Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
brings huge pounding waves, making this a popular seasonal surfing and bodysurfing
spot, but it's best left to the experts because of submerged rocks, strong rips and a dan-
gerous shorebreak. Swimming is limited to summertime, and then only when waters are
calm.
If the water's flat, it's possible to snorkel too; the easiest access is on the south side of
the bay, named for the Japanese fishers who used to come here back in the railroad days.
You'll find restrooms, showers and a lifeguard station at the park's southern end.
Activities
Kaʻena Point Trail
HIKING, MOUNTAIN BIKING
(
www.hawaiistateparks.org
; end of Farrington Hwy [Hwy 930])
An extremely windy, mostly
level coastal trail runs along the old railbed for 2.5 miles from Yokohama Bay to Kaʻena
Point, then continues another 2.5 miles around the point to the North Shore (
Click here
)
.
Most hikers take the trail from the end of the paved road at Yokohama Bay as far as the
point, then return the same way.
This hike offers fine views the entire way, with the ocean on one side and craggy cliffs
on the other. Along the trail are tidepools, sea arches and blowholes that occasionally
come to life on high-surf days. In addition to native and migratory seabirds, you might
spot Hawaiian monk seals hauled out on the rocks or the sand - but do not approach or
otherwise disturb these endangered creatures.
The trail is extremely exposed and lacks any shade, so take sunscreen and plenty of
water and hike during the cooler parts of the day. Be cautious near the shoreline, as there
are strong currents, and rogue waves can reach extreme heights.
Kuaokala Trail
HIKING, MOUNTAIN BIKING
& Wildlife
(DOFAW; 587-0166;
https://hawaiitrails.ehawaii.gov
; Room 325, 1151 Punchbowl St,
Honolulu)
issues advance permits for the hiking and mountain-biking trail system sur-
rounding Kaʻena Point's satellite tracking station. From a dirt parking lot, the dusty
2.5-mile one-way Kuaokala Trail climbs a high ridge into Mokuleʻia Forest Reserve. On
a clear day you can see Mt Kaʻala (4025ft), Oʻahu's highest peak.
This land is also open to hunting, so hikers and bikers should wear bright, safety-
colored clothing. Check in with your hiking permit at the station guardhouse opposite
Yokohama Bay. Without a permit, the Kuaokala Trail can still be accessed via the
Kealia
Trail
, starting from the North Shore's Dillingham Airfield (
Click here
)
.
