Legend has it that both of these landmarks came to be because of the actions of one man on a dark, stormy night many years ago. The canoes were smashed and shattered into tiny pieces, and chief Ka'ena, who stood proudly in the middle of his people, lost his life along with many of the fishermen. Ancient Hawaiian mythology describes a colorful array of spirits and dimensions in the afterlife. Its an eerie wail that seems to rise out of the ocean, like the distant callsof lost souls. Subject: Kaena Point, Lanai appears in the legend: "Legend of Wahanui" in the book: Fornander, Abraham, Fornander Collection of Hawaiian Antiquities and Folk-Lore, Volume 4 on pages: 516-523 HSL Call Number: H 398.2 Fo v.4 UHM Call Number: AM101 .B4473 v.4 1985 Online . The "Loop" is the most obvious and popular choice as it goes through the islands center through pineapple fields, to the North Shore and communities like Haliewa (Holly-ay-vah), Waimea (why-may-ah), down by Chinamans hat park, the . Be sure not to step on them! My name is Dustin! When the deceased soul was ready to depart, it was guided toLeina ka Uhanewhite rock. The boy was named Haupu. Its home to a high degree of biodiversity and sustains an ecosystem brimming with flora and fauna. A Hawaiian euphemistic term for dying was to "travel west." For example, in line 5-7, it says "The storm was so vicious that the unrelenting rain that fell from the black clouds . The hike to the point from either section is 2.7 miles one-way along a volcanic coast with mountain and ocean views. It was thought that the child was special, and that rainbow was a sign of his power. Swimming is not recommended because of dangerous ocean conditions. The point can be reached on foot from either side, East (via North Shore) or Southeast (via Waianae Coast). Happy Adventuring. Photos (1,170) Directions. * The 2023 teal/turquoise decal must be adhered to the back of the permitted vehicle. The boy was named Haupu. Nothing else threatening can. Required fields are marked *. Intrepid hikers mustmake the last leg of the trek by foot,where theyre met withbreathtakingviews of the Pacific Ocean. An official website of the United States government, Hosted by Defense Media Activity - WEB.mil. Kaena Point is a conservation area, and the wildlife in this region is second to none. Today, you can walk there among the living: Hawaiian plants and animals that have made the rugged ancient shoreline their home for thousands of years. Hawaiian monk seals have begun to pup there, and there is just a lot more of everything.. The author uses a simile at the end of the paragraph. Keep your eyes out; you just might spot them nesting in a shrub off the trail. Kaena Point State Park is the gateway to Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve at Oahus most northwestern point. As the land breaks into the sea the distinction between earth and oceanlife and deathbegins to blur. It was believed that spirits of ancestors waited for the soul at Kaena Point to help guide it to its next point. Serra High School, 14830 Van Ness Ave, Gardena, CA 90249, USA . It's our lifestyle. There are many private pockets of sand along this route, and if youre simply searching for a private beach, then there is no need to trek all the way to the point. A place like Hawaii conjures relaxing thoughts of glittering beaches, hula dancers, and shaved ice. Kaena Point is the legendary Leaping place of souls for recently deceased Hawaiian spirits. All rights reserved. Journey to Oahus westernmost point, where according to Hawaiian legend souls leap into the afterlife leaving only the echo of their voices behind. As the trail morphed from jagged rock to smooth sand dunes near Kaena Point, we took off our hiking shoes and made a beeline toward the shore. There are over 2,000 seabirds that use Kaena Point as their breeding grounds. BECOME A LEGEND. To play, press and hold the enter key. While roads extend toward the shore, they quickly diminish into rutted two tracks and narrow paths. It compares red river to the color of blood. Polihale Open House Community Meeting will be held on: Thursday, March 2,2023 from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM, at the Wilcox Elementary School Cafeteria located at 4319 Hardy St, Lihue. Kaena or Kaena Point is the westernmost tip of the island of Oahu. With motorized vehicles verboten in the reserve, the Kaena Point Trail is well suited for hiking and bikingthe latter, preferably on durable mountain bikes. Want more haunted places? This remote tracking station is responsible for tracking satellites in orbit. Last edited