Ka'ena Point: A Sacred Sanctuary

Drive about 30 miles northwest of the crowded beaches of Waikiki and you’ll find one of the last untouched paradises on Oahu. The pristine and windblown Ka’ena Point wildlife reserve - unknown to many tourists - is the world’s only place where people can observe the nesting Laysan albatross at close range without supervision, fee or guide.

According to ancient Hawaiian folklore, Ka’ena Point is the ancestral arena where souls of the dead “jumped off” into the next world. The 59-acre sanctuary is accessible only by foot or bicycle at the westernmost tip of the island, linked to separate three-mile dirt trails starting from Waianae on the west (leeward side) and Mokuleia on the north (windward side). The Waianae trail has suffered some erosion, making parts of it hazardous to cross.

One of Hawaii’s last intact dune ecosystems, Ka’ena Point features picturesque views of lava-laden shoreline, endangered Hawaiian monk seals sunbathing on white coral, soaring wedge-tailed shearwaters, majestic green sea turtles and humpback whales - just to name a few. A myriad of tide pools abound with tropical fish, eels, sea cucumbers, hermit crabs and an impressive array of indigenous species in crystal clear ocean. This place is truly a tide pool hunter’s dream.

Usually hot and dry, the Point can be difficult to reach at times during winter months, which is prime albatross-nesting season. Gouges in the dirt roads made by four-wheelers fill with water and create a muddy mess to slog through after a rainfall. Be sure to go on a sunny day, if possible.

There is literally no better time to visit Ka’ena Point than now. 400 or so albatrosses inhabit the area, which is a 15 percent increase since the invasion of mongooses, rodents, feral cats and dogs brought by humans years ago.  

This rebound in population is credited to what has become a global focus of attention — a green, six-and-a-half-foot-tall, predator-proof fence at the Point’s entrance — among the first ever constructed. The $290,000 barrier zigzags for 2,000 feet across the Point in north-south fashion, featuring three double-door gates that force people to close one door before opening the next; an overhang that allows animals to climb out, but not in; and borders to prevent burrowing underneath.

If you are lucky, Laysan albatross chicks can be spotted around the Point’s low-lying naio bushes with their beautiful chocolate-brown down during summers. Inside the naio shrubs lay nests of vigilant mothers with seven-foot wingspans soaring above.

Today, an estimated 50,000 people visit Ka’ena Point annually, making it among the most remote places on Oahu. No dogs are allowed in the sanctuary — considered sacred in Hawaiian culture — and visitors should walk only within designated, roped-off paths and on main beach areas. State law prohibits disturbing the Hawaiian monk seals and seabird nests, so keep a safe and respectful distance in accordance with posted signs.

Be sure to pack ample food, water and sunscreen on your trip to Ka’ena Point. There are no toilets, garbage bins or fresh water facilities due to the Point’s remote isolation, and shade is scarce. If planning to negotiate the ocean’s slippery tide pools, use reef walkers for traction and to avoid infectious coral cuts. As long as you plan ahead for this trip, you will have fun.

The sacred sanctuary of Ka’ena Point is undeniably spectacular, so be sure not to pass up on what many consider to be one of the most beautiful destinations in all of Hawaii.

Traditional Hawaian Dishes

Hawaii - this is a paradise for gourmets. It's no secret that the archipelago is famous for its fruit and seafood. It built a lot of restaurants and cafes are all the cuisines of the world, including traditional island.

All who visited the islands pay tribute to Hawaiian cuisine. "Lomylomy" of minced raw salmon, "laulau" - fish or pork for a couple, "opakapaka" of pink snapper - all integral components of the local menu.

Enthusiasts will appreciate the Hawaiian hot red onions. You can also try baked according to local custom in an earthen pit pig. The process of eating a pig is usually at dusk and is accompanied by some shows - the national dance of "blasphemy" or popular in Polynesia tricks with fire. All together is called "Luau." Not least is occupied by tropical fruits. It will be offered ordinary banana-orange, and the cannons with a floral taste and look like small watermelons "passion fruit". Local cocktails "Mai Tai", "Lover" s flower" are also very good. They exist as a form of alcohol, as well as in non-alcoholic version.

Hawaiian Exotics...

The U.S. could be hardly called an exotic country. However, one of its states - Hawaii - the realm of a true exotic: palm trees, unusual flowers and an indescribable feeling of relaxation and bliss, as if spilled in the local air.

Hawaiian exotics - perhaps the most pleasant in the world to holidayers. Firstly, its American that is, a high level of hotels and service. Secondly, American quite low prices (hols here are cheaper than, let's say, on the island of Tahiti, located in the same climatic region). Thirdly, a very convenient way - a huge choice of flights of different airlines.

Perhaps one of the main advantages of the Hawaiian islands is their diversity. They vary in terrain, vegetation, population, urbanization (if it is a term generally applied to Hawaii - in the strict sense of the word can only be called the city of Honolulu, the state capital). As a result, and ways to rest on the islands are quite varied.

ABOUT THE HAWAIIAN ISLANDS:

The Hawaiian Islands are one of the U.S. states with capital Honolulu. This is the largest archipelago in Polynesia, consisting of 24 islands, stretching from north-west to south-east more than 3600 km.

All of the largest islands: Hawaii, Kauai, Lanai, Maui, Molokai, Oahu are mountainous and small. The north-west of the atolls of the Hawaiian islands are crowned with an underwater volcanic ridge and is the highest active volcanoes on the Earth.

Official language is English. Partly (domestic) remains the Hawaiian language, one of the Polynesian languages.

The most used word in Hawaii - is 'Aloha', which means "hello", "Goodbye" and "I love you" at once.

In the VI-III centuries BC. islands were settled by Polynesians. In 1778, the Hawaiian Islands visited the Englishman James Cook expedition, who named them Sandwich Islands. Cook was killed in a duel with a local leader, and then his body was divided into pieces and eaten, because it was thought that the flesh of the enemy gives the strength. The end of XIX century, Hawaii was a kingdom. In 1893, Queen Liliuokalani lost the throne in 1994 and in was formed Republic of Hawaii. In the United States annexed the Hawaiian Islands. In 1959 Hawaii became the fiftieth state of the USA.

Oahu is the most populated island of the Hawaiian Islands. The state capital Honolulu and the famous Waikiki Beach is placed there. In Honolulu, the Hawaiian kings retained Iolani Palace with the statue of Kamehameha, the founder of the royal dynasty. On Oahu is a naval base of Pearl Harbor that December 7, 1941 without a declaration of war planes bombed a Japanese aircraft carriers. On that day, President Roosevelt announced the U.S. entry into World War II.

On the Hawaii Island, the largest of the Hawaiian Islands, there are active volcanoes Mauna Loa and Kilauea, and the extinct volcano Mauna Kea.

The main cities of the island - Kona and Hilo. Hilo interesting to visit the Lyman Museum, which exhibited the works of Hawaiian culture. Hawaii are famous for beautiful beaches. This is a wonderful place for diving and windsurfing.