It’s hard to find hiking in Oahu that’s not clogged with tourists. Don’t get me wrong, island visitors are great, but there’s a big difference between visitor and tourist. Visitors do research, bring water and politely hike, making sure not to behave garishly or annoy anyone. On the other hand, tourists wear loud shirts, stand in large groups—usually blocking something—and teeter along paths in inappropriate footwear like stiletto heels or loafers. I like to be a visitor.

So I was happy to find the blissfully un-crowded Ka’ena Point trail on Oahu’s North Shore. The hike is easy, only about 5 miles roundtrip, but bring lots of water and a snack—there’s virtually no shade along the way.

The whole trail provides fantastic views up to Oahu’s westernmost point: natural stone arches, noisy blowholes and big tide pools. If you hike in winter, you’ll see the largest waves in the state—sometimes reaching 40 feet. At the point, you can get lucky and spot sharks in the water or a coastal seabird’s nest.

The best part was that unspoiled feeling: there were locals fishing along rocky outcroppings and kids running along the trail, playing tag. We were even treated to a group of nudists frolicking in a tide pool (but don’t quote me on that one—there are no bare-bottom guarantees).

It’s an easy drive from H1. Take the highway west to the end and just keep going, continuing on Hwy 93 and 930 until the road ends at Ka’ena Point State Park.

Park at the far end of the beach, right at the trailhead. Unless you have a serious 4-wheel-drive, don’t attempt to take your car up the trail. Make sure to never leave valuables in the car. It’s just plain dumb to tempt sticky fingers.

Though there’s a northern hike to the point from the Mokule’ia side, I wouldn’t suggest it. It’s much more dusty and frequented by four-wheelers who tear around the dunes. Cool for them, not so cool for us. Happy trekking!

Ka’ena State Park is open daily during daylight hours. Park includes restrooms, trash cans and payphone. Visit http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/oahu/ for more information.

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Categories: Outdoors
Tags: blowholes, Features, Hawaii, Hawaii State Parks, hiking, Kaena Point, Leeward, Mokuleia, North Shore, Oahu, tide pools, tourist, trails, trekking