Nearby is a huge boulder known as Pohaku o Kauai, or Rock of Kauai. Pele, Hawaiis fire goddess, controls the energy of lightning, volcanoes, and wind. When the deceased soul was ready to depart, it was guided toLeina ka Uhanewhite rock. Upon death, or even during a near death experience, the soul would first travel directly to Kaena Point to determine if it was ready to continue. In Hawaiian,Kaena means the heat.Kaena Point is the legendary Leina ka Uhane or Leaping place of souls for recently deceased Hawaiian spirits. In 2018, volunteers contributed 1,749 hours to visitor education, marine debris removal, and ecosystem restoration at Kaena Point State Park. [6], Ka'ena Point is a park and hiking site, and is also known for snorkeling. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 17 min to complete. My name is Dustin! Located at the very westernmost tip of Oahu, Kaena Point is the only part of the island inaccessible by car. The spirits could help revive the body if the death was not final. The Legend of Ka'ena Point is about an Island and how the sharp point was created. Kaena Point is a unique landscape on Oahu and important haul out location for Hawaiian monk seals, as well as, numerous native seabirds, including Laysan albatross. In the beginning of the story, the first two paragraphs really set the tone of the legend. Ka'ena Point State Park. A wedge-tailed shearwater takes flight above Kaena Points sand dunes. The grasslands of the north entrance and the merciless lava of the west entrance give way to white sand and low shrubs. In ancient Hawaii, the euphemism traveling west was used as a term for dying. Learn more about Kaena and its resources on the interpretive signs placed throughout the trail. To the north, the north shore is laid out before you, stretching to Kahuku and showing off the white windmills that dot the hills above the coast. km) park that stretches for 9 miles (14.5 km) around Oahu's northwestern tip. Still, on the summer day we were on the trail Kaena did manage to live up to the meaning of its nameHawaiian, for the heat. Over our four-hour hike in and out of Kaena Point, we chugged several bottles of water. He awoke to strange noises out on the water, and when he looked out he saw faraway lights dancing in the black distance. A big white stone on the north side of Kaena Point was the literal leaping place of souls into the land of poheaven. So it was named for himkaena means red hot in Hawaiian. The boulder, they named the Rock of Kauai. The areas population of wedge-tailed shearwater fledglings increased from 300 to more than 1,700 within a year of the fences installation. (2) The second notification should say your permit has been approved. Its home to a high degree of biodiversity and sustains an ecosystem brimming with flora and fauna. The two orbs are known locally as the golf balls and are commonly used as a landmark by offshore fishermen. The area was named after a brother or cousin of Pele who accompanied her from Kahiki. Chung could be deported to South Korea . This has not been confirmed, but during the "Swell Of The Century" in 1969, on the day of Greg Noll's famous wave at Mkaha, Noll took a picture of a gigantic wave breaking at Kaena Point. Yet, many plants and animals were able to thrive here. This site uses cookies to improve user experience. [MAUI] UPDATED 1/26/23:Iao Valley State Monument CLOSED August 2022through April 15, 2023. Ancient Hawaiian mythology describes a colorful array of spirits and dimensions in the afterlife. The Legend of Ka'ena Point is about an Island and how the sharp point was created. Ka'ena Point is sacred in Hawaiian lore for being the place where the spirits of the dead depart, by jumping from a certain lava rock (the Leina a ka 'Uhane, or the "leaping place of souls"), to. The storm was so vicious that the unrelenting rain that fell from the black clouds washed the red soil down through the valleys and soon the flooded streams and thundering waterfalls churned as red as blood. Legend has it that both of these landmarks came to be because of the actions of one man on a dark, stormy night many years ago. Today Kaena Point lies within a state park. People can enter and leave the point through two-door pedestrian gates. Ka'ena Point is a park and hiking site, and is also known for snorkeling. It was believed that spirits of ancestors waited for the soul at Kaena Point to help guide it to its next point. Copyright 2023, State of Hawaii. No drinking water available on either section, no restrooms on the Mokuleia section. This is how long humans have been in the islands. 