Kaena Point Tide Pools
- Hike
- 2.5 mi each way
- Elevation gain
- 0 ft
- Road
- Gravel
- Permit
- Not required
- Dogs
- Not allowed
Access is a 2.5 mi hike each way with 0 ft of elevation gain. Kaena Point Tide Pools is a swimming hole in Honolulu County, Hawaii.
Closures and warnings
DLNR: stay away from the wave-exposed coast unless familiar with hazardous ocean conditions. Rogue waves have swept people from rocks at Kaʻena Point. Tide pools are for viewing, not swimming. As of September 28, 2026.
Before you swim
| Swimming allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Current | Strong |
Access
| Hike | 2.5 mi each way |
|---|---|
| Elevation gain | 0 ft |
| Road | Gravel |
| Road note | Paved road ends at Mokuleʻia (north) or Keawaʻula (west) sections; hike follows old dirt roadway. Vehicle access beyond the Mokuleʻia gate requires a Vehicle Access Permit. |
| Parking | End-of-road lots at Mokuleʻia and Keawaʻula sections of Kaʻena Point State Park. |
| Reservation or permit | Not required |
| Managed by | Hawaii Division of State Parks (Kaʻena Point State Park) / DOFAW Natural Area Reserve at the point |
| Restrooms | No |
|---|---|
| Showers | No |
| Drinking water | No |
| Note | No lifeguards or comfort station on the point trail. |
Rules
| Dogs | Not allowed |
|---|
Common questions
Common questions
Is Kaena Point Tide Pools open?
DLNR: stay away from the wave-exposed coast unless familiar with hazardous ocean conditions. Rogue waves have swept people from rocks at Kaʻena Point. Tide pools are for viewing, not swimming. As of September 28, 2026.
Can you swim at Kaena Point Tide Pools?
No, swimming is not allowed at Kaena Point Tide Pools. A strong current is reported here, use caution.
How long is the hike to Kaena Point Tide Pools?
It's a 2.5 mi hike each way with 0 ft of elevation gain. The road in is gravel. Paved road ends at Mokuleʻia (north) or Keawaʻula (west) sections; hike follows old dirt roadway. Vehicle access beyond the Mokuleʻia gate requires a Vehicle Access Permit. Parking: End-of-road lots at Mokuleʻia and Keawaʻula sections of Kaʻena Point State Park.
Do you need a reservation for Kaena Point Tide Pools?
No reservation or permit is required.
What facilities are at Kaena Point Tide Pools?
No restrooms, showers, and drinking water. No lifeguards or comfort station on the point trail.
What are the rules at Kaena Point Tide Pools?
Dogs are not allowed.
Nearby
Public land
Just outside: Kaʻena Point State Park (0.4 mi) .
Sources
3
- https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/oahu/kaena-point-state-park/ (accessed September 28, 2026; backs manager / access.hikeDistanceMi / amenities, access.permitRequired false for hike; Vehicle Access Permit for Mokuleʻia drive)
- https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/hiking/oahu/kaena-point-trail/ (accessed September 28, 2026; backs access.hikeDistanceMi / elevationGainFt / hazardNote / roadNote, rules.dogs, swimmerNotes.current)
- https://safetoswimhawaii.com/kaena-point-tide-pools/ (accessed September 28, 2026; backs swimmerNotes.swimmingAllowed / hazardNote rogue waves)