Looking for an easy coastal trail with unforgettable views and wildlife spotting opportunities on Oʻahu? The Kaʻena Point Trail offers families a scenic and educational adventure through a protected natural area filled with seabirds, Hawaiian monk seals, tide pools, and even whales in season. This flat trail is ideal for older kids and nature-loving families who want to explore a more remote side of the island.
Before we dive in, have you seen our ranked lists?
Highly recommended hotels in Oahu for families
Amazing Hawaii – best beaches in Oahu ranked
Fun things to do with kids in Oahu
Quick Facts About the Kaʻena Point Trail
- Location: Western tip of Oʻahu (accessible from the Waiʻanae or North Shore sides)
- Trail Length: 3.5 to 5 miles round trip depending on route
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate (flat terrain, some uneven rocks)
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Stroller-Friendly? No
- Restrooms: None at the trailhead or along the route
- Best for: Families with older kids who enjoy nature, birdwatching, and scenic coastal walks
- Wildlife highlights: Humpback whales (Nov–Mar), Hawaiian monk seals, seabirds like albatross and shearwaters
- Parking: Dirt parking at the end of the paved road (on either the Waiʻanae or Mokulēʻia side)
What Makes Kaʻena Point Trail Great for Families?
Kaʻena Point is one of Oʻahu’s last untouched coastal ecosystems, and the hike offers families a rare chance to walk through a wildlife sanctuary. The trail is not paved, but it’s relatively flat and follows an old dirt road. Along the way, kids can explore tide pools, look for blowholes, and possibly spot seals sunbathing on the shore. In winter, humpback whales can often be seen offshore, making this a fantastic hike for young animal lovers.
This trail also gives children a firsthand look at native Hawaiian plants and nesting seabirds within the Kaʻena Point Natural Area Reserve — a protected area with sand dunes and coastal shrublands. Interpretive signs along the way offer useful educational information.
Looking for more kid-friendly hikes? See our guide to family-friendly hikes on Oʻahu or check out our family review of Waimea Valley Falls Trail.
Which Route to Choose: Waiʻanae or North Shore?
Families can begin the Kaʻena Point Trail from two locations:
1. From the Waiʻanae Side (Keawaʻula / Yokohama Bay)
- Best for: Families staying on Oʻahu’s west side
- Trailhead: End of the paved road past Yokohama Bay
- Highlights: Boulder-strewn beaches, tidepools, blowholes
- Distance: ~2.5 miles one-way to the point
This route hugs the coastline more closely and features dramatic cliffs and ocean views. However, parts of the old road are eroded, so it’s more rugged than the North Shore side.
2. From the North Shore (Mokulēʻia)
- Best for: Families already visiting Haleʻiwa or Waimea
- Trailhead: End of Farrington Highway past Dillingham Airfield
- Highlights: Limestone reefs, sand dunes, bird nesting areas
- Distance: ~2.5 miles one-way to the point
This side has flatter terrain and easier walking, especially for families with younger kids who can handle a longer walk.
What to Bring for the Kaʻena Point Hike with Kids
- Sturdy walking shoes (trail is uneven in spots)
- Plenty of water (no shade or water sources)
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, reef-safe sunscreen)
- Binoculars (for spotting seabirds and whales)
- Snacks or a picnic lunch
- Lightweight layers (can get windy at the point)
Note: There are no bathrooms or trash cans on the trail — plan accordingly and practice Leave No Trace.
Wildlife Watching Tips for Kids
Kaʻena Point is home to a number of native species:
- Hawaiian monk seals: Often found napping on the beach or rocks. Keep at least 50 feet away.
- Seabirds: Look for nesting albatrosses, shearwaters, and other protected birds. Don’t step off trail in nesting zones.
- Whales: From November to March, you may see humpback whales breaching in the distance. Bring binoculars for a better view.
- Tidepools: Check out marine life in the pools — but remind kids not to touch or remove anything.
Encourage kids to observe wildlife quietly and respectfully. It’s a great opportunity to teach about conservation and Hawaiian ecosystems.
Local Food Stops After the Hike
After your hike, treat the family to a local meal:
- From the North Shore: Head to Haleʻiwa and try Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck or get shave ice from Matsumoto’s.
- From the Waiʻanae side: There are fewer food options nearby, so consider packing lunch. Alternatively, head back toward Makaha or Kapolei for restaurants and takeout spots.
Is Kaʻena Point Worth It for Families?
Absolutely. While this hike isn’t stroller-friendly and lacks shade or bathrooms, it’s still one of the most unique and educational hikes on the island for families with school-aged children. The reward is high: open ocean views, native wildlife, and a deep sense of Hawaiʻi’s natural beauty.
For more family hikes on Oʻahu, read our guide to easy Oʻahu hikes with kids or explore the scenic Makapuʻu Lighthouse Trail.
Final Tips for Visiting Kaʻena Point with Kids
- Arrive early to avoid mid-day heat.
- Bring more water than you think you’ll need.
- Keep children close — cliffs and waves can be dangerous.
- Respect the land and wildlife: no dogs, no littering, and stay on the path.
- Prepare for a longer walk than expected — the beauty of this trail is in the slow discovery.
Have you seen our ranked lists?
Highly recommended hotels in Oahu for families
Amazing Hawaii – best beaches in Oahu ranked
Fun things to do with kids in Oahu
For detailed visitor info, check out the Wikivoyage page on O’ahu.