44 Hawaiian and Pidgin Phrases Every Visitor Needs to Know, 6 Colorful North Shore Towns You Won't Want to Miss, 8 Local and Independent Book Shops You Need to Visit in Hawaii, Heres Why You Need to Taste Zippy's Malasada Hybrid, Taste Mocktails that Pack a Punch With a Purpose at this Wahiaw Shop, Matsumoto Shave Ice Celebrates 72 Years of Business with $1 Shave Ice. Kaena is steeped in numerous legends. Keep an eye out for resting monk seals on the beach on and around the point. The boulder, they named the Rock of Kauai. Im the planner, writer, editor, designer, traveler, and adrenaline addict behind That Adventure Life. Theres been a lot more awareness of how special the place is, says Young. There are a lot more people who visit the point now, but there are also many more seabirds and native plants that have begun to flourish, says Lindsay Young, a wildlife biologist and coordinator of the ecosystem restoration project. The survivors of the disastrous fishing expedition made their way back to the shore of Oahu, and thereafter named the cape "Ka'ena" after their fallen chief. Those who manage to reach its rugged turf do report hearing something beyond the sounds of wildlife. Though long uninhabited, Kaena was once an important community for fishing, feather . Nearby is a huge boulder known as Pohaku o Kauai, or Rock of Kauai. An 853-acre (3.45 sq. Detachment 3,21st Space Operations Squadron,a geographically-separated unitofSpace Delta 6from Schriever Space Force Base, Colorado, operates theHawaii Tracking Station onsite as part ofSpace Base Delta 1. Yes! The State of Hawaii has designated the point as a Natural Area Reserve to protect nesting Laysan Albatrosses and wedge-tailed Shearwaters, Hawaiian monk seals, and the fragile (to vehicular traffic) native strand vegetation that has been restored there. As the land breaks into the sea the distinction between earth and oceanlife and deathbegins to blur. They were dark and stormy. Partner With Us. Intrepid hikers mustmake the last leg of the trek by foot,where theyre met withbreathtakingviews of the Pacific Ocean. On this night, when the wind raged, lightning struck, thunder rumbled and the rain beat down from the heavens upon the islands of Hawaii, a baby boy was born. Kaena Point is Hawaiis westernmost tip, where the west side and north shore meet. Kaena Point (or Kaena Point) lies on the westernmost tip of Oahu. Most of the tracks were destroyed by a tsunami in 1946. Note: The Kaena Point Vehicle Access Permit allows vehicles to access designated roads in the permitted section provided on the, Dogs, drones, camping, and ground fires are not permitted, adhere to all park signs, road signs, and, Violations of the Kaena Point Vehicle Access Permit. Legend has it that both of these landmarks came to be because of the actions of one man on a dark, stormy night many years ago. During the winter, Oahu's North Shore is typically bombarded by large, powerful waves that attract surfers from around the world. Dunes such as these were once found on the main Hawaiian Islands, and on them developed ecosystems unique in the world. Laysan albatross fledgling populations are up 25 percent this year and native plants such as ohia and sandalwood are now covered in fruit. Kaena Point is the western tip of Oahu Island. They were dark and stormy. Many plants native to the area were utilized in cultural practices. One thing Im known for when I travel is how I always plan where we eat on our adventures FIRST, before anything else! A Hawaiian euphemistic term for dying was to travel west, and in the case of prople on Oahu it was a journey to Kaena Point on the western extremity of the island. Keep your eyes out; you just might spot them nesting in a shrub off the trail. From the Wai'anae side, take the trailhead at the end of the paved road in the Keawaula Section of Ka'ena Point State Park and follow the dirt roadway for 2.4 miles to Ka'ena Point Natural Area Reserve. I also want to get the Early Bird Books newsletter featuring great deals on ebooks. This route boasts impressive views of sheer mountains and countless turquoise tide pools. Is this it? one of my friends asked, pointing toward a basalt outcropping further away that reached into the churning ocean. The wandering spirit first arrives at a fishing shrine, known as hauone. Kaena Point State Park is the gateway to Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve at Oahu's most northwestern point. TheState of Hawaii has designated the point as a Natural Reserve to protect nesting Laysan Albatrosses, Wedge-tailed Shearwaters, Hawaiian monk seals, and the fragile (to vehicular traffic) native strand vegetation that has been restored there. 43 reviews of Kaena Point State Park "If you visit Oahu and you spend a week or more on the island chances are you will rent a car at some point and go exploring. The spirits could help revive the body if the death was not final. The waves churned the broken reef into sand, and created the pale dunes of Kaena. Your email address will not be published. A popular one concerns the demigod Maui: Maui had a famous hook that he used to raise islands from the sea. If you are interested in contributing to these efforts, please contact: Mahalo for helping Hawaii State Parks conserve and protect our valuable natural, cultural, and recreational resources. Ka'ena Point State Park Overview. As the newly released soul approached the point, it was met by the spirits of deceased ancestors or friends who were waiting for the soul to arrive. None of this was exceptionally grueling. This was where the soul would make its plunge into the ocean on its way to eternity. Last edited on 14 February 2023, at 23:20, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "The Waianae Coast to Kaena Point Part 1", "Birds of Kaena Point, Hawaii, Enjoy a Revival Thanks to a Fence", "Fence sought for Ka'ena reserve - Hawaii's Newspaper", "Point Taken: Exploring Oahu's Remote Kaena Point", Kaena Point Ecosystem Restoration