Kaena Point and Yokohama Bay

Kaena Point and Yokohama Bay mark the far western tip of Oahu, about 40 miles (64 km) northwest of Waikiki in Hawaii, United States. The drive takes about 1 hour 15 minutes via H-1 West and Farrington Highway (Route 93) north to the end of the road at the Yokohama Bay trailhead, where parking is free. TheBus Route 40 reaches Makaha, but the remaining distance requires a long walk or a rideshare, so a car is the practical choice. Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve is reached by a hike of about 5 miles round trip along a rocky, mostly flat coastal path that is exposed to sun and wind. The reserve protects one of the largest remaining coastal dune ecosystems in the main Hawaiian Islands. It is a nesting site for Laysan albatross (typically seen from late fall through spring), wedge-tailed shearwaters and a refuge for Hawaiian monk seals, which may be seen hauled out on the shore. A predator-proof fence protects the reserve, and visitors should keep dogs out and stay on trails. Yokohama Bay beach, at the trailhead, has golden sand and big winter surf with strong currents, so winter swimming is dangerous; summer can be calmer. A suggested arc is to start the hike early, walking out in the morning for the best light and cooler temperatures, spend time at the point, then return before the afternoon heat. Afterward, a swim or rest at Yokohama Bay, with lunch in Waianae or Makaha, completes the day. There is no shade or water on the trail, so visitors should carry at least two liters per person, wear sturdy shoes and sun protection and avoid leaving valuables in parked cars.