on 14 February 2023, at 23:20, Learn how and when to remove this template message, "The Waianae Coast to Kaena Point Part 1", "Birds of Kaena Point, Hawaii, Enjoy a Revival Thanks to a Fence", "Fence sought for Ka'ena reserve - Hawaii's Newspaper", "Point Taken: Exploring Oahu's Remote Kaena Point", Kaena Point Ecosystem Restoration Project, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Kaena_Point&oldid=1139398897, This page was last edited on 14 February 2023, at 23:20. Be sure to wear sunscreen and bring plenty of water. [4] The fence is about 2,133 feet long (650 m), and encompasses 59 acres (24ha) of land. Ka'ena Point Space Force Stationis located atKaena Pointon theislandofOahuinHawaii. A Hawaiian euphemistic term for dying was to travel west. On Oahu, it was a journey to, As the newly released soul approached the point, it was met by the spirits of deceased ancestors or friends who were waiting for the soul to arrive. Learn more about Kaena and its resources on the interpretive signs placed throughout the trail. Ka'ena Point State Park: Rock of Kauai Legend - See 444 traveler reviews, 828 candid photos, and great deals for Waianae, HI, at Tripadvisor. Yes! It was still there the next day when the storm died down, the sky cleared and the sun came out. There is a door in the fence that allows hikers to pass through. Be sure to not leave any valuables in your vehicle, as remote parking areas are always an easy target for thieves. The spirits could help revive the body if the death was not final. It is a remote tracking station of the Satellite Control Network responsible for tracking satellites in orbit, receiving and processing data, and enabling control of satellites by relaying commands from control centers. This route boasts impressive views of sheer mountains and countless turquoise tide pools. Oahus westernmost promontory, Kaena Point rewards hearty hikers with sweeping views of the islands still rugged north and leeward coastlines. As the storm raged on, a rainbow appeared above the house in which the baby was born. Banners; Repeat Banners; Digital Dozens; More. Far removed from Oahu urbanity, Kaena Point is one of the islands last easily accessible pockets of nature left largely untouched. Intrepid hikers must make the last leg of the trek by foot, where they're met with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Kaena Point Prev Next Hawaii's U.S. House delegation introduced legislation today that could lead to the creation of the first National Heritage Areas in the state and include Kaena Point. [1], In 1899, the Oahu Railway and Land Company constructed a railway that encompassed 70 miles from Honolulu through Kahuku to transport sugarcane. taccada), Learn about: Plants and Animals of Kaena Point. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'to_hawaii_com-box-3','ezslot_5',114,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-to_hawaii_com-box-3-0'); On this night, when the wind raged, lightning struck, thunder rumbled and the rain beat down from the heavens upon the islands of Hawaii, a baby boy was born. Legend also scrutinized how honorable the person had led his or her life. A Hawaiian euphemistic term for dying was to travel west. On Oahu, it was a journey to Kaena Point, which is on the western extremity of the island. In the beginning of the story, the first two paragraphs really set the tone of the legend. Kaena is steeped in numerous legends. The chief of the area wanted to gather rocks and hia logs from the . But, again, any remote parking area is a hot spot for thievery, so be sure to take any valuables with you, or better yet, leave them at home. A 5-mile trail (8.0 km) can be entered from Keawaula Beach or Mokuleia. The wandering spirit first arrives at a fishing shrine, known as hauone. It is rumored that Kaena Point typically has waves (up to 15 metres or 49 feet in height) larger than those at Waimea Bay, one of Oahu's world-famous surfing locations. Serra High School. Mahalo for helping Hawaii State Parks conserve and protect our valuable natural and cultural resources. A wedge-tailed shearwater takes flight above Kaena Points sand dunes. Check out this 5.0-mile out-and-back trail near Waialua, Oahu. From the parking lot to the point takes about one hour at a brisk pace, with a total mileage of 2.5 miles one way. The aumakua usually took the form of an animal, such as a sea turtle, an owl, octopus, or bird. And its at this point that the natural world meets the afterlife, according to Hawaiian folklore. See Polipoli site for updates. On an island known for its bustling city, Oahus