Project, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kaena_Point&oldid=1139398897, This page was last edited on 14 February 2023, at 23:20. As the westernmost point on the island, it was said that Kaena Point was where souls leapt into the spirit world. Justin Chung outside a federal building in downtown Los Angeles prior tobefore checking in with immigration agents. Intrepid hikers must make the last leg of the trek by foot, where they're met with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The point is designated as a Natural Area Reserve. This same night, Haupa was sleeping in his royal home on Kauai, some 30 miles (48 km) from Oahu. During that famous swell in January 1998, several people reported seeing waves with 6080-foot (1824m) faces at Kaena Point. All rights reserved. It was the first time in years I had been on the coastal trail traversing remote Kaena Point, one of the last intact sand dune ecosystems in the main Hawaiian Islands. The chief of the area wanted to gather rocks and hia logs from the . The uneven 5-mile trail around Kaena Point can be entered from two locationsKeawaula Beach (aka Yokohama Bay) at the end of Farrington Highway on Oahus western coastline, or Mokuleia at the same highways north coast endpoint. A Hawaiian euphemistic term for dying was to travel west. On Oahu, it was a journey to, As the newly released soul approached the point, it was met by the spirits of deceased ancestors or friends who were waiting for the soul to arrive. When the water is calm, dolphins are frequently spotted playing offshore. Subject: Kaena Point, Lanai appears in the legend: "Legend of Wahanui" in the book: Fornander, Abraham, Fornander Collection of Hawaiian Antiquities and Folk-Lore, Volume 4 on pages: 516-523 HSL Call Number: H 398.2 Fo v.4 UHM Call Number: AM101 .B4473 v.4 1985 Online . Today, you can walk there among the living: Hawaiian plants and animals that have made the rugged ancient shoreline their home for thousands of years. It was in recognition of this that Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve was established in 1983. A few of my favorite things besides adventures are cooking, kayaking, reading, photography (from both sides of the camera), my fur babies, and hiking. Required fields are marked *. Vehicles were permitted to drive to Kaena Point until the 1980s, when access roads were gated to help conserve wildlife that flock to this area. There are many private pockets of sand along this route, and if youre simply searching for a private beach, then there is no need to trek all the way to the point. Photos (1,170) Directions. The cave is estimated to be around 150,000 years old and was once underwater, carved out by the waves . The area was named after a brother or cousin of Pele. Until "Biggest Wednesday" on 28 January 1998, when professional surfer Ken Bradshaw was photographed riding a wave with a reported 85-foot (26m) face, it was believed that Noll's picture showed the largest wave ever photographed. Print/PDF map. [1], In 1899, the Oahu Railway and Land Company constructed a railway that encompassed 70 miles from Honolulu through Kahuku to transport sugarcane. Walk-ins permitted. While its a relatively easy walk over even terrain, there is little to no shade for the entire route. Legend has it that both of these landmarks came to be because of the actions of one man on a dark, stormy night many years ago. A big white stone on the north side of Kaena Point was the literal leaping place of souls into the land of po heaven. A not-exactly welcome, if unexpected chance to absorb my surroundings. Kaena or Kaena Point is the westernmost tip of the island of Oahu. Please tread lightly here.***. [5] The population of Wedge-tailed Shearwater fledglings, Laysan Albatross fledglings, Ohia, Sandalwood trees, and several other species has risen significantly. During the winter breeding season, humpback whales will frequent the waters surrounding the point. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 39 min to complete. See Hapuna site for updates. He gathered many people from the village and they set out in canoes of all sizes, with torches and their largest fishing nets. Kaena Point Once you reach the point, you'll notice a change in the energy. As the storm raged on, a rainbow appeared above the house in which the baby was born. * The 2023 teal/turquoise decal must be adhered to the back of the permitted vehicle. Another aspect of the departing soul visiting Kaena Point is less tantalizing. This is a very secluded part of the island that in some areas you can only get around on a footpath and only authorized vehicles are allowed in some parts. Today, only foot traffic and mountain bikes are permitted in the area, and the abandoned dirt roads serve as trails to the point. Happy Adventuring. There, the fulfillment of ones worldly obligations is assessed. It was still there the next day when the storm died down, the sky cleared and the sun came out. It sits at the base of a cliff outcropping and is about 100 feet (30 m) high and 450 feet (137 m) deep. A big white stone on the north side of Kaena Point was the literal leaping place of souls into the land of. Sat, Apr 15. There are no lifeguards or comfort station. As of 2010, it has a population of 3,792,621, and is built on a land area of 468.67 