The park wraps around Oʻahu’s westernmost tip, where the paved road ends and a rough coastal track runs about 2.5 miles to the Kaʻena Point Natural Area Reserve. The Mokulēʻia section on the north side has rocky coves, tide pools and dunes; the Keawaʻula section on the Waiʻanae side has a sandy bay.
Why we love it
It’s the one place on Oʻahu where the road simply stops and the coast goes wild, with monk seals hauled out on the rocks and no buildings in sight.
Current conditions: As of DLNR’s Oct. 19, 2026 notice, vehicle access to Kaʻena Point has reopened after storm damage, but the Keawaʻula Trail on the Waiʻanae side remains closed and vehicles are restricted past the restroom lot. Some Mokulēʻia roads are also closed.
What to expect
From the end of the road at Mokulēʻia, the walk follows an old railbed along black lava shoreline, about 2.5 miles each way to the reserve at the point. It’s flat but hot, dry and almost shadeless, and there is no drinking water and no restroom on this side. Allow four hours round trip. Waves break hard on the ledges, especially in winter, so stay well back from the water’s edge. Monk seals often rest on the beaches near the point. Follow the shoreline trail signs, since storm damage has closed some roads.
Know before you go
- Trail status
- As of DLNR’s Oct. 19, 2026 notice, the Keawaʻula (Waiʻanae-side) trail remains closed. Start from the Mokulēʻia side and follow the shoreline trail signs.
- Vehicles
- Driving on the Mokulēʻia section’s marked roads needs a 2026 Kaʻena Point Vehicle Access Permit with a gold decal. The 2024–2025 purple decal is no longer valid.
- Wildlife
- Stay at least 50 feet from Hawaiian monk seals. Inside the Natural Area Reserve, watch plants and wildlife from a distance.
- No facilities
- The Mokulēʻia section has no restrooms, lifeguards or drinking water. The Keawaʻula comfort station has reopened.
- Rules
- No dogs, drones, camping or commercial activity. Leave marine debris at the marked drop-off stations.
- Gate closures
- Gates may close for wet roads or high surf. Check the park page before driving out.
Photo: Aaron Zhu via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
