. ^^;
The road just went on and on.
Eventually, I came to a trail leading off the main trail and into the mountains.
Curiosity got the better of me so I went to check it out.
The path led to a deep gulch with some dangerous looking walls of rock towering about me.
It kind of reminded me of another gulch I’ve been in but with less greenery. ^^;
Into the darkness.
The gulch ended at a dried up waterfall that towered above me. I imagine it must look very pretty after a good rain.
By the way, I don’t recommend exploring off trail too much. There are no ribbons or signs and the paths are not well maintained.
On the way back, I lost the main trail and ended up falling down and cutting up my arms. Just stay on the road. ^^;
At last I had made it back, but I was exhausted and I had almost used up 2 water bottles already.
I still had quite a ways to go to Ka’ena Point. ^^;
Still, even though it was monotonous at times, I did enjoy Ka’ena Point trail.
The beaches were beautiful on the way up and I enjoyed seeing the crabs.
Eventually, you make it to the end of the line….for the trucks.
This is the start of Ka’ena Point reserve. This is the extreme north west corner of Oahu.
It’s a heavily protected area and even has a large fence around it. I heard the fence is to keep predators away from the birds and seals.
No dogs are allowed on Ka’ena Point as they have chewed up albatross in the past. ^^;
Supposedly, there are lots of Hawaiian Monk Seals on Ka’ena Point.
Sadly, I didn’t see any. ^^;
I did see plenty of albatross though. They were all over the place.
You’re not allowed to leave the path in this protected area but you can still take photos.
Another albatross bird in its protected area.
At the very north western point, there is two light houses. One is a tall navigational light while the other is the older one laying on it’s side.
Originally, I thought it was a World War II bunker at first! lol ^^;
At the very end of the trail, you can see the waves crashing on the coast and its very peaceful.
As I hydrated in the relentless sun, I watched the whales jumping off the coast. Ka’ena Point is a popular whale watching spot. I don’t have pictures though because I don’t have the right lens for that. ^^;
Looking out towards the Waianae Side. If you walk the other side too you can actually turn this hike into a 10 mile round trip walk. ^^;
I would like to do the Waianae side some day because I missed some stuff the first time around. I want to see a Monk Seal and the WWII bunker I missed.
Plus, I heard the Waianae side is a more scenic trail….. If only the parking was safer…..
Demonic fish from Hell!
Not really but it was kind of cool. (:
On the hill near Kaena Point are some reminders of Camp Kaena.
Like many areas on Oahu, Ka’ena Point also had WWII installations preparing for a possible Japanese invasion.
The paved over and filled in sections on the mountain were tunnels used in war times…
There’s a trail that goes up this hill which I highly recommend. It really give you a bird’s eye view of Kaena Point and of many foundations of the old WWII base.
Well, I hope you enjoyed this photowalk through Oahu’s Ka’ena Point. It is a gorgeous area and the albatross/whales were fun to watch. Maybe someday I’ll see that Monk Seal…
Ah, a word of warning, make sure you bring enough water on this trail. I used up mine really quickly and had to stagger out of there with a massive headache and a dry mouth. Also, make sure you eat something before you go. I got a lecture from my girlfriend about the importance of taking care of myself when I go on one of these “adventures”. She’s right though. Your body needs fuel….otherwise you will feel like I did after this one. ^^;;
Till next time….
