Ka'ena Point via the Waianae Coast

There are two ways to Ka`ena Point, the Northwestern most point of the island. One way is via the North Shore, part of which we visited when my mom was visiting in October. The other way is via the Waianae Coast, which is the West side of the island. I had heard that it was a spectacular hike, and that during Albatross nesting season you can see many of the large birds nesting at the point. We also saw many flying overhead as we hiked along the water. They soared just above the surface of the water, it's amazing! I had no idea just how spectacular this part of the island is, and we were pleasantly surprised by what we came across at the end (keep reading to find out!).

Will and I also planned to do a little trail trash pick-up. We didn't realize that the hike was on such rocky coastline. There was a lot of trash that had washed up and quite a bit from people being careless. We scoped things out on our walk out to the point, and did our pick up on the way back. Though it was sad to see so much litter, we felt so good taking it out of there and putting it where it belongs!

There were several rock formations like this where an archway had formed.

You can see the trail wrapping around the mountains 

Archway from the distance.

Yep, we went down there!

Cool peak at the mountain!

We made it to the point and the landscape changed drastically! All of a sudden we're in a wildlife sanctuary.

Nesting albatross. Can you see the one flying off to the left just above the grass?

There were several resting monk seals. SO cute!! We didn't know there would be monk seals!

Heading back.