The Untamed Destination In Hawaii Everyone Should Experience Once

The beautiful island of Oahu is known for many things: being the hub of business and industry in Hawaii, being home to the capital city of Honolulu, being a major destination for foreign travelers looking to spend time at the famous Waikiki Beach, and the killer traffic that ranks in at the second worst in the country. Untamed is not necessarily an adjective you would see used to describe Oahu – Kauai, definitely, but not Oahu, the most populated and developed of the Hawaiian Islands.

However, you can still find unspoiled natural beauty throughout the island if you know where to look – and there is one beautiful slice of paradise as far away from Waikiki as you can get that is wildly untamed, especially when it comes to Oahu. The destination: Kaena Point State Park, located on the northwestern tip of Oahu.

Andy Jou/Flickr

This untamed state park encompasses the rugged and wild coastline of the northwestern tip of Oahu, and is full of natural beauty and hidden gems, including heart shaped rocks, tide pools, stunning cliff faces, and a natural reserve area created to protect nesting albatrosses, Hawaiian monk seals, and the fragile native vegetation.

Eef ink/Flickr

In fact, this beautiful natural oasis is so remote, you can only reach the point on foot - there was once a road here, but it is no longer accessible, meaning you’ll have to walk. You can walk to the point from the leeward coast, which begins at Kaena Beach State Park, or from the north via a trailhead at the end of Farrington Highway.

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Shever/Flickr

The trek is notoriously hot, with very little shade, but with sweeping views of Mokuleia to the north, the leeward coast to the south, and the vast Pacific ocean, we don’t think you’ll mind too much. Just remember to bring sunscreen, plenty of water, and your camera!

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Mandy and John Eppley/Flickr

The trail is approximately 2.5 miles one way (from either side), and there is a never ending supply of gorgeous spots to discover - from tide pools and natural stone arches to whales frolicking off the coast during the winter months.

Shever/Flickr

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Kanaka Rastamon/Flickr

According to ancient Hawaiian lore, this dramatic shoreline is the place from which the souls of ancient Hawaiians would jump off into the spirit world to meet the souls of their ancestors.

Ken Lund/Flickr

Nathan Regamey/Flickr

The park is also considered to be one of the best shoreline fishing spots on the island - the waters are full of countless vibrant fish, including the Humuhumunukunukuapua'a, the Hawaiian state fish.

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Jerry McFarland/Flickr

In the winter, when massive waves bombard the north shore of Oahu, waves can reach heights of more than 45 feet, larger than waves at the famous surfing beach, Waimea Bay. Be warned that the point’s geography causes strong undertow, dangerous rip currents, and often hazardous ocean conditions, so any ocean activities here are not recommended.

Art La Flamme/Flickr

Kaena was once an active shield volcano that formed approximately 15 percent of the island - and at roughly five millions years old, it is also the oldest volcano on Oahu. When the volcano went extinct nearly 4.2 million years ago, it stood more than 3,000 feet tall, but has since experienced a major collapse.

Eef ink/Flickr

Though the trail is much more desolate than many of the island's most popular hiking trails, Kaena Point is perfect for a morning escape from the hustle and bustle that is Honolulu.

Regardless of which direction you’ve chosen to take, be sure to check out these 12 gems of the leeward coast, as well as these 17 amazing spots along Oahu’s north shore on your way to Kaena Point State Park.