Ocean and trail access allowed.

Kahana was a thriving fishing and farming community prior to Western contact. Those living in Kahana had an abundance of fresh water and fertile soil on the valley floor to cultivate kalo (taro), the staple crop. The loʻi (ponded fields of kalo) were irrigated by ʻauwai (ditches) that diverted water from the streams to the fields. Kahana Bay provided a wealth of fish and shellfish.

In the 19th Century, following the unification of the Hawaiian Islands by Kamehameha I, the population rapidly declined as a result of Western contact and the introduction of foreign diseases. Sugar cane cultivation and the use of the valley as a WWII jungle warfare training site, have altered the natural and cultural environment of Kahana.

The primary purpose of this park is to nurture and foster native Hawaiian cultural traditions and the cultural landscape of rural windward Oʻahu. Established as a “living park”, there are thirty-one families living in the ahupuaʻa of Kahana. These families assist with interpretive programs that share the Hawaiian values and lifestyle. If you have a group interested in a cultural program at the park, please call 237-7767.

There are extensive remnants of Hawaiian culture in the valley, including a heiau (religious temple), koʻa (fishing shrines), fishponds, house sites, stone-walled enclosures, ʻauwai (irrigation channels), agricultural terraces, walls and planting areas. While many of these sites are inaccessible to the public, Kapa’ele’ele Koʻa and Keaniani Kilo (lookout) are accessible via a trail on the west side of the valley mouth. From the kilo, the kilo iʻa, or fish watcher, spied schools of akule in the bay and signaled to valley residents who would collectively net them. Huilua Fishpond, the most impressive site in the valley, and presently under restoration, can be visited from the east side of the bay.

There are two hiking trails available to the public. Both are relatively easy walking, but trails may be muddy. No permits are required and detailed trail maps are available at the Orientation Center.

Kapa’ele’ele Ko’a and Keaniani Lookout Trail is a one mile long loop trail that begins at the Orientation Center and takes about one hour. The trail passes two cultural sites and offers stunning views of Kahana Bay.

Nakoa Trail is named for the koa trees found along this 2.5 mile loop trail through a tropical rain forest. The loop hike takes about 2 hours. The total length of the hike is 5 miles from the Orientation Center. The trailhead can be reached by following the main road up the valley. This trail crosses Kahana Stream twice. Fruit picking when in season.

• Beachgoing
• Dogs on Leash
• Hiking
• Sightseeing
• Camping
• Fishing
• Hunting

• Boat Ramp
• Picnic Tables
• Showers
• Water Fountain
• Campsites
• Restroom
• Trash Cans

• No Motorized Vehicles/ATVs
• No Open Fires
• No Commercial Activities
• No Alcoholic Beverages
• No Smoking

None

Daily 7:00 am to 6:45 pm

By Permit Only

• Residents = $20 Per Night, Per Campsite
• Non-Residents = $30 Per Night, Per Campsite