UPDATED MAR 2020. If you remember my post on the Kaena Point Trail, you might remember that I mentioned there are two different hikes to get to the point. Well, as Adele would say “hello from the otherrrrrrrsiiiiiiide’. Here’s a practical guide on how to hike the Kaena Point Trail from the North Shore end this time. I hope it can help you plan your own adventure.
How To Hike The Kaena Point Trail From The North Shore End
Disclaimer
There are affiliate links included in this post. This means at no extra cost to you, I earn a commission if you book through the link.
FAQ for hiking the Keana Point Trail from the North Shore
Where is it located?
North Shore, about 1 hour from Waikiki.
What skill level is required?
Beginner.
What type of hike is it?
Flat, coastal trail.
How long does it take?
2-3 hours total depending on your pace and how long you stay at the point.
Are dogs allowed?
No.
What should you bring with you?
- Hat
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Hiking shoes (I use the New Balance Minimus
) - Camera (I religiously use a GoPro with this floaty selfie stick to double up for water adventures)
- Lightweight towel and swimsuit if you want to go to the beach afterward
- Lunch or snacks
)
to double up for water adventures)
and swimsuit if you want to go to the beach afterward
How to get to the Kaena Point Trail from the North Shore end
To get to the trail, you can type ‘Kaena Point Trail’ into Google Maps and it should come up with the spot at the end of the Farrington Highway next to Mokuleia Rock Beach.
There are two different ways to get to this trail – one from the west side and this one from the North Shore. It’s important to make sure you check Google Maps to make sure you are heading towards the one you want.
If it doesn’t come up in your navigation tools, just type in Dillingham Airfield (which should come up in most), and then once you get to the airfield, just keep following the Farrington until it ends.
Where to park
At the end of the road, there is a parking lot. There is no fee for parking here.
Park here and remember to leave your car empty to reduce the risk of a break-in.
From there you are only a few steps away from the trailhead which is clearly marked.
What to expect
The trail itself is also very simple, making it great for adventurers of all ages and levels of expertise.
You will go through the gate and follow the dirt road so it is very easy to follow. I walked closer to the beach to follow the path along there for better views, so you also have that option.
Walking this trail offers you views of mountains on one side and the ocean on the other. In other words, there’s no shortage of scenic views. I was lucky because the day I went there were record-breaking waves on the North Shore. I got to witness them first hand on this hike and without the crowds of people.
The epic views of mountains and ocean aren’t all the trail has to offer. In the whale migrating season it’s a good spot to see whales swimming by. While I hiked the trail, I saw so many of them. They were really active, breaching, and playing for ages. It was the coolest thing to see while I hiked.
Monk Seals
Another thing to look out for is Hawaiian Monk Seals.
I saw three playing and lazing on the beach at the end of the trail and they were just the cutest! There were a couple of volunteers there to protect them and I got to chat with them while I was there.
The volunteers knew them all by name and could explain their personalities which was a treat for me to learn about.
If there are no volunteers there, remember that you need to keep your distance from them to keep safe and avoid a fine. The photo below is of a Monk Seal I saw in a different area of the island.
View this post on Instagram
Kaena Point bird sanctuary
As you hike the Kaena Point trail from the North Shore, you will arrive at a gate.
Look to the floor and there is a shoe cleaning scrubber which you need to use before entering the gate.
Once you enter, keep following the trail to the end. You are now in a sea bird sanctuary though, so stay on the trail and keep an eye out for nesting birds.
No dogs are allowed on this trail to protect the birds in the area so this one is a human only adventure.
Kaena Point
Once you get to the end, there is a pillbox with cool graffiti and beachy areas to chill out and relax.
It’s a great hike to bring lunch with you because you can stop at the end to have your picnic before heading back.
To finish the hike just go back the way you came.
Safety tips
The biggest thing to consider is that the sun is harsh. It’s an open trail with little protection from the elements.
Make sure you protect yourself against heat-related illness by wearing a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and drinking lots of water. Try to do it in the cooler times of the day if you can.
The surf conditions can be rough in this area, especially in winter. I even saw a couple of tourists not pay attention to the conditions and step out on the rocks to take photos, then they were hit by a big wave and pushed ashore. Luckily no one was seriously injured.
The ocean is really nothing to be messed with, so make sure you pay attention to the conditions and keep yourself safe.
Where to stay on Oahu
I recommend staying in Waikiki because there’s always so much going on and it’s a great place to base yourself from. I stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village and recommend it.
If you plan to stay on the North Shore, I recommend Turtle Bay Resort.
If you want to stay elsewhere, I recommend searching on Booking.com. I use this to book accommodation when I am traveling and can always find a good deal.
The Kaena Point Trail from the North Shore is a gorgeous, coastal trail
Other guides to help you plan your adventures on Oahu
Waterfall Hikes On Oahu – 12 Incredible Hikes For All Skill Levels
Best Oahu Hikes For Beginners – A Guide To Kickstart Your Adventures
Best Shave Ice Oahu Edition – The Best Spots In Each Area Of The Island
I hope this can help you plan your adventure on the Kaena Point Trail from the North Shore end.
As always, check the weather forecast, use your best judgment to decide if this is a suitable hike for you, and take your trash with you.
If you found it useful, return the favor by sharing it or following me on Instagram!
My husband likes to mountain bike out that way, I still need to make a trip out here before we move. I’ve heard some many great things, plus stargazing is the best there! I need to knock it off my list, asap!
Oh yeah, I imagine it would be great for mountain biking. I saw a couple of people riding while I was there. Once you’re back you’ll be able to tick it off your list!
How long did this hike take? Thinking of doing it next time we visit but my sons are 8 & 6.
I spent a lot of time out there because I stopped a lot to watch the whales and waves, but i’d say if I was hiking normally it would probably take about 2 hours round trip. Just be sure to take your kids in the morning because the sun is so harsh out there.
Lol that’s so funny about the tourists! Although I have a feeling that would happen to me too!! That would have been some epic photos or videos if you were able to capture it.