Cultural Resources

People have been a part of Ka‘ena Point for generations.  Although there are no human residences at Ka‘ena Point now, many trace their ancestors to this special place.

The Ka‘ena Point area was traditionally separated into different land divisions, with the north side belonging to the Ka‘ena ahupua‘a of the Waialua moku, and the south side of the point belonging to the Keawa‘ula ahupua‘a of the Wai‘anae moku. Ka‘ena, which literally translates as ‘the heat,’ is thought to have been named for a brother or cousin of Pele.

Other sources note that Ka‘ena means ‘the end point,’ underlining the area’s cultural significance as a sacred place where the spirit goes after death. It was at Ka‘ena, the Leina a ka ‘Uhane (spirit leap), a large sandstone rock where the fate of departing souls is determined as death nears. The leina is considered to be a wahi pana, a celebrated legendary place.

Also at Ka‘ena is Pōhaku o Kaua‘i, a partially submerged rock outcrop associated with recorded traditions.  Ka‘ena has also been an important area for fishing, feather collecting, and salt making for native Hawaiians of the region. Many of the native plants found at Ka‘ena are associated with traditional cultural practices and may have been used by previous families. For example, ‘ilima papa vines were used for basketry, the flowers for lei, and parts of the plant for medicinal purposes.

Several archaeological sites are known in the region, including heiau (pre-Christian places of worship) and ko‘a, fishing shrines.

The former alignment and features of the O‘ahu Railway and Land Company railway are among the most visible historic properties at Ka‘ena Point. Completed in 1898, the railway connected Honolulu to Kahuku, via Wai‘anae and Waialua. It was meant to serve plantation towns and ranches, but also became a scenic tour. Railway service ended and the railway was abandoned in 1947, after damage by a 1946 tsunami and decline in railroad use caused by the increase of personal vehicles.

Ka‘ena contains historic features associated with its military use. Ka‘ena Point Military Reservation was established in 1923; construction of military defense facilities began in 1924 and continued through 1946, capitalizing on the strategic location of Ka‘ena Point. Military use of Ka‘ena Point declined after World War II.

Today, people of various cultures visit Ka`ena Point for fishing, hiking, bicycling, and other recreational and educational activities. Vehicle access was eliminated in the Natural Area Reserve in the late 1980s to allow wildlife to recover – entry is only by foot or on mountain bikes. The reserve is open year round to all recreational users, including fishers, who enjoy fishing from the shore of the reserve.


Ola Wai‘anae i ka makani Kaiaulu.

Wai‘anae is made comfortable by the Kaiaulu breeze.

Chanted by Hi‘iaka at Ka‘ena, O‘ahu, after her return from Kaua‘i.

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