Kaena Point is a refuge for animals and humans alike. Sign up for The Lineup's newsletter, and get the eeriest locales delivered straight to your inbox. One of the legends says that a gentle giant named Nunui created deep holes wherever he stepped, helping farmers with places to plant their crops. According to island tradition, when a person is dying, his soul leaves his body. Legend has it that both of these landmarks came to be because of the actions of one man on a dark, stormy night many years ago. Pele, Hawaiis fire goddess, controls the energy of lightning, volcanoes, and wind. . The intense sunlight, low rainfall, strong winds, and salt spray created a challenging environment at Kaena. There, the fulfillment of ones worldly obligations is assessed. Parking is limited. On the northwestern coast of Oahu is a point of land called Ka'ena Point. To the north, the north shore is laid out before you, stretching to Kahuku and showing off the white windmills that dot the hills above the coast. Further north between majestic Waialeale and Kauai 's east shore is Nounou, a peak looking over the town of Wailua. Shes also the deity who created the Hawaiian Islands. Though long uninhabited, Kaena was once an important community for fishing, feather-collecting and salt-making. In ancient Hawaii, the euphemism traveling west was used as a term for dying. Kaena Point is the legendary "Leaping place of souls" for recently deceased Hawaiian spirits. Kaena Point State Park is the gateway to Kaena Point Natural Area Reserve at Oahu's most northwestern point. Steeped in ancient Hawaiian legend, it is considered to be a very spiritual place and is a protected sanctuary for endangered plants and wildlife. [6], Ka'ena Point is a park and hiking site, and is also known for snorkeling. The Kaena Point light tower nearly disappears amidst the sand dunes. The creativeness is really amazing. They might send the soul back if the death were not real or if certain earthly obligations were not fulfilled. [2], Ka'ena Point sustains an ecosystem that is home to many native Hawaiian plants and animals. 44 Hawaiian and Pidgin Phrases Every Visitor Needs to Know, 6 Colorful North Shore Towns You Won't Want to Miss, 8 Local and Independent Book Shops You Need to Visit in Hawaii, Heres Why You Need to Taste Zippy's Malasada Hybrid, Taste Mocktails that Pack a Punch With a Purpose at this Wahiaw Shop, Matsumoto Shave Ice Celebrates 72 Years of Business with $1 Shave Ice. This same night, Haupa was sleeping in his royal home on Kauai, some 30 miles (48 km) from Oahu. The grasslands of the north entrance and the merciless lava of the west entrance give way to white sand and low shrubs. Here, beyond the end of the busy roads of Oahu, is an area known since ancient times as leina a kauhane, the leaping place of souls, where the spirits of the recently dead could be reunited with their ancestors. A Hawaiian euphemistic term for dying was to travel west, and in the case of prople on Oahu it was a journey to Kaena Point on the western extremity of the island. Those fortunate colonizers found a land of warm, mild climate and many ecological opportunities, and they gave rise to thousands of species. He was known throughout the islands respected for his amazing strength, but feared for his quick temper. By continuing to browse, you accept the use of cookies and other technologies. THE FULL STORY, Copyright 2023 That Adventure Life | All Rights Reserved, Ancient Hawaiian mythology describes a colorful array of spirits and dimensions in the afterlife. Yet, many plants and animals were able to thrive here. It is a remotetracking stationof theSatellite Control Networkresponsible for trackingsatellitesinorbit,receiving and processing data, and enabling control of satellites byrelayingcommands from control centers. Your email address will not be published. Upon death, or even during a near death experience, a Hawaiian persons soul would first travel directly to Kaena Point to determine if it was ready to continue. You can always park further down the road and walk over if the lot is full. The survivors of the disastrous fishing expedition made their way back to the shore of Oahu, and thereafter named the cape "Ka'ena" after their fallen chief. Legends vs Utah Falconz 4/15/23. UPDATED 2/22/23: Kaena Point State Park Mokuleia Section The vehicle access road will continue to be CLOSED due to heavy rains and saturated road conditions. It sits at the base of a cliff outcropping and is about 100 feet (30 m) high and 450 feet (137 m) deep. 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