Kaena Point: Shorelines, Albatross, Pillboxes, and More on Oahu's North Shore
- Stephen Warner
- Aug 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 24
Located on the far northwest tip of Oʻahu, Kaʻena Point Trail is a remote gem that offers a little bit of everything. This casual shoreline walk gives you front-row views of crashing surf, rock formations, a protected area teeming with albatross, and—for those wanting a bit of adventure—a short scramble up to a historic WWII pillbox. There’s a surprising amount to see packed into this coastal trail.
Trail Info
Trailhead Name | Kaena Point |
Distance | 5 miles / 8 km (out and back) |
Estimated time | 2-4 hours |
Elevation gain | Negligible (~300 feet / 100 m with pillbox) |
Highest point | 300 ft / 100 m (Pillbox) |
Permits / fees | None |
Parking | Off side of road |
Toilets? | No |
Dog friendly? | No (prohibited in sanctuary) |
Know before you go
You can approach Ka'ena Point from either the West side or North Shore. This post covers the west side approach to Kaʻena Point, which hugs the coastline more closely and, in my opinion, offers better views. Both routes are similar in distance.
There is no shade. Nada, zilch, zero. Lather up good folks.
Reaching the pillbox requires a little scramble. While the main trail is flat and easy, the pillbox is a fun side quest involving a short but steep scramble. Expect to use your hands, but it’s manageable.
This area is known for car break-ins. Unfortunately, this area has a reputation. Don’t leave anything visible in your vehicle or you might come back to a smashed window. Stash valuables or leave them at home.
Other trails nearby
Distance: 2 miles (3.2 km) out and back
Elevation gain: 700ft (210 m) gain
Details: A steep but rewarding trail leading to multiple pillboxes, including the famed Pink Pillbox, with sweeping views of Oʻahu’s west coast.
The Trail
You’ll start by parking wherever the road ends. There’s no formal lot.
Once you’re set, follow the trail heading north along the coast. From the get-go, the path meanders beside the rocky shoreline, where waves crash and tidepools occasionally appear. It’s relatively flat, gently undulating, and consistently scenic.
Keep your eyes peeled, there are plenty of hidden gems along the way. A natural rock arch makes for a fun photo stop, and if you're lucky, you might catch the nearby blowhole in action.
After about 2.3 miles (3.7 km), you’ll reach the Kaʻena Point Natural Area Reserve, a protected sanctuary for native Hawaiian plants and birds. At this point, dogs are not allowed, and the trail transitions from packed dirt to looser sand.
The highlight here is the chance to see Laysan albatross up close. These are massive seabirds with wingspans that can exceed six feet. These birds return to the sanctuary during breeding season (generally November through July), and it's one of the few places you can see them nesting in the wild. If you're lucky, you might even spot a chick.
There’s also a striking albatross statue that marks a nice turnaround spot near the very end of the point. I always appreciate art tucked away on trails like this. It adds a tasteful, human touch to the wilderness.
Feeling energized? There’s a pillbox you can spot up on the ridge, and it’s worth the short detour if you’re up for a bit of a climb.
Here’s how to reach the pillbox:
Exit the fenced sanctuary area—either back the way you came or via the North Shore side (shown in photo above).
Follow the fenceline until you find a faint trail heading uphill.
From here, it’s a hands-required scramble up the ridge until you hit the pillbox. Nothing too technical, but it will get your heart rate up.
The faint, unmarked trail to the pillbox will look like this.
Soon you’ll reach the pillbox (don't worry, it's hard to miss.) Like many on Oʻahu, has colorful graffiti and interior art.
The view is phenomenal, looking back over the stretch of coastline you just explored from a new angle.
Once you’ve soaked it all in, scramble back down and return the way you came, enjoying the coastal trail all over again.
SS Reflections
Kaʻena Point is one of those places I always wish I visited more while living on Oʻahu. It's remote (it might be the farthest hike from anywhere on the island) and lacks the ridge-line drama some other trails offer, which is likely why I didn't venture there often.. But it has its own quiet charm.
There’s something meditative about following the shoreline, hearing nothing but waves and spotting wildlife you’ll rarely see elsewhere. And seeing the endangered Laysan albatross in their natural habitat? That’s something truly special. Sometimes, the slower-paced hikes are the ones that leave the a lasting mark.
Other helpful resources
DLNR official webpage of Kaena State Park
