Get the kids to explore under the water

Snorkeling at Mokuleia Beach Park

By Mark Fitzgerald

Trees shading Mokuleia Beach Park

I believe a key part of raising children is providing experience to help them explore the world they live in.  Snorkeling can open a new view to a foreign and exciting environment.  The calm ocean, shallow approach and combination of sand and rock at Mokuleia Beach Park can make it easy to try snorkeling for the first time.  

Snorkeling does not have to be complex.  It helps to have the proper gear but we started with basic swimming pool goggles and a simple snorkel.  Just go far enough to stand, put your face under and look around.  From there it is easy to progress to swim and confidence levels.

When we went Mokuleia Beach Park did not have huge schools of fish but it did have a wide variety of fish, colors, shapes and sizes.  It also had lots of rock, coral and anemones.  Certain times of years also have turtles!  Mokuleia was also very quiet without a lot of people, even on a Saturday afternoon.  

The beach is really only accessible by car.  Located on the north shore, it is west of Haleiwa, the closest community you can access via public transportation. There is a port-a-potty at the beach and a place to shower off, but no permanent bathroom or changing facility.  

To give you an idea of what to expect under the water check out this quick video.  Notice how much of the beach we had to ourselves as well!

Mokuleia Beach Park is technically a city park of Honolulu and information can be found on their website at http://www.honolulu.gov/parks/dpr-park-closure-hours.html

The beach itself in on the Farrington Highway and is adjacent to an old army airbase, Dillingham Field, which is now used for sky diving and other private airplanes.  Note on the map below the amount of trees that can provide shade to the thin strip of beach.

Mokuleia Beach Park stretching along Dillingham Field

Going on a family vacation builds memories, provides life changing experiences and helps teach about the world we live in. Take time to explore, enjoy and have fun. If the Mokuleia Beach Park sounded interesting, you may also like Kaena Point. You can also look at our entire list of Hawaiian Attractions.

A family hike to Kaena Point in Oahu Hawaii

Tide Pools along the Kaena Point Trail
By Mark Fitzgerald

Kaena Point trail looking down on the Pacific Ocean

30 miles from Honolulu is Kaena Point, the western most tip of Oahu and a wonderful hike for you and your family.  Boarding the Kuokala forest reserve this flat trail provides picturesque mountain views, ocean waves, tide pools, sea birds and monk seals.

The north shore trail is about 2.5 miles each direction.  You can come in from the north or from the south.  The trail itself is part of an old rail bed that was used for transporting sugar cane a 100 years ago.  While it is level, the terrain is uneven and may be difficult for strollers and the like.  But because it is flat kids should have no problem with this hike.  The hardest part of the hike is that you are in direct exposure to the sun – so bring sunscreen and lots of water.

The trailhead is really only accessible by car.  There is a large dirt parking lot on the north shore, but on the weekends that can fill up quickly and people park lining the road.  The south starting point is where the pavement ends.  The parking lot is not as large.  There is no charge for parking nor entrance to the trail.

Tide Pools at Kaena Point

Public transit can get you as close as Waialua on the north and Makaha on the south but both of these are miles from the trail head.  The other limitation is there are no onsite bathrooms.  The closest bathroom is at Mokuleia Beach Park 3 miles down the road from the north trailhead, so come prepared.

I believe the highlight along the trail is all of the rocky tide pools.  As waves crash onto the rocks it brings with it crabs, snails and other small fish.  There is so much to explore and look for.   As you get out to the point you will find a predator proof fence to protect the nesting sea birds in the area.  You are welcome to go in but your dogs and other pets are not.

This video is to give you a feel of the area and terrain:

And a trail map of Kae’na point:

Kaena Point Trail (Click to Enlarge)

The trail is part of the division of state parks and their web site is:
http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/hiking/oahu/kaena-point-trail/

Going on a family vacation builds memories, provides life changing experiences and helps teach about the world we live in. Take time to explore, enjoy and have fun. If the Kaena Point sounded interesting, you may also like the Mokuleia Beach Park. You can also look at our entire list of Hawaiian Attractions.