Seeing nature up close at Ka'ena Point
Picnics and hikes by the coast and wildlife watching are a few activities that one can do at the Ka’ena Point State Park, according to the Hawaii Activities website. “Kaena Point invites its visitors to explore and appreciate the untouched side of Hawaii,” says hawaiiactivities.com.
A brief history
According to the Department of Land and Natural Resources website, the Kaena Point area has been known since ancient times as a “leina a ka’uhane”, or the leaping place of souls where spirits of the recently dead could be reunited with their ancestors. “The area got its name from the volcano goddess, Pele, who according to folklore, dug her fingers into the earth, creating the hot, arid landscape,” says the Hawaii activities website.
The Ka’ena Point Natural Area Reserve was established in 1993, says the Department of Land and Natural Resources website. "The reserve protects sand dunes and boulder slope ecosystems and provides refuge and a nesting area for the Laysan albatross, green sea turtles and Hawaiian Monk seals,” added the site.
Paths to Ka’ena Point
Hikes are one of the popular activities in the area, says the Oahu Trails website. “One way is from the Wai’anae Coast and the other way is from the Mokule’ia Side,” added the site.
The trail coming from the Wai’anae Coast stretches 2.4 miles along the dirt roadway to the Ka’ena Point Natural Reserve, says the website. Dallin Orr, a sophomore majoring in visual arts from the Philippines, said he knew the hike to Ka’ena Point was challenging because of the heat of the sun. “It’s located in the westernmost tip of Oahu. It was dry and a friend told me it was almost a two-hour hike.” he added.
Stretching and bringing enough drinking water is a must before going on the hike, said Orr.
He said he liked how the trail was divided into two routes. “One is through the dirt road and the other one is the coast,” he added.
Jamis Schriner, a junior majoring in economics and accounting from Colorado, recalled his experience going on the hike twice. “A lot of the hikes here on the island are a bit muddy and steeper. But this hike was the opposite. It was drier and flatter,” he added.
He said it is one of his favorite hikes on the island. “I like the end of the hike because there are always seals there. It’s gorgeous and definitely an easy hike,” he added.
Seeing wildlife
Orr’s favorite part of the hike was a sea turtle and a monk seal resting on the shore, he said. “It’s beautiful to see how the whole area is home to such amazing creatures,” he added.
According to the Oahu Trails website, Ka’ena Point is a haven for sea birds such as the Red-footed Booby, the Great Frigatebird, and the Laysan Albatross. “Fencing has been constructed to prevent predators such as dogs and rats from disrupting nesting birds. Plant invasive species are also being removed to ensure native plants can thrive,” the site added.
The Department of Land and Natural Resources website reminds visitors to keep an eye out for new Marine Debris Drop-Off Stations while hiking along the point. “Marine debris of any size is a threat to the health and safety of marine, land and human population,” the site added.