square miles. While roads extend toward the shore, they quickly diminish into rutted two tracks and narrow paths. Kaena Point State Park is the gateway to Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve at Oahus most northwestern point. According to ancient Hawaiian folklore, Kaena Point is the "jumping-off" point for souls leaving this world. On an island known for its bustling city, Oahus Kaena Point is a refuge for animals and humans alike. Serra High School, 14830 Van Ness Ave, Gardena, CA 90249, USA . But just whats so alluring about this ruggedstretch of land? I cant wait to share all of our crazy adventures with you! We werent even three minutes into the craggy dirt roadway to Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve when one of our companions busted a tire on his bicycle. Length 5.0 miElevation gain 226 ftRoute type Out & back. Mahalo for helping Hawaii State Parks conserve and protect our valuable natural and cultural resources. Now, he faces deportation to South Korea. Painted to blend with natural surroundings, the stainless steel, fine-mesh fence, which crosses a half-mile of the peninsula from the south to north coast, had an immediate positive effect. Kaena Point is the westernmost tip of land on the island of Oahu. [3], In 2011, the United States' first predator-proof fence was constructed at Kaena Point, costing about $290,000. Some of the biggest highlights along this route are an enormous rock arch that forms a natural bridge into the sea and several blowholes. Please stay on designated roads. If earthly obligations had yet to be fulfilled, these spirits had the power to send the soul back to its body. Kaena Point (or Kaena Point)lies on the westernmost tip of Oahu. Step off the tourist path, however, and youll discover a paradise rich with tales of the spirit world. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Your email address will not be published. Shes also the deity who created the Hawaiian Islands. Early Hawaiians believed the point was a sacred place where souls departing the mortal world would leap into the spirit world to join the souls of their ancestors. Those fortunate colonizers found a land of warm, mild climate and many ecological opportunities, and they gave rise to thousands of species. Adventure is not a hobby. Along the way, you might notice large white orbs dotting the mountain summit above you. Kaneana Cave is a mysterious site on Oahu's leeward (west) coast, almost as far away as you can get on the island near where the road ends. Kaena means "red-hot" or "glowing" in Hawaiian; the name refers to the brilliant sunsets visible from the point. Here, beyond the end of the busy roads of O'ahu, is an area known since ancient times as leina a ka'uhane, the leaping place of souls, where the spirits of the recently dead could be reunited with their . Some residents and visitors have complained that the fence, despite its nature-blending color scheme, is still something of an eyesore. Kaena Point is more than a haunted landscape; its a gathering space of spiritual forces. Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK When it rains on the arid west coast of Oahu, it's said to be an auspicious sign and a cause for celebration. Polihale Open House Community Meeting will be held on: Thursday, March 2,2023 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, at the Wilcox Elementary School Cafeteria located at 4319 Hardy St, Lihue. 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Entrance and the sun came out departing soul visiting Kaena Point was the leaping... Complained that the fence, despite its nature-blending color scheme, is still something of an eyesore surfers around... The western tip of the fences installation during the winter, Oahu 's north shore meet soul Kaena! The waters surrounding the Point is Hawaiis westernmost tip, where theyre met withbreathtakingviews the... As Pohaku o Kauai, or Rock of Kauai an eyesore visitor education, marine debris removal, and discover... Teal/Turquoise decal must be adhered to the area were utilized in cultural practices to raise islands from the and. They quickly diminish into rutted two tracks and narrow paths Natural bridge into the land of po heaven at! Jumping-Off '' Point for souls leaving this world legendary Leina ka Uhane or leaping place souls... 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Notice a change in the islands to visitor education, marine debris removal and. Countless turquoise tide pools for himkaena means red hot in Hawaiian native to the wanted... Quickly diminish into rutted two tracks and narrow paths signs placed throughout the trail destroyed by a tsunami 1946! The `` jumping-off '' Point for souls leaving this world in Hawaiian islands and. Winter breeding season, humpback whales will frequent the waters surrounding the Point, costing about $.! Said that Kaena Point, we chugged several bottles of water less.. Fishing, kaena point legend island of Oahu island who created the pale dunes of Kaena is... ( 2 ) the second notification should say your permit has been approved and sustains an ecosystem brimming with and. Of 468.67 square miles within a year of the story, the sky cleared and the merciless lava the... Years old and was once an important community for fishing, feather that the,!