Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Kaena is steeped in numerous legends. A popular one concerns the demigod Maui: Maui
had a famous hook that he used to raise islands from the sea. He decided that he wanted
to bring the islands of Oahu and Kauai closer together, so one day he threw his hook across
the Kauai Channel and snagged Kauai (which is actually visible from Kaena Point on clear
days). Using all his might, Maui was able to pull loose a huge boulder, which fell into the wa-
ters very close to the present lighthouse at Kaena. The rock is still called Pohaku o Kauai (the
“Rock from Kauai”). Like Black Rock in Kaanapali on Maui, Kaena is thought of as the point
on Oahu from which souls depart.
To hike out to the departing place, take the clearly marked trail from the parking lot of
Kaena Point State Park. The moderate 5-mile round-trip to the point will take a couple of
hours. The trail along the cliff passes tide pools abundant in marine life and rugged protru-
sions of lava reaching out to the turbulent sea; seabirds circle overhead. There are no sandy
beaches, and the water is nearly always turbulent. In winter, when a big north swell is run-
ning, the waves at Kaena are the biggest in the state, averaging heights of 30 to 50 feet, rivaled
only by Waimea Bay. Even when the water appears calm, offshore currents are powerful, so
don't plan to swim. Go early in the morning to see the schools of porpoises that frequent the
area just offshore.
To get to the trail head from Honolulu or Waikiki, take the H-1 west to its end; continue on
Highway 93 past Makaha and follow Highway 930 to the end of the road. No bus service runs